Eliza Dushku's True Calling: From Hollywood Movies To Healing With Psychedelics

Since stepping away from acting in 2017, Eliza Dushku, the former Hollywood actress known for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Bring It On,” has embarked on a transformative journey away from the spotlight. As published in Boston Magazine, Dushku has redirected her passion toward revolutionizing trauma treatment through the use of psychedelics.

After becoming certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy, Dushku is now completing a master's degree in counseling and clinical mental health. Alongside her husband, Boston real estate developer Peter Palandjian, she's funding clinical trials and research aimed at exploring the therapeutic use of psychedelics to treat trauma. Their work has spearheaded an effort to get a question about the legalization of regulated therapeutic psychedelics on Massachusetts’ November 2024 election ballot.

From Entertainment Spotlight To Healing

Dushku’s new purpose stems from her personal battle with trauma, including PTSD and addiction. "I found myself feeling so wholly unwell," she revealed, referencing her experience using therapeutic psychedelics to heal from past wounds. She describes how MDMA and psilocybin therapy helped her confront decades-old trauma, calling the process "one of the most profound experiences of my life."

She has spoken candidly about her struggles, including an addiction that began in her teens as well as her history of sexual harassment and abuse in Hollywood. Her courage in publicly revealing these truths, such as the sexual abuse she suffered at age 12 on the set of James Cameron's “True Lies” earned her praise for helping to shift the conversation around abuse and healing in the industry.

Advocating For Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy In Massachusetts

Dushku’s journey into psychedelics has been a personal revelation. She attributes her newfound sense of purpose to the transformative healing she experienced, which ultimately inspired her to help others find similar peace. "I would be remiss if I didn't now share the transformation and the peace and the passion that I have. This is just absolutely so clearly my real calling, my real purpose," Dushku said.

Her advocacy extends beyond personal healing. Dushku and Palandjian are actively working to bring psychedelics into mainstream trauma care, funding clinical trials at leading institutions like Mass General Brigham. They've also championed local legislation to expand access to these treatments. "Everyone deserves access to therapeutic, healing modalities that could change their life," she said, adding that her own healing journey has fueled her dedication to the cause.

Cover image by Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia