Ketamine’s application in management of pain, mental health, and substance use disorders has gradually become more accepted and has increased research in the area of psychedelics over the last decade. Although ketamine alone has demonstrated positive antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, current literature suggests that incorporation of psychotherapy, specifically ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), to promote an increase in success and possibly prolong the positive effects of ketamine.
KAP is a distinctly unique therapy modality in which individuals simultaneously participate in psychotherapy and experience a trance or psychedelic transformation. Although variability of KAP exists due to its relative novelty, its ability to increase psychotherapy engagement in conjunction with rapid reduction in anxiety and depression is creditable and worthy of further research and standardization.
KAP is an excellent option for those seeking additional support throughout their ketamine experience, including personalized and thorough preparation sessions, connection and safety during the dosing session(s), and space to process and integrate after the dosing experience. The KAP process consists of a medical intake, one to two preparation sessions, dosing session(s), and integration sessions. Number of sessions will be determined based on individual needs in collaboration with providers’ recommendations.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines the safe container of a psychotherapeutic relationship with the powerful effects of ketamine. Ketamine is an FDA-approved substance that has been a reliable anesthetic used in the medical field for decades. In recent years ketamine has been shown, at sub-anesthetic (low-to-moderate) doses, to be effective in reducing symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, panic attacks, and OCD, among other afflictions.
With ketamine a state of neuroplasticity is enabled, which allows for the relaxation of fixed or rigid mindstates (ruminative thoughts, feelings of “stuckness”, limiting beliefs about self) that are often caused by traumas throughout life. With this neuroplasticity, new possibilities are presented and new ways of relating to self, memories, and the world become available.
KAP at Midwest Alternative Treatment clinic includes treatment with a collaborative, trauma-informed, certified psychedelic-assisted therapist who will guide you through the process of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy from start to finish. The personalized support of a trained psychotherapist can help in optimizing the potential of the ketamine therapy experience.
Ketamine has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms in those with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and anxiety. KAP is an excellent option for those seeking additional support throughout their ketamine experience, including personalized and thorough preparation sessions, connection and safety during the dosing session(s), and space to process and integrate after the dosing experience.
The KAP process consists of a medical integration sessions following each infusion intake screening to two preparatory sessions, and integration sessions. Number of infusions will be determined based on individual needs in collaboration with providers’ recommendations.
KAP preparation sessions include an in-depth assessment of your personal history, goals, and intentions, as well as education and explanation of the risks and benefits of KAP. Patients will be given a full understanding of what to expect throughout the process and recommendations for how to best prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally for the dosing session(s).
KAP dosing sessions include an intentionally curated safe setting, which includes a comfortable space with blankets and pillows, music, eye-shades, and the presence of your therapist with whom you’ve established connection and rapport. At Midwest Alternative Ketamine, we believe in inner-directed healing, so the role of the therapist during the dosing session will be one of supporting the patient – if you need to talk, we will talk; if you need to be in your own experience internally, the therapist will sit quietly by your side.
KAP integration sessions include reviewing and processing the dosing session(s) and exploring how the experience gave way to the intentions set during preparation. There is no right or wrong outcome in the process, only exploration. Integration sessions can help you make sense of and understand the experience in ways that are most meaningful and authentic to you. Sometimes the power of a ketamine session can continue to unfold for days, weeks, months, longer, so as part of your KAP process, your therapist will make personalized recommendations for how to best support you as you move forward with integration in your life.