I offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) to some clients as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. KAP can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling with  depression, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms.

 

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Ketamine is a safe, FDA-approved medicine that has powerful biological and cognitive effects. It is a dissociative anesthetic that can elicit a psychedelic-like experience. Ketamine affects the brain through multiple pathways, with the result of increased cognitive flexibility and the growth of neural cells. KAP combines the effects of ketamine with psychotherapeutic techniques, allowing clients to achieve long-term changes after KAP sessions. 

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How Does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work?

If KAP is determined to be a good option, the first step is medical clearance with a partner psychiatrist. If cleared medically, clients then work with me in preparation sessions, the ketamine administration session and follow-up integration sessions. During a KAP session, clients receive a carefully administered dose of ketamine in a controlled setting under the guidance of a trained therapist. Ketamine induces a temporary altered state of consciousness, which can lead to profound insights, emotional release, and enhanced introspection. The therapeutic environment allows clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with increased clarity and openness.

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Benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy:

1. Rapid Relief: Ketamine has been shown to rapidly alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders. Long-term changes are instilled through ongoing work in psychotherapy, which benefits from the increased cognitive flexibility and new insights gained through ketamine administration.

2. Deep Emotional Processing: The altered state induced by ketamine can facilitate deep emotional processing, helping clients confront and resolve underlying psychological issues.

3. Enhanced Therapeutic Insights: Ketamine enhances introspection and self-awareness, allowing clients to gain valuable insights into their thoughts, behaviors, and relationships.

4. Neuroplasticity and Growth: Ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, supporting long-term emotional growth and resilience.

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