Clap for K.A.P.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Dear Self,
If you’re reading this, you finally finished your Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Certification.
Woot! Whoot!
You did it.
Now let’s get down to business because most people are not going to know 1) what that means or 2) why it matters.
What is it?
Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic, “dissociative” meaning a sense of disconnection from one’s ordinary reality and typical self. While hospitals have been administering ketamine for surgical anesthesia for several decades, lower doses in therapeutic settings to treat psychiatric diagnoses is a newer, off-label use of ketamine. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) uses low doses of ketamine as the catalyst for healing, combined with preparation/integration sessions and a therapeutic relationship to create lasting, transformative change.
How does this work?
If you are interested in doing KAP with me, the process would look like this:
I refer you to the medical provider I am partnered with for a medical clearance
If you are cleared, you will be prescribed ketamine in the form of oral dissolving tablets
You take the medicine tablet in session with me (dosing sessions are about 2-3 hours)
You will do preparation and integration sessions with me (talk therapy)
Repeat dosing sessions as needed
It may be necessary to receive ketamine in multiple sessions before seeing your desired results. It is most common for people to complete six dosing sessions within a short period of time (about 3 weeks) to receive the maximum benefit. After completing KAP you have the option to do maintenance sessions which refers to one dosing session as needed (but no more than once a month).
You will notice several therapists offering ketamine “packages” that require people to pay up front for several dosing sessions, but I will not be doing this. This medicine and this therapy is not for everyone and it is always 100% voluntary. It does not seem fair to require someone who has never used ketamine to commit to six intensive sessions of ketamine therapy. If after one session you hate the experience and it was not helpful, you do not have to do it five more times. You know your body and I know therapy so I will tailor therapy to meet your needs, not the other way around.
What does a Ketamine-Assisted Therapy session look like?
You will be lying down on a cute little mattress bed I bought for most of the session. There will be pillows and blankets to ensure you are comfortable.
There will be music playing during the session from a playlist I created specifically for this experience. Music can help facilitate movement of energy, thoughts, and emotions.
I will provide you with an eyeshade to use while you are lying down. Eyeshades help to facilitate an inner experience, but you are not required to use them.
I will be with you the entire time. I will never leave you alone while you are on medicine. Never, at all, for any reason will you be left alone. I would let pee run down my pants before I left you alone to go use the bathroom. Please note: you will not be alone!
You may bring a partner with you to dosing sessions if that feels more comfortable (provided that this person is supportive and would add value to the experience rather than take away from it).
Why do this?
KAP is often used when other methods of healing have been unsuccessful, such as psychotherapy and psychiatric medication. It is intense, time-consuming, and a large financial commitment, (I’m really selling it, right?) so you must be open and ready for that kind of experience.
Common Benefits of Ketamine Include:
Lighter mood
Less anxiety
Less suicidality
More space to engage in healthy life style
Improved cognition
It is important to remember ketamine is a tool, not a cure.
Got questions about KAP? Drop them below in the comments or email me privately at johnna@dearselftraumatherapy.com
xoxo,
Self