Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

The ketamine molecule has been used widely and safely since the 1960s as an aesthetic. Treatment providers began to anecdotally notice that individuals were receiving relief from depression following use of this medicine which led to research into use of this molecule to assist with mental health treatment. This research continues in earnest with positive results being noted for the treatment of severe and unresponsive depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Ketamine at sub-anesthetic but therapeutic dose elicits either trance experiences or non-ordinary psychedelic experiences which may include near-death experience, dissolution of identity and visionary states. Arising from such states is a profound opportunity for growth. Humans have many core beliefs about self, others, and the world. Some of these beliefs lead to optimal living while others lead us to being stuck and in pain. Therapeutic doses of ketamine provide an opportunity for a individual to experience a non-ordinary state of consciousness and the possibility of neurogenesis, with historic patterns of defense softening and relaxing and an opening for new insights and new narratives surfacing. Ketamine assisted therapy supports an individual in making sense of this experience and integrating the experience into a new way of living and being; thus, avoiding the rubber band effect of returning to the old and habitual ways of thinking, acting and feeling.

The ketamine assisted psychotherapy package includes a referral to a provider for initial assessment, followed by connection to an integrative medicine physician for medical assessment and possible prescription for ketamine. These services are accessible via tele-health. Once you receive your medicine, I will sit with you in the safe and inviting space of my office and support you as you experience your ketamine journey, approximately 1.5 hours. Two or three days following this experience, you will engage in a therapy session to discuss your experience and explore the meaning of it, any new insights and what it means for your current life.

Ketamine assisted psychotherapy package includes Initial assessment, physician referral, preparation session with therapist, six sitting sessions where individual self-administers ketamine and therapist provides psychological support during the individual’s experience, and six follow up psychotherapy sessions.