Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative treatment that integrates ketamine—a dissociative anesthetic with fast-acting antidepressant effects—with psychotherapy. Research suggests that ketamine can help individuals break free from entrenched thought patterns, ease emotional distress, and open new pathways for healing. When combined with therapeutic guidance, KAP can be a powerful tool for self-exploration, trauma processing, and emotional resilience.

How Does Ketamine Work?

Ketamine affects the brain by increasing neuroplasticity, which allows for greater cognitive flexibility and emotional processing. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show effects, ketamine has been shown to produce rapid relief, particularly for individuals experiencing:

Treatment-resistant depression
PTSD and trauma-related symptoms
Anxiety and existential distress
Chronic stress and burnout
Persistent negative thought loops

Ketamine works primarily by modulating the glutamate system, which plays a key role in mood regulation and neural connectivity. This process can create a window of opportunity where deeper therapeutic work can take place.

What to Expect in a KAP Session

A typical Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy process includes several phases:

1. Preparation

Initial consultation to assess your mental and physical health history
Discussion of goals, intentions, and concerns
Guidance on how to navigate the experience with curiosity and openness

2. The Ketamine Session

Administered in a controlled setting under the supervision of a medical provider
Guided support throughout the session with a focus on somatic awareness, emotional exploration, and mindfulness
The experience may last 60-90 minutes, with effects lingering beyond the session

3. Integration Therapy

A follow-up session to process insights and emotions that arose during the experience
Tools and techniques to apply newfound awareness to daily life
Emphasis on grounding, embodiment, and sustainable healing

Is KAP Right for You?

KAP may be beneficial for individuals seeking deep psychological healing, but it is not a standalone cure. It works best as part of a comprehensive therapeutic approach. This treatment may not be suitable for those with certain medical or psychological conditions, including schizophrenia or unmanaged cardiovascular issues.

My Approach to KAP

I integrate Sensorimotor Therapy, mindfulness, and somatic work to help clients stay connected to their body’s wisdom throughout the process. KAP is not just about the medicine—it’s about the relationship between mind, body, and spirit, and how we can harness this connection for profound healing.

How to Get Started

If you or someone you know is interested in exploring KAP, I offer an initial consultation to determine whether this approach aligns with your needs. Reach out to schedule a conversation and take the next step in your healing journey.

Be patient. The mind will take off on its own journey. The key is to witness it, not control it.

- Ram Dass