Dr. Gabor Maté - Soltara Community Q&A

Join Soltara Healing Center for an exclusive Q&A session with Dr. Gabor Maté: the best-selling author and internationally renowned speaker and physician with over four decades of clinical experience, over a decade of working with patients challenged with drug addiction and mental illness, and esteemed member of Soltara’s Advisory Board. Dr. Gabor Maté’s work has reshaped the understanding of the links between trauma, addiction, and mind-body health, offering new perspectives on the root causes of health challenges. As the author of 5 bestselling books, including “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts”, “The Myth of Normal”, and “When the Body Says No”, his insights have reached readers in 43 languages, transforming the global conversation on healing. Highly sought after as an expert speaker for his groundbreaking medical work and writing, Dr. Maté has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian distinction, and the Vancouver Civic Merit Award. Dr. Maté’s work and expertise on trauma, mental illness, addiction, and plant medicine healing assists Soltara in its mission to provide a safe space for holistic, long-lasting healing, and has informed the facilitation approach. Many of the facilitation team members have trained in his Compassionate Inquiry methodology. As a trailblazer in integrating modern science with ancient wisdom, Dr. Maté’s work on the therapeutic use of Ayahuasca has ignited a movement toward a more extensive approach to healing and self-discovery. For more information on Dr. Maté's work and background, read his bio here. Meet the host This event will be hosted by Melissa Stangl, the co-founder, visionary COO and VP of Communications of Soltara Healing Center, where she leads a mission to create a safe and supportive healing sanctuary. With a background in biomedical engineering, Melissa bridges the worlds of science and spirituality. Her work at Soltara focuses on bringing together Shipibo Amazonian practices with clinical understandings of trauma, psychology, and health. This approach creates a trauma-informed container for healing and growth, rooted in the expertise of the Shipibo Maestros. Melissa’s leadership and focus on safety, integrity, and service have made Soltara a world-renowned center for safe and transformative healing. Soltara’s rigorous medical and psychological intake process, alongside preparation and onsite safety protocols, are all supported by highly qualified professionals. The innovative preparation and integration programs, developed in collaboration with Soltara’s advisory board and Nectara, and with respect for the wisdom of the Shipibo tradition, empower guests to fully engage in their healing process, and carry their healing journey into their everyday lives. Deeply committed to reciprocity and inclusivity efforts, Melissa directs Soltara’s Reciprocity Fund, supporting Shipibo-led initiatives, Amazon conservation, general and BIPOC scholarships, and local community projects. Melissa’s commitment to excellence has made Soltara a significant contributor to the plant medicine movement, setting a high standard for holistic care, cross-cultural bridgework, and guiding individuals towards personal growth, long-lasting wellbeing, and authentic connection - with themselves, each other, the Earth.