Trauma is a common and often debilitating experience that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Trauma can result from a single event, such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster, or repeated exposure to violence, abuse, or neglect. Can trauma have lasting effects on one’s mental and physical health, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and substance use disorders.
Many people who suffer from trauma-related disorders struggle to find effective treatments that can help them heal and recover. Traditional psychotherapy and medication may not work for everyone or may have unwanted side effects or limitations. For some people, a new and innovative approach may offer hope and relief: ketamine assisted therapy (KAP).
What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), and how does it work?
Ketamine is a medication that has been used for decades as an anesthetic and painkiller. It is also known for its psychedelic effects, which can induce altered states of consciousness, such as dissociation, euphoria, and enhanced imagination. Ketamine has been shown to have rapid and powerful antidepressant effects, especially for people who do not respond well to other treatments.
Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a form of psychotherapy that uses ketamine as a tool to facilitate the therapeutic process. KAP is not just taking ketamine; it is a carefully designed and supervised treatment that involves preparation, administration, and integration of the ketamine experience.
KAP works by combining the neurobiological, psychological, and spiritual effects of ketamine to help people access and process their traumas in a safe and supportive environment. Ketamine can help people:
- Break free from negative patterns of thinking and feeling that keep them stuck in their trauma
- Access and release emotions that may have been suppressed or avoided
- Gain new insights and perspectives on their trauma and themselves
- Enhance their connection to their inner wisdom and higher self
- Strengthen their sense of meaning and purpose in life
Benefits of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for trauma-related disorders
KAP has been shown to be effective for treating various trauma-related disorders, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Some of the benefits of KAP include:
- Rapid and lasting reduction of symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, guilt, shame, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts
- Improved mood, motivation, energy, and functioning
- Increased self-esteem, self-compassion, and resilience
- Enhanced relationships, intimacy, and social support
- Reduced reliance on medication or substances
KAP can also provide positive experiences that can counteract the negative effects of trauma, such as:
- Feeling safe, calm, and relaxed
- Feeling joy, gratitude, and love
- Feeling connected to oneself, others, nature, and the divine
- Experiencing healing imagery, memories, or metaphors
- Experiencing transcendence, transformation, or rebirth
What are the risks and limitations of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy?
KAP is not a magic bullet or a cure-all for trauma. It is a powerful and complex treatment that requires careful consideration of the potential risks and limitations. Some of the risks and limitations of KAP include:
- Possible side effects of ketamine administration, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, increased blood pressure, or allergic reactions
- Possible contraindications or interactions with other medical conditions or medications, such as uncontrolled hypertension, cardiac disease, glaucoma, or antidepressants
- KAP may not be available, accessible, or affordable as it is not widely offered, regulated, or covered by insurance.
How to Prepare for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy?
KAP is not a one-size-fits-all treatment; it is a personalized and collaborative process that requires careful preparation and planning. If you are interested in KAP for your trauma-related disorder, here are some steps you can take to prepare:
Find a qualified provider who has experience and training in KAP.
You can search online for clinics or therapists who offer KAP in your area or ask for referrals from your doctor or therapist. Ensure you check their credentials, reviews, and policies before contacting them.
Schedule a consultation with your provider to discuss your goals, expectations, and suitability for KAP. Your provider will assess your medical and mental health history, current symptoms and medications, and any other factors that may affect your treatment. Your provider will also explain the details and procedures of KAP, such as the dosage, route of administration, frequency, and duration of the sessions.
Follow your provider’s instructions and recommendations when preparing for your first session.
That may include stopping or adjusting your medications, avoiding alcohol or drugs, eating lightly or fasting, and arranging transportation and aftercare.
Please prepare questions or topics you wish to explore during your session, as well as items that can help you feel comfortable and relaxed, such as music, blankets, or eye masks.
Be open and curious about your experience.
Ketamine can induce a wide range of effects and experiences that may vary from person to person and from session to session.
Some people may have profound and positive experiences, while others may have challenging or neutral experiences. There is no right or wrong way to experience ketamine; the important thing is to be open and curious about what it can teach you and how it can help you heal.
How to integrate your Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy experience?
KAP is not a quick fix or a one-time event; it is a process that requires ongoing integration and support. Integration is the process of making sense of and applying the insights and changes that occur during and after the ketamine session. Integration is essential for maximizing the benefits and minimizing the risks of KAP. Some ways to integrate your KAP experience include:
Debrief with your provider after your session.
Your provider will help you process and reflect on your experience, answer any questions, and provide feedback and guidance for your next steps.
Keep a journal of your thoughts, feelings, and memories that emerge during or after your session.
Writing can help you organize and clarify your experience, track your progress and challenges over time, and express your expertise differently. You can also use creative outlets like drawing, painting, or music.
Share your experience with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist.
Talking can help you validate and deepen your understanding of your experience and receive support and feedback from others who care about you. You can also join online or in-person groups or communities of people who have undergone KAP or other psychedelic therapies, where you can share and learn from each other’s experiences.
Implement changes in your daily life that align with your goals and values.
Ketamine can help you discover new possibilities and perspectives for your life, but it is up to you to act on them. You can start by making small changes in your habits, routines, or relationships that can improve your well-being and happiness. You can also seek new opportunities for learning, growth, or service that can enrich your life and contribute to others.
Seek additional support or resources if needed.
Ketamine can open up new doors for healing, but it may also bring up new challenges or difficulties that require further attention. If you feel overwhelmed, confused, or stuck after your session, feel free to seek additional support or resources from your provider or other professionals. You may benefit from other therapy, medication, or holistic modalities that complement and enhance your KAP experience.
Get the best Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and Heal Your Traumas
KAP can help people access and process their traumas in a safe and supportive environment, leading to rapid and lasting improvements in their symptoms and quality of life. However, KAP is not without risks or limitations and requires careful preparation, supervision, and integration.
If you are interested in KAP for your trauma-related disorder, we invite you to contact us at Avesta Ketamine Wellness Center for more information or to book a consultation.
We are a wellness center that provides therapies for patients suffering from treatment-resistant mood disorders and chronic pain. We are here to help you find hope and healing with ketamine assisted therapy.
