Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Transformative Pathway to Healing
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a therapeutic modality in which ketamine is used as a complement to psychotherapy. KAP is becoming a promising tool for individuals looking to heal trauma and seek relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood-related conditions.
Here at The Inner Divine, we offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) as part of an intentional, holistic healing journey. When combined with therapeutic support, ketamine can help open a window of neuroplasticity, allowing the opportunity to explore thoughts, emotions, and long-held patterns with a new perspective. Many people find that KAP opens doors to healing that traditional therapy couldn’t.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a legal, safe, and effective medicine used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. 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.
How Is Ketamine Administered During a KAP Session?
Different people benefit from different ketamine approaches. At The Inner Divine, we offer multiple evidence-based methods of administration, including lozenges, intramuscular injections (IM), intravenous infusions (IV), and subcutaneous injections (SC). Each has its own qualities, length to onsite, and duration.
What Is The KAP Process?
There are three main parts to participating in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), which we will discuss briefly below.
Preparation: Before beginning KAP, clients must meet with providers to discuss goals, health history, and intentions. This is important in order to determine if you are a good candidate for the treatment. If participating in a group KAP session, this step may also include a virtual meeting with your group. This stage is also important for building a foundation level of safety and trust.
The Ketamine Session: This is when you will actually take, or be given the medicine. What this session looks like can depend on a few factors, including if you’re doing an individual KAP session, a KAP session as a couple, or having a group KAP experience. While every session is unique to the individual, the following are common experiences during a ketamine session: entering a state of deep relaxation or dissociation, exploring emotional memories, and experiencing insights or symbolism.
Integration: This is where long-term change happens. After the medicine session, you will have professional guidance in order to help you process your experience, and help provide any clarity or further insight. Integration continues to take place in the following days, weeks, and months that follow.
