Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative mental health intervention combining the therapeutic benefits of ketamine with integrative psychotherapy. Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic known for its rapid-acting antidepressant properties, is utilized in controlled, therapeutic doses to facilitate profound psychological insights and emotional healing. In our practice, ketamine is taken sublingually (under the tongue), and its effects are complemented by evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches, such as EMDR, CBT and MBSR.

Our Unique Approach

What sets our KAP program apart is our emphasis on the mind-heart-body connection. We employ a dual approach, addressing both cognitive processing and the somatic experiences of trauma. This holistic method ensures that we treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. Our integration of traditional psychotherapeutic techniques with the transformative potential of ketamine creates a powerful healing environment.

What To Expect

Our KAP program is designed to support clients through multiple 2-3 hour in-office sessions over a period of weeks to months, typically 3-6 weeks plus preparation and post-treatment check-ins. The first six sessions are spaced over 2-3 weeks, with maintenance sessions every two weeks as needed. During the sessions, ketamine is administered sublingually, and the therapeutic process involves both preparation and integration phases to ensure comprehensive support and lasting change.

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

Why KAP Works

Somatic Embodiment and Mindfulness Approaches

KAP and the Nervous System

KAP leverages the unique properties of ketamine to enhance the therapeutic process. Ketamine's ability to disrupt fear memory reconsolidation and enhance neuroplasticity makes it particularly effective for treating conditions like complex PTSD, burnout, compassion fatigue, and substance use disorders. By facilitating a range of non-ordinary states of consciousness, ketamine helps patients access deep-seated emotions and memories, which can be processed and integrated through psychotherapy. This approach promotes healing by addressing both cognitive and somatic aspects of trauma.

KAP and the Nervous System

Somatic Embodiment and Mindfulness Approaches

KAP and the Nervous System

Ketamine acts primarily as an NMDA receptor antagonist, which influences the glutamate system. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter involved in excitatory signaling in the brain. By modulating glutamate, ketamine helps balance excitatory and inhibitory signals, reducing hyperarousal and promoting a state of calm. Ketamine also promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This can help break the maladaptive neural circuits associated with trauma and stress, fostering new, healthier patterns of thought and behavior. Chronic stress and trauma can lead to neuroinflammation. Ketamine has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce this inflammation, contributing to the overall calming effect on the nervous system.

Somatic Embodiment and Mindfulness Approaches

Ketamine’s effects can heighten body awareness, making somatic embodiment practices like breathwork and movement exercises more effective. These practices help clients stay grounded and connected to their bodies, fostering a sense of safety and presence. Guided physical exercises during and after ketamine sessions can help release stored tension and trauma from the body, further settling the nervous system. Mindfulness practices help clients stay present and aware during and after ketamine sessions, enhancing their ability to process and integrate their experiences. This presence can counteract hyperarousal and support nervous system regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions can Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) treat?

KAP is particularly effective for complex PTSD, burnout/compassion fatigue, and substance use disorders. It can also benefit individuals with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety.

How does KAP differ from traditional psychotherapy?

KAP offers a unique and powerful therapeutic modality that combines the rapid, transformative effects of ketamine with the depth and structure of psychotherapy. Traditional therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or prolonged exposure therapy often require multiple sessions over many months to show significant improvements. Enhanced neuroplasticity, along with access to emotions while defenses are reduced, all occurring in the context of a safe space and the therapeutic alliance.

How is ketamine administered in your program?

In our practice, ketamine is taken sublingually. Clients hold a lozenge under their tongue, allowing the medication to dissolve and be absorbed through the oral mucosa for optimal therapeutic effect.

What are the benefits of sublingual administration?

Sublingual administration offers a milder, more controlled dissociative experience ideal for psychotherapeutic settings. It allows for a 30-40 minute NOSC period followed by a gradual return to baseline, making it manageable and effective. It is particularly beneficial when working with clients with CPTSD, intense trauma reactions or chronic nervous system activation, with “slow and low” dosing geared towards the cultivation of maximum subjective experiences of safeness and personal agency.

Are there any risks or side effects?

While negative emergence reactions are rare in our controlled therapeutic setting, clients may experience mild dissociation, nausea, or grogginess. We provide a supportive environment to manage any discomfort and ensure patient safety, and medical professionals are available throughout the dosing sessions to consult as needed.

What should I do to prepare for my first KAP session?

Preparation includes detailed discussions with your therapist to set intentions and understand the process. It’s important to follow any pre-session guidelines provided, such as avoiding certain medications or substances, and ensuring you have a calm, supportive environment.

What can I expect during a KAP session?

Each session lasts 2-3 hours and includes a some grounding practices, then the period of ketamine dosing followed by supportive discussion as appropriate. Clients may experience various states of consciousness, which are utilized to facilitate emotional and cognitive insights. Other modalities including EMDR, mindfulness meditation, gentle mindful movement and even sound healing may be incorporated into your sessions. Eye masks and a specially curated playlist are also available for use during dosing sessions.

Can I drive home after a KAP session?

No, you should not drive home after a KAP session. The effects of ketamine can cause grogginess and impair your ability to drive. We recommend arranging transportation or having someone accompany you to and from your sessions.

What is the role of integration in KAP?

Integration is crucial for embedding the insights gained during the ketamine experience into everyday life. This involves follow-up sessions and therapeutic support to help patients process and apply their experiences meaningfully.