Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy - My Story
“As the session continued, I felt my mind unraveling and letting go of the negative thoughts and emotions that had been weighing me down.”
WHY I OFFER KETAMINE ASSISTED THERAPY
As someone who has struggled with depression for most of my life, I have always been open to trying different forms of therapy, practices, and self-healing techniques. In 2019, when my trusted therapist informed me he was going to train in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and that when completed, it may be a good option for me in our sessions, I was excited and terrified. My last experience of ketamine was at age 19 at raves and it was anything but therapeutic. I recalled the enjoyable effects blasting off into the outer limits of my psyche and not being able to hold myself upright, but I was wary that this could help me with depression. However, a colleague of mine had been practicing KAP for several years and raved about the benefits he had been noticing in his clientele. After talking with him and doing some research, a small part of me was hopeful that this could be a game-changer in helping me to access deeper parts of my consciousness that my ordinary defenses wouldn’t let me or my therapists past.
Through my research, I learned that one of the main benefits of KAP is its rapid and effective results. Ketamine has been shown to have a quick-acting antidepressant effect, with many patients experiencing relief from symptoms within hours or days of their first treatment. For individuals who have tried other forms of therapy or medication without success, KAP can provide a much-needed breakthrough in their healing journey. This was exactly what I was hoping for. The Hakomi therapy we were practicing had been helping me uncover patterns and identify missing experiences AND I still wanted more.
Another key benefit of ketamine assisted psychotherapy is its ability to help individuals break free from negative thought patterns and emotional blocks. Ketamine works by altering brain function and disrupting the neural pathways that contribute to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders, then it has a neuroplastic effect to help add new insights and connections. This can provide individuals with a sense of clarity and perspective that allows them to work through their issues more effectively in therapy.
This is exactly what I found. My therapist referred me to a prescribing provider who did a medical assessment and prescribed ketamine troches (I liked to call them “gummy sugar cubes”) which were created at a compounding pharmacy and I brought the prescribed amount into my session.
While I was initially nervous about “losing control” of myself by altering my consciousness, I trusted my therapist and knew he would be present during my whole experience and would keep me safe. We had reviewed what I could expect and safety procedures. I ingested the troches and concentrated on my intentions for 15 minutes while swishing the melted liquid in my mouth. Within minutes of swallowing, I began to feel a sense of calm and peace wash over me. I was entertained by colorful “worlds” that the music seemed to take me through. Whenever I got nervous, I would reach out my hand and my therapist would hold it and let me know that I was safe and connected.
As the session continued, I felt my mind unraveling and letting go of the negative thoughts and emotions that had been weighing me down. Towards the end of the session as the medicine was wearing off, we were able to process my issues and I was able to gain a new perspective on my struggles and work through them in a way that I had never been able to before.
After the session, I felt a sense of clarity and lightness that I had not experienced in years. I felt more motivated and optimistic about my future and was able to approach my therapy sessions with a renewed sense of purpose. I spent the rest of the day journaling and sitting in nature with my pup.
I subsequently completed numerous sessions of ketamine assisted therapy (both with the troches and intramuscular administration) and the results have been truly life-changing. My symptoms of anxiety and depression significantly decreased and I went on to successfully wean off pharmaceutical antidepressants. Afterward, I had several years without a single depressive episode for the first time in my life.
I would highly recommend ketamine assisted therapy to anyone who is struggling with mental health issues. It is a safe and effective treatment option that can provide rapid relief and lasting benefits. After receiving such great benefit I trained in the administration of this innovative form of therapy through PRATI in 2022 and have enjoyed utilizing it to help my clients on their journeys toward healing and wellness. If you are wondering if KAP is right for you, please reach out and schedule a consultation today!
