Leo Zeff (May 14, 1912 – Apr 13, 1988) was an Oakland psychologist and psychotherapist that was instrumental in the use of MDMA ('ecstasy') and other psychedelics in psychotherapy. 2 He was friends and worked with Alexander Shulgin, the creator and 'Godfather' of ecstasy. 1 He was the unnamed "secret chief" in Stolaroff's book about the underground psychedelic therapy movement. 3
Zeff was a very spiritual person. He served in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After getting his PhD, he opened a practice specializing in Jungian psychology.
At least in 1951, it appears he lived in Berkeley, and had his office at 2614 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland.
Links and References
- Alexander Shulgin, 'Godfather of ecstasy', dies aged 88 BBC News
- Leo Zeff on Wikipedia
- The Secret Chief: Conversations With a Pioneer of the Underground Psychedelic Therapy Movement by Myron J. Stolaroff
- The Secret Chief Revealed: Conversations with Leo Zeff, Pioneer in the Underground Psychedelic Therapy Movement by Myron J. Stolaroff
- Leo Zeff on The Vaults of Erowid