Engaging in practices before, after, and in between ketamine infusions plays a critical role in patient health and in maximizing the treatment’s benefits. These rituals create a structured approach to improving the experience, integrating lessons, sustaining positive changes, and addressing potential obstacles. Seeing a therapist after ketamine sessions is particularly important because the therapist can guide the patient through processing the journey and provide compassionate accountability in the weeks, months, and years that follow.
This article examines how to prepare and what to do after ketamine through stories from actual Avesta patients, Josh and Wade.
Josh’s Journey With Ketamine
Josh K sought ketamine therapy at Avesta last Fall following a severe episode of depression. He had tried therapy and 15 different medications in the past, but they only helped him maintain a baseline level of functionality. Josh was looking for something that would allow him to move beyond managing symptoms.
Ketamine treatments at Avesta helped him find hope again.
How Josh Prepared for Ketamine Therapy
Recalling his ketamine experience, Josh emphasized the importance of preparing for a ketamine infusion by getting a good night’s sleep beforehand and carefully selecting the right music playlist.
“Music’s very important for this,” he said while sharing a humorous incident from his first session. “Because if you get the wrong kind of music, who knows where you will be taken on your journey.”
Josh didn’t have a dedicated playlist during his first ketamine session, so he used a free streaming service.
“The first time I came in, I used Spotify, but it had commercials, so now I just have Taco Bell ads stuck in my head, and I laugh about it,” Josh said.
Even in later sessions, without the commercials, the memory of those ads still came to his mind and brought a smile to his face.
Crafting the perfect playlist
After the first infusion, Josh learned the value of curating the right music in between ketamine sessions.
“I create a playlist that’s like spa music or meditation—very new age—and that helps,” he explained.
This calm and flowy music enhanced his experience and kept it on a more positive and relaxed path. “I think the more relaxed I am, the better, which is hugely important.”
This approach also helped drown out external noises, allowing Josh to focus entirely on his journey and the insights that arose.
What Josh Did after ketamine sessions
After each session, Josh saw his therapist to explore those insights further and make sense of his powerful experiences.
Together, they explored new perspectives, such as Josh’s realization that ‘consciousness is universal,’ which he had never considered before. This collaborative process allowed Josh not just to manage his depression but to begin conquering it.
Josh found himself breaking through mental barriers that had kept him stagnant for years and applying these revelations to his daily life and long-term mental health journey.
Wade’s Ketamine Story
Wade P., a veteran, started ketamine therapy at Avesta because he felt the VA was not providing adequate care. He eventually stopped using the VA and tried to take his own life. After surviving the attempt, Wade realized he needed help and spoke with a primary care doctor, who helped him find a good therapist and prescribed medication. His doctor eventually suggested he try ketamine therapy.
The Role of Music Before and After Treatment
Like Josh’s experience, music played a crucial role in Wade’s ketamine protocol, but in a specific and deliberate way.
Before each ketamine session, Wade listened to heavy metal music, including bands like Whitechapel, to prepare himself mentally. The intensity of the music helped him channel and release built-up tension, setting the stage for a more focused mindset during the infusion.
During the ketamine session itself, Wade switched to a carefully curated playlist of chill, relaxing music with minimal or no lyrics. “Elysium” by Viator was one of the few tracks with words, adding a subtle, soothing touch to the overall atmosphere. The contrast between heavy metal and meditative tunes allowed him to immerse himself fully in the dissociative experience.
After ketamine, Wade preferred silence on the drive home. “I don’t listen to anything,” he said.
This period allowed Wade to process his experience, giving him the mental space to reflect on the emotions and thoughts that surfaced. The absence of music or external noise helped him stay connected to the inner journey and allowed the therapeutic effects to settle more naturally.
Wade’s Post-ketamine Strategies
Wade’s post-ketamine routine continued the following day with a therapy session, which he found crucial for his healing process. “[Therapy] helps me level up,” he said.
Talk therapy provided Wade with a structured environment to further explore and articulate the revelations from the previous day. “It’s beneficial to… let you open up a little more and take the time you need.”
For Wade, post-ketamine therapy wasn’t about struggling to find answers. Instead, it was an opportunity to deepen his understanding and solidify his progress.
Other Ideas for What to Do After Ketamine
Along with talk therapy and curated silence, grounding rituals, self-reflection, and rest are incredibly effective after ketamine.
Grounding practices include mindfulness meditation and walking in nature, which can stabilize emotions and provide a sense of normalcy following a vulnerable experience.
Some patients find journaling immediately after ketamine or the next day helpful as well. Writing down thoughts and emotions that arise provides valuable insights and helps integrate the experience.
For several reasons, most patients also emphasize the importance of rest after infusion.
- Physical Recovery: Ketamine can cause physical effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or disorientation. Resting helps the body recover from these temporary side effects, ensuring that the person feels more stable and grounded before resuming normal activities.
- Emotional Processing: The emotional impact of a ketamine session can be significant. Rest provides the necessary space to emotionally process any feelings or memories that may have surfaced during the treatment.
- Enhancing Therapeutic Outcomes: Resting after the session can enhance therapeutic outcomes by allowing the brain to continue working through the neural pathways activated by ketamine.
The Bottom Line
Wade and Josh’s ketamine stories represent a thoughtful and intentional approach to post-ketamine care, highlighting the roles of silence, therapy, and music. Their personalized rituals—whether Wade’s transition from heavy metal to meditative music or Josh’s curated playlists—significantly shape their therapeutic experiences. By embracing these practices, along with rest, reflection, and grounding, patients can maximize the impact of ketamine therapy and support lasting positive change.
Ready to explore the transformative benefits of ketamine therapy? Schedule a free consultation with Avesta Ketamine and Wellness today to start your journey toward lasting mental health and healing.
