Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used since the 1970s in surgical procedures, and because of its excellent safety profile, is one of the most widely used anesthetic medicines in the world. Recently, Ketamine has been used as an “off label” treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD and addiction at low doses. In several studies, more than half of the patients showed a significant decrease in depression after just one Ketamine session. Most clients will experience improvement in 2-6 sessions of Ketamine combined with integration psychotherapy.

Any consideration of Ketamine used in therapy occurs in collaboration with a prescribing doctor/medical team, who will assess the appropriateness and safety of Ketamine on an individual basis.

What are Ketamine sessions like?

While Ketamine is classified as a psychedelic, it does not have the typical hallucinogenic effects like psilocybin. Ketamine effects have been described as a deeply relaxed or tranquil state, as if one is floating. The mind is quieted, and the client may experience a distanced perspective of their current life challenges or situation. As this occurs, the client may be afforded new understandings or awareness.

Prior to the Ketamine session, the therapist and client will spend time preparing for the medicine session - setting the stage for the session, answering questions, establishing an intention, and reviewing what to expect. Ketamine sessions are scheduled for 3 hours, with medicinal effects lasting 1-2 hours. The session begins with grounding and centering energy, clarifying the intention and answering any questions. As a client emerges from the medicine session, there is an opportunity to share any initial impressions or understandings. After the session, the client is not allowed to drive and must be picked up by someone they trust. Outside of the session, the client is encouraged to journal, spend time in nature, and keep stimulation low for at least 24 hours. Beyond that, the client and therapist will schedule integration sessions.

What is INtegration?

​Integration is an important component of Ketamine therapy and is an opportunity for the client and therapist to explore and understand inner wisdom that emerged during the medicine session. It is a time to reflect on what is learned and explore how to integrate that knowledge and information into everyday life - what does it mean? How does it apply? How is it, or how could it be, different than it was before? Integration work is ongoing and new wisdoms can continue to unfold days and weeks after a medicine session.

Individual and group ketamine

If you are a current client interested in Ketamine, please let me know and we can explore the option together. If you are a new client, please reach out to schedule a consultation to determine if Ketamine is the path for you.

Group Ketamine sessions are conducted in conjunction with a co-facilitator. If you have a group interested in participating in Ketamine together, please reach out. Otherwise, stay tuned for future group offerings.