I'm don't have too great a background in chemistry, I wish I took more courses in college on it, but I understand the basics.
I think MDMA could be quite beneficial to therapy on a VERY conservative basis - maybe as a last resort to people who have a hard time opening up. I have personal recreational experience with MDMA in the past, and I will tell you that I've never experienced anything that allowed me to not only get in touch with my feelings but also to express these feelings very easily and comfortably. However, due to the possible nuerotoxicity and possible depression after usage, I don't think MDMA should be used often on people as a therapy.
From my experience I totally agree with you on the effects. I think that a one time use for something like marriage counseling would be beneficial with extremely minimal risk.
Several years ago my brother and I had a falling out and we both had held grudges for some time, and it was during one such experience that I realized what a pointless thing that was and worked to make amends, for which I am glad to this day.
BTW, I saw that you are a med student in your profile. My dad is a physician, a psychiatrist in fact.
I agree too. MDMA could be quite beneficial in the right cases. I would hope that through counseling that a couple could learn to express themselves without the use of outside substances. Interestingly enough, my entire perceptions on life, the universe, and everything changed after my first experience with MDMA. I think everyone could benefit from a single experience with MDMA regardless. My biggest concern would be using the drug as a crutch. However, we'll never really know until the Fed's ease up and let experimentation with MDMA begin again.
My brother and myself also let "by gones be by gones" after our MDMA experience together. He's my best friend to this day because of it. I also relaized that the woman I was planning on marrying was not right for me. We never "rolled" together, but I knew while I was "rolling" that I didn't ever want to roll with her. It made me think and consider the relationship.
I don't want this to sound like a blanket endorsement of MDMA because it's not. MDMA is a HARD drug - no "if's, and's, or but's" about it, and I think dangerous is in high amounts. You will "fry" yourself if you use too much or too often. Although, I haven't personally noted any cognitive dysfuntion from my relatively limited usage. I have friends who are not quite the same because of their drugs usage (which was not only limited to MDMA). There are REAL benefits from MDMA, but wether these benefits are worth the possible risks should be left up to the individual no the governemnt.
How does your father like his specialty? I've considered the option of psychiatry, but still have a few years before I make up my mind.