Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is type of psychotherapy that combines elements of traditional talk therapy with the benefits of Ketamine. In a therapeutic setting, Ketamine can help minimize anxious, depressive, and other challenging feelings, allowing for a deep inward journey. Many people who have undergone these journeys describe combinations of the following experiences: a dream-like state with imagery that holds important meanings, the ability to access then release emotions like grief or anger that have held them back in life, messages of wisdom and guidance from deeper parts of the psyche, and a greater sense of connectedness with other people and with nature.
Neurologically, Ketamine works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors as well as by stimulating AMPA receptors, which are thought to help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity, making it easier to adopt more fulfilling perspectives and behaviors.
Tragic incidents of recreational Ketamine use understandably may lead to concern for safety. However, Ketamine is a legalized medicine and, when used therapeutically, procedures are in place to prioritize safety. A thorough health screening is conducted by an MD to advise whether candidates have any health issues or medications would lead to risks. Then, the therapy sessions in which Ketamine is used are conducted with constant supervision from myself–a licensed psychologist–in a comfortable therapy office.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy consists of several stages:
Steps 3-5 can be repeated and, often, at least 2 Dosing Sessions (with integrations in between) are recommended.
Here is an example of a course of treatment, though this can vary based on the needs of each client:
Consultation
Medical Screening
Preparation Session 1
Preparation Session 2
Dosing Session 1
Integration Session 1
Dosing Session 2
Integration Session 2
Integration Session 3
Next, KAP can continue in a similar format, can end, or can transition to traditional individual therapy.
Overview:
An Introduction to Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, Wendy Boring-Bray, Psychology Today
First-Person Experience:
One Woman’s Journey with Ketamine Therapy, Kathy Cassata, Very Well Mind
Spiritual Exploration:
How Seeing God Might Be The Secret To The Most Cutting-Edge Mental Health Treatments, Will Yakowicz, Forbes
The principles that inform Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy are influenced by a long lineage of healing traditions that incorporate and honor plant-based medicines. These traditions began with and have been preserved by Indigenous Peoples across generations. I could not do this work without the wisdom and dedication of the Peoples that have taught these healing traditions. To learn more, click here.
A portion of fees from my Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy work will be donated to The Rainforest Foundation, a non-profit that works to preserve the land and rights of Indigenous Peoples in South America where some of these healing traditions originated.