A “Quiet Journey” Through Guided MDMA Therapy Helped Lorde Beat Her Crippling Stage Fright

In the bustling world of music, where the spotlight can be both a blessing and a curse, many artists grapple with the pressures of performance. Among them is Lorde, the two-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter known for her chart-topping hits like “Royals,” “Green Light,” and “Solar Power.” Despite her success, Lorde faced a formidable adversary: crippling stage fright. However, her journey to overcome this fear led her to an unconventional yet transformative solution—guided MDMA therapy.

Lorde’s story begins in her teenage years when she first stepped onto the stage. The thrill of performing was often overshadowed by an overwhelming sense of anxiety. “Truly the most horrific stage fright,” she recalled, “really since I was like five doing community theater.” The fear was so intense that it threatened to derail her burgeoning career. Many artists would have succumbed to this fear, but Lorde was determined to find a way to conquer it.

As she navigated the complexities of fame, Lorde explored various methods to manage her anxiety. Traditional talk therapy, while helpful, did not fully address the deep-seated fears that plagued her. “You hold on to a response like stage fright for reasons that no amount of talk therapy or brain use could get at,” she explained. It was during this quest for relief that she discovered guided MDMA therapy—a treatment that promised to delve deeper into the psyche.

MDMA, often associated with recreational use, has gained recognition in recent years for its therapeutic potential. Under the guidance of trained professionals, patients can explore their emotions and confront their fears in a safe environment. For Lorde, this was a game-changer. “I tried everything for my stage fright,” she shared. “I did this therapy and literally I woke up the next day and I was like, ‘Oh, it’s over. I know it’s over.’”

The process of guided MDMA therapy was unlike anything Lorde had experienced before. She described it as a “quiet journey,” where she could explore her inner self without the distractions of the outside world. “I am very quiet, journeying,” she said, referring to the introspective nature of the therapy. With the assistance of a therapist, she embarked on a six-hour session that would ultimately change her relationship with performance.

During the therapy, Lorde was able to confront the root causes of her stage fright. The MDMA allowed her to bypass the usual barriers that her mind had constructed, enabling her to access emotions and memories that had long been buried. “When you bypass that and you get to the brain, something shifts,” she explained. This shift was profound, allowing her to release the fear that had held her captive for so long.

As the session came to an end, Lorde found herself in a state of heightened awareness and clarity. “You do this therapy and it’s focused on your task, and then you get to the end and you leave the room and you are extremely high,” she described. This newfound perspective was exhilarating yet disorienting. “You’re like, ‘What am I supposed to do with this?’” she laughed, reflecting on the surreal experience.

The transformation was not just emotional; it was also physical. Lorde noted a significant change in her demeanor. “My spit would’ve been really thick,” she joked, contrasting her previous anxiety with her newfound calmness. The therapy had not only alleviated her stage fright but had also instilled a sense of confidence that she had never experienced before.

With her fears behind her, Lorde was ready to embrace the next chapter of her career. She was set to embark on the Ultrasound World Tour, a venture that would require her to perform in front of thousands of fans. “It’s a lot of work, but honestly, I find it to be so fabulous,” she said, likening the experience to being a “little show dog.” The excitement of touring, once overshadowed by anxiety, now felt like a thrilling adventure.

As she prepared for the tour, Lorde reflected on her journey. The quiet moments of introspection during her therapy sessions had equipped her with the tools to face the challenges ahead. She had learned to embrace the public spaces of New York City, where she now felt at home. “The more you use them, the more chill it will feel,” she advised, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the world around her.

Lorde’s story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the courage to confront one’s fears. Through guided MDMA therapy, she not only overcame her stage fright but also gained a deeper understanding of herself. The experience allowed her to connect with her audience in a way that was authentic and genuine, free from the shackles of anxiety.

As she stepped onto the stage for her first performance post-therapy, Lorde felt a sense of liberation. The cheers of her fans echoed in her ears, but this time, they were met with a calm and confident presence. She had transformed from a young girl plagued by fear into a powerful artist ready to share her voice with the world.

In the end, Lorde’s journey serves as an inspiration to many. It highlights the importance of seeking help, exploring unconventional solutions, and embracing the journey of self-discovery. As she continues to create music and connect with her fans, Lorde remains a shining example of resilience and the transformative power of therapy. Her story is a reminder that even in the face of fear, there is always a path to healing and growth.