Helping the helpers: Waynesville institute offers respite post-Helene
A rainbow shows itself after the flooding in Maggie Valley.
Tiffani Watts photo
Just a half-mile from the Historic Frog Level District in Waynesville — whose streets were once home to burgeoning, eclectic shops but have been devastated by the recent floodwaters of Tropical Storm Helene — stands a sanctuary of tranquility and solace: the Pearl Psychedelic Institute.
Garnering local and national respect for being one of only two expanded access locations offering MDMA assisted therapy, the Pearl, currently providing ketamine-assisted therapy under the direction of Dr. Raymond Turpin and his wife, Kim, is now focusing efforts on serving communities affected by the storm.
Living in a region rife with destruction, Kim reflected on the Pearl’s main objective, then and now: “create a system that was supportive, that went from trauma to healing to wellness.”
“Part of what the Pearl has been is a community,” she said. “We’re part of a web in our community and we’ve been a gathering of people within our community. And, at this time, it’s needed more than ever.”
Ashley Robinson, a Haywood County resident and administrative coordinator at the Pearl, echoed similar sentiments.
“I knew immediately that [the Pearl] would be able to reach a lot of people because everyone can relate,” Robinson said. “This kind of natural disaster is far reaching. People are going to realize that trauma will come with it and bring people in for therapy that wouldn’t always think to get therapy — first responders, firefighters, EMS and linemen.”
Often the first people to show up to the scene of an accident or disaster, those first responders, who have individually and collectively experienced their own trauma helping others, are in need of assistance themselves. What has followed in the wake of Helene is the outpouring of giving — of basic necessities taken by the storm, of time to help others recover or deliver goods and of emotional help or listening to a plethora of stories.
Equipped with seasoned, informed trauma therapists (both from staff and volunteer therapists), the Pearl will continue its headway to provide education and resources to those who seek effective, alternative therapy. But, at this moment, it will also expand to provide support to all those now impacted by Helene’s violent whiplash — free of charge.
Currently offered under the umbrella of trauma therapy is talk therapy, EMDR, a sound-self bed, ketamine-assisted therapy, prep and integration and educational resources. Holding space and providing assistance for those who seek emotional refuge is at the foundation of their efforts, whether that be from complex PTSD or singular trauma, like in this current situation facing Western North Carolina.
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“People experience grief in all different ways,” Kim said. “But, [the Pearl] will help people get to acceptance and [be able to] turn this into growth.”
There is a strong sense of connection and the Pearl is continuing to foster that sentiment by spearheading emotional relief efforts. With that, just what sets Western North Carolina apart amid devastation? Without hesitation, Kim responds.
“We are a very creative community,” Kim noted. “And one of the things a creative community has is creative problem solving and a creative coming-together.”
For more information on the Pearl’s professional trauma support services, click on pearlpsychedelicinstitute.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Text is available to 828.400.7091. The Pearl is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Telehealth appointments are available by appointment and drop-ins are welcome at 55 Academy St. in Waynesville.
