Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a form of psychedelic therapy that uses the medication ketamine to facilitate a therapeutic experience. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used for many years in medical settings to manage pain and sedate patients during surgical procedures. More recently, ketamine has been found to have rapid antidepressant effects when administered at sub-anesthetic doses.

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy involves taking a small, sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine under the guidance of a trained therapist. The therapist will help the patient prepare for the experience and create a supportive and safe environment. During the session, the patient may experience a sense of dissociation or altered perception of time and space, as well as emotional and psychological insights.

The effects of ketamine can vary depending on the individual and the dose, but many people report feeling more relaxed and open to emotional exploration during the experience. The therapist will guide the patient through the experience and help them integrate any insights or experiences into their daily life.

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has shown promise in treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. It is thought that ketamine works by increasing the production of certain neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, which can help regulate mood and improve mental health outcomes.

At-home ketamine treatments are gaining popularity. Be wary of organizations that offer ketamine without any facilitation or integration. Integrating shifts and insights is key to successful ketamine therapy.

It is important to note that ketamine-assisted psychotherapy should only be administered by a trained and licensed healthcare professional in a controlled setting. The use of ketamine carries some risks, including potential side effects like nausea, dizziness, and confusion, as well as the potential for addiction and abuse.

If you’re looking for guidance during your mental health journey, I invite you to hop on a 15-minute Zoom call with me to see if my EFT work and coaching is right for your intention.