Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
I offer a therapeutic modality called Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in partnership with an organization called Journey Clinical. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a holistic modality in which ketamine is used as a complement to psychotherapy to help eligible patients experience more frequent breakthroughs and sustained improvement in symptoms. I take on the psychotherapy portion of the experience, while Journey Clinical’s medical team supports you on all medical aspects. This includes determining eligibility, developing a custom treatment plan, prescribing the medicine and monitoring outcomes.
Ketamine often offers clients a chance for a deeper dive into the inner workings of their mind and psyche. Sometimes feelings, experiences, and traumas can get trapped inside of our bodies. Ketamine offers a way to feel more deeply into your Self and your patterns. It may provide a breakthrough for any barriers to treatment you may be experiencing, whether you realize it or not.
It’s very typical to feel resistant to some of our greatest challenges and pains in this life, but I have found that making room for this discomfort allows for the greatest growth of Self to emerge. Let’s talk more if you feel that KAP may be a good fit for you.
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Ketamine is a legal, safe and effective medicine used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. Ketamine has rapidly-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, which can begin to take effect within 1-2 hrs. after treatment and last for up to 2 weeks. It 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 for lasting symptom improvement.
Ketamine can be administered in a variety of ways, including IV infusion, intramuscular injection, via nasal spray and using sublingual lozenges. In my work with Journey Clinical we only use the sublingual lozenge form.
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The effects of ketamine, which most patients find pleasant, last for approximately 45 minutes. These effects can make you feel “far from” your body, and facilitate shifts in perception that can often feel expansive in nature. Your motor and verbal abilities will be reduced, so you’ll be lying down in a comfortable position during the experience. Once these effects have subsided, we’ll spend the remainder of our appointment giving you space to process and discuss your experience. While it may feel hard to articulate what happened during the experience, patients feel like the insights gained are none-the-less clear. Studies have shown that the benefits to mood and neurological growth can last up to two weeks after the Ketamine experience.
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Dosing sessions would occur about once a month or every 3 weeks and they are in my office or can be in your home. I will provide a safe and relaxing environment for you to have the fullest experience possible. You will be laying down on a comfortable couch or bed with an eye mask and soothing music. I will be there to assist you with any physical needs you may have. Clients typically describe this session as very relaxing and positive.
