Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Are You In Search Of An Effective Healing Method For Grief Or Depression? Are You Grappling With Existential Questions?
Given the stressors of the last few years or a more recent loss, do you feel ungrounded and exhausted? Are you overcome with grief and needing to find relief? Is burnout or vicarious trauma eating away at your ability to appreciate your life?
You may feel as though you are unable to “get over” or to “move on” from feelings of grief and sadness no matter what you do. Ruminating thoughts or stifling guilt may have you wondering if it’s possible to feel satisfied in your life again. You are distracted by the emotional pain you’re experiencing and thus unable to feel satisfied with your life. Lethargy is your new normal, yet you long for your previous levels of energy. You want lightness again.
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) might help with these feelings. KAP is a safe and highly effective healing modality that addresses emotional stress, depression, and the and hopelessness that accompanies these states. KAP has proven to improve clients’ reactions to grief, loss, and the world around them.
With Conscious Intention Towards Healing, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Is A Safe, Legal, And Effective Gateway To Healing
Anxiety and depression are common elements of the human condition, but given the stressors of the past few years, many people are experiencing new levels of loss and grief as a global collective. For those in the healthcare profession or others who are facing a significant loss or an upsetting medical diagnosis, feelings of grief are being amplified by the depth of the world’s challenges.
Whether grief and trauma have become too much to bear, or symptoms of anxiety and depression have become resistant to treatment, therapy using ketamine is a viable option if you are struggling. Through Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, you can develop the insights and tools to cope, as well as the perspectives needed for relief.
How Does Ketamine Work?
Ketamine was originally developed as a pain anesthetic and has been used in clinical settings since the 1960s. In fact, ketamine is on the World Health Organization’s Model List of Essential Medicines. Today, ketamine is used in conjunction with psychotherapy to help individuals find relief from mental health symptoms and existential anxiety.
Most people experience ketamine as a dream-like state where their consciousness is acutely elevated for a short period of time (usually lasting around 50 minutes). Ego states shift and a sense of freedom ensues, which allows them to explore aspects of their life without the pain they’ve experienced.
Tapping into this new mindset, clients are able to gain clarity, awareness, and feel less overwhelmed by everyday stressors. Ketamine facilitates a sense of calm and detachment that is essential to the healing process while navigating sometimes painful memories, relationships, or major life events
KAP allows for a comprehensive exploration of one’s inner world, fostering deeper self-awareness, spiritual understanding, and a lessening of anxiety and depression related symptoms.
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy May Be A Good Option For You
Oftentimes when symptoms become chronic, it indicates that there are “stuck” or hidden areas of the psyche that need to be explored. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy allows access to emotional and spiritual states that are otherwise blocked or overlooked, providing opportunities for you to work through uncomfortable feelings and emotions in service of healing.
The Process
I am pleased to offer KAP to new and existing clients, as this medicine has proven to provide significant healing results. Having been trained in KAP by Phil Wolfson, the author of The Ketamine Papers, I take a holistic approach to treatment. Your unique background, experience, symptoms, and goals for therapy will always be honored. If you are new to my practice and interested in learning more about ketamine, I recommend reading The Ketamine Papers. Or feel free to schedule an initial therapy session with me to determine if ketamine makes sense for you.
If we decide to move forward with KAP, you will be put in contact with a physician who will determine the proper dosage of medicine for you. You are welcome to work with your existing medical provider, or I can refer you to one; either way, I will speak with them directly about your treatment goals. From there, our KAP sessions will be scheduled.
*Note that KAP is not recommended for people struggling with acute mental illness (such as schizophrenia or psychosis) or for those with untreated high blood pressure. However, ketamine is a safe, effective option for a wide range of issues—including treatment resistant depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
What To Expect In Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
A Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy session is multifaceted in that time is devoted to preparation, implementation, and integration—we lay the groundwork so that you feel relaxed and comfortable. The sessions usually last two-and-a-half to three hours.
As the ketamine is absorbed, you’re likely to fall into a deep, reflective, and relaxed state that will allow you to differently view daily stressors and emotional pain. From there, after the medicine has worn off, an important part of KAP is integrating the experience.
During the integration period of the session, I will guide you to meaningfully incorporate what you have experienced in a way that will reduce your symptoms and overall discomfort. By shifting your perspective on the issues that have brought you into treatment, ketamine offers a new perspective on your life, your relationships, and the world around you.
Though anxiety, guilt, grief, and loss can be heavy burdens to carry, there are safe and effective options to help you feel better. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy offers lasting relief where other treatments fall short.
As Someone Who Is New To Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, You May Have Questions…
I’ve never taken psychiatric medications or hallucinogenic drugs—is ketamine treatment dangerous or scary?
Ketamine is a safe, effective drug that is approved and regulated by the FDA. Your doctor will perform a thorough assessment and evaluation to determine a safe dosage for you (largely dependent on your medical history, past experience with hallucinogens, body weight, and height).
If at any point you feel anxious or uncomfortable during a session, I’ll be with you to address your concerns and offer guidance as needed.
KAP sounds expensive. How do I know it’s worth the time and money?
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is a deep therapeutic experience that typically produces rapid improvements. Issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression can become resistant to certain treatments, but ketamine has a way of breaking through some of those barriers. Where other interventions fall short, ketamine offers an opportunity for change at the subconscious level. It produces a psychological sense of security that patients positively report as being transformative.
If cost is a concern, please note that I offer sliding scale rates for KAP on a case-by-case basis.
I’m on psychiatric medication (i.e., antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication)—is ketamine safe for me to use?
Ketamine is compatible with most psychiatric medications, including those used for the treatment of depression. Make sure to discuss the medications you are taking with your doctor.
Can I drive after a KAP session?
It is suggested that you do not drive after a session, as you may feel lightheaded. If you don’t have someone to pick you up after a session, we can discuss other options that will work for you.
Can I eat the day of a KAP session?
It is recommended that you partially fast by eating very light the day of a KAP session.
You Don’t Have To Feel Stuck In Pain Any Longer
If you struggle with feelings of discontent, sadness, loss, or grief, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy will elevate your mindset to one of positive awareness and new possibilities. You can find out more by contacting me to schedule a free consultation.