Healing from trauma is an intricate, deeply personal process—one that requires time, care, and the right support system. The Journey Home, a compelling new docuseries from Expansion Productions, takes a raw and unfiltered look at what true healing requires.
Through ketamine-assisted therapy, guided by Dr. Sandy Indermuhle, RN Lena Walker, and RN Carrie Gonzalez, six individuals embark on a deeply emotional journey to confront their past and reclaim their future.
Also featured in the series is Travis Campbell, part of Dr, Sandy’s team who plays a role in the broader discussions on trauma and healing.
The series follows Chad (military veteran), Brian (firefighter), Frank (hostage negotiator), Holli (domestic abuse survivor), Bree (witnessed fiancé’s suicide), and Richard (Iraq war veteran with traumatic brain injury) as they navigate the highs and lows of treatment, searching for clarity, healing, and a new path forward.
I had the exclusive opportunity to view unreleased footage from the series—moments that have not yet been made public. What struck me most was how relatable and emotionally resonant this journey felt.
Even if you haven’t experienced trauma in the same way these individuals have, the raw emotions—fear, grief, hope, and resilience—are universally human.
The series doesn’t just show people in pain; it invites viewers into their experience in a way that feels deeply personal.
There is an honesty to this series that makes it easy to connect with, and I imagine many viewers will see reflections of their own struggles in these stories.
Just as the participants are guided through their healing process, the series itself feels guided by Indermuhle. Her presence, along with Walker and Gonzalez, creates an atmosphere of safety, compassion, and expertise.
Watching the series, I could only imagine what it must be like to be in a real session with them—to sit in a room as they provide the structure, support, and reassurance needed to navigate such an intense healing experience. (If Dr. Sandy ever starts doing house calls, sign me up.) Their ability to hold space for deep emotional work is palpable throughout the series, reinforcing how vital it is to have qualified professionals in this kind of treatment setting.
The true heart of the series lies in the guidance and support provided by Indermuhle, Walker and Gonzalez, who work directly with the participants throughout their treatment.
They guide them through the ketamine sessions, helping them process what comes up during their experiences and, more importantly, navigate the integration process afterward.
In the premiere episode, Walker states,“The integration part is more important than the ketamine itself.”
This highlights a key theme of The Journey Home—that while ketamine can be a powerful tool, it is the processing, coaching, and emotional work done after the sessions that truly facilitates healing.
Beyond its emotional depth, The Journey Home provides an important and timely discussion about ketamine therapy.
The docuseries directly addresses the controversy surrounding ketamine use, particularly in the wake of Matthew Perry’s tragic death due to an overdose.
This conversation is a vital addition to the series, offering much-needed context on the importance of dosage, medical supervision, and post-treatment integration.
Their discussion helps dispel misunderstandings about the treatment and highlights why medical oversight and proper therapeutic support are essential.
The Journey Home is directed by Rick Walker, a filmmaker with a knack for storytelling throughout his award-winning work in independent films.
Walker (no relation to Lena), approaches this series with a careful eye for nuance and human emotion. In a world where many directors rely on rapid cuts and fast-paced storytelling, he lets moments breathe, allowing emotions to unfold naturally.
His direction captures subtle nuances that add layers of emotional depth to the series. Walker also puts his camera team in position to win, ensuring that every shot serves the emotional core of the story. The result is a series that feels both immersive and intimate, drawing viewers into each moment of transformation.
This docuseries marks the first project launched from the newly formed Expansion Productions, with Indermuhle serving as executive producer.
As the company’s debut release, The Journey Home sets an incredibly high bar, blending powerful storytelling and a deeply human approach to healing.
As a reviewer, I can only hope this is the first of many meaningful and thought-provoking projects from the team at Expansion.
Hard to wrap this review into a single paragraph, but I’ll give it “a shot.”
This isn’t just a docuseries about trauma—it’s about what it truly means to heal. It doesn’t offer easy answers or quick fixes, but instead shows the raw, emotional, and deeply personal work that goes into overcoming past wounds. It’s a gripping, thought-provoking, and ultimately hopeful look at mental health treatment. This one will connect and resonate deeply with audiences.
The Journey Home is set to premiere on Amazon Prime in late 2025.
Chuck Davin | Editor | Indie Wrap
