Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is becoming a popular treatment for various mental health issues.

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy uses the drug ketamine alongside therapy. While ketamine is mainly used for anesthesia, lower doses can create psychedelic effects and offer important, lasting benefits for mental health.

How Does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work?

Ketamine helps mental health by blocking a brain receptor, which leads to new brain connections. After a session, brain activity increases and neuroplasticity improves, meaning the brain can change. This effect, called the "neuroplastic window," starts 24 hours after treatment, peaks at 72 hours, and can last up to 3 weeks. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) offers a safe space for individuals to reflect on their experiences. Ketamine speeds up healing and helps people see things differently. For the best outcome, psychotherapy immediately after treatment is most effective, helping clients integrate their experiences and build healthier habits for improved mental health.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

KAP has been used to help with various mental health issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and some chronic pain. However, while KAP is effective, it is not a complete solution and should be part of a larger treatment plan.

What Are the Potential Benefits and Risks of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

KAP may quickly relieve symptoms, boost self-awareness, and lift your mood. However, it also has risks, such as temporary side effects like higher blood pressure, nausea, dizziness, and altered perceptions. Ketamine can be habit-forming, so it should only be used with guidance from a qualified professional.

How Long Does a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Session Typically Last?

A typical KAP session lasts between 2 hours. This includes time for the ketamine journey, which usually lasts about 40-60 minutes, as well as time for preparation, integration, and discussion with the therapist after the journey. A follow-up 1 hour therapy session is conducted within 48 hours of the session.

Ketamine-Assisted EMDR and Brainspotting

People with Complex PTSD often struggle with their identity, relationships, and daily life due to trauma. They frequently feel unworthy and experience intense emotions, believing there is something wrong with them. Traditional therapy may provide temporary relief but often lacks lasting results. Therapies like EMDR and Brainspotting focus on changing painful memories, helping to lessen the emotional pain associated with trauma. These approaches promote healing by revisiting these memories and fostering healthier connections. However, severe trauma, especially linked to low self-worth, may need a stronger method.

Ketamine can enhance the memory-changing process by affecting the brain in specific ways. Working with a therapist in preparation stages for these therapies may be needed.

Disrupting Traumatic Memories
Ketamine briefly alters how traumatic memories are stored, allowing for lessened emotional responses. This supports processing difficult memories during Ketamine-Assisted EMDR/Brainspotting in a manageable way.

Boosting Brain Flexibility
Ketamine increases glutamate, improving neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to form new connections. This helps the brain embrace positive changes prompted by EMDR/Brainspotting.

Reducing Negative Self-Talk
Many clients find that ketamine lowers self-criticism and feelings of shame, which is vital for those with Complex PTSD. This reduction in negativity fosters deeper emotional healing.

Calming Self-Reflective Thinking
Ketamine decreases activity in the Default Mode Network, which is connected to self-focused thoughts and worries. With less DMN activity, hidden memories and feelings can surface more easily, enhancing the effectiveness of trauma therapy.

Ketamine-Assisted Deep Brain Reorienting

DBR, or Deep Brain Reorienting, plays a crucial role in helping clients notice and understand the physical sensations that are intricately linked to their traumatic experiences, particularly in sensitive areas such as the face, head, and neck. In therapy sessions, clients are encouraged to concentrate on these specific sensations, referred to as orienting tension, which typically manifest when the brain senses a perceived threat or danger. This therapeutic approach facilitates the processing of trauma in a gentle manner, allowing individuals to navigate their feelings without the necessity of revisiting every painful detail.

When trauma occurs, the brainstem instinctively triggers various physical responses, often occurring before individuals have the chance to reflect or process their emotions. DBR is designed to target these early, automatic reactions in order to promote healing and recovery. The majority of the work involved in DBR is nonverbal, allowing clients the freedom to explore their bodily sensations without the pressure to articulate their traumatic experiences verbally. Skilled therapists guide clients through their internal experiences, focusing on the body’s physical responses that arise during the trauma.

Moreover, ketamine-assisted deep brain reorienting represents a cutting-edge, specialized neuroscientific psychotherapeutic intervention aimed at addressing traumatic experiences at their very core. Ketamine plays a significant role in enhancing neuroplasticity, which enables the brain to rewire itself and form new, healthier connections. This innovative treatment can be instrumental in assisting individuals to break free from deeply entrenched negative thought patterns and release themselves from the grip of profound trauma.

What Should I Expect During a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Session?

During a KAP session, you will be in a comfortable, safe environment under the supervision of a trained professional. After the ketamine is administered, you may experience changes in your perception, thoughts, and feelings. Your therapist will be there to support you throughout this process.

What Qualifications Should a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Provider Have?

A qualified KAP provider should have training in therapy and ketamine-assisted therapy. They should understand the mental health issues they treat and create a safe, supportive space for clients. KAP therapists usually work with medical providers who assess whether the treatment is suitable and prescribe ketamine for the sessions.

Are There Any Contraindications or People Who Should Not Use Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

KAP isn't right for everyone. People with certain health issues, like uncontrolled high blood pressure or a past of substance abuse, may not be suitable for KAP. Always check with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.

Can Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Be Used in Conjunction with Other Treatments?

Yes, KAP can be used with other treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication. Talk to your provider to create a complete and effective treatment plan.

How Do I Prepare for a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Session?

Before a KAP session, you may need to fast for a while, avoid certain medications or substances, and be ready to talk about your feelings and experiences. Meeting with your therapist beforehand can help clarify your treatment goals and any questions you have. Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions based on your health history and treatment plan.

What Happens After a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Session?

After a KAP session, you might feel tired or confused. It's important to arrange a ride home and relax for the rest of the day. Some people notice changes in their feelings or perceptions in the days after. Your healthcare provider will give you advice on what to expect and how to take care of yourself afterward.

Can Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Support Personal Spiritual Growth?

Yes, the powerful effects of ketamine can aid personal growth, including spiritual development. The altered state of consciousness it creates can offer new insights and help people deal with emotional, psychological, and spiritual challenges. Many individuals find that these experiences help them tackle issues like anxiety, spiritual questions, identity struggles, or feelings of being stuck in their lives.