Ketamine‑Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
FOR FOLKS IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA & THROUGHOUT THE STATE
KAP is not about numbing or escaping pain—it’s about creating the conditions for insight, emotional flexibility, and nervous system regulation so that psychotherapy can go deeper and work more effectively.
What Is Ketamine‑Assisted Psychotherapy?
Ketamine‑Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an evidence‑informed mental health treatment that combines carefully prescribed ketamine with psychotherapy to support deep healing and meaningful change.
In KAP, ketamine is not a standalone treatment. The therapeutic benefit comes from the integration of medication support with preparation, guided psychotherapy, and post‑session integration. Healing happens in relationship—with your body, your story, and the support around you.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is often used alongside trauma therapy for individuals seeking deeper healing and breakthrough experiences.
How KAP Works
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First, you will complete an initial consultation and screening with a licensed Arizona medical provider who collaborates with Dear Self Trauma Therapy.
Before your first medicine session, we meet to focus on intention‑setting, education, nervous system regulation skills, and ensuring you are emotionally and psychologically ready.
We discuss expectations, safety, and how your body responds to stress and altered states. Preparation lays the foundation for a meaningful experience.
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During medicine sessions:
You’ll be in a comfortable, private therapy room with your therapist.
You will be lying down in a peaceful environment with a curated playlist, pillows and blankets, soft lighting, and an eye mask.
Your therapist stays present with you throughout the entire session.
Sessions typically 2-3 hours
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After medicine sessions, we meet to help you process your recent experience.
Integration is when meaning is made and the whole experience comes together.
We process insights, emotions, bodily sensations, and relational patterns that emerged and translate them into sustainable changes for future experiences.
A Somatic & Trauma‑Informed Lens
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, and Certified Ketamine‑Assisted Psychotherapist, I offer KAP within a trauma‑informed, relational, and body‑based framework.
KAP is approached with attention to:
Nervous system regulation and pacing
Trauma‑informed consent and choice
Grounding and embodiment
Relational safety
Cultural humility
This approach is especially supportive for individuals who feel “stuck,” overwhelmed, or disconnected in traditional talk therapy.
If you’re exploring this option, we recommend starting with mental health psychotherapy to determine whether this approach is right for you.
What to Expect in a KAP Session
No ketamine journey is the same, but common experiences include:
Visual Imagery
Emotional Release
Space from your thoughts
Insight about yourself
Changes in perception
Who Might Benefit from KAP?
KAP is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough screening and collaboration with a medical provider are required.
KAP may be helpful for adults experiencing:
Treatment‑resistant depression
Anxiety or panic disorders
Post‑traumatic stress or complex trauma
Grief and loss
Chronic stress or burnout
Existential distress or life transitions
FAQs about KAP at Dear Self Therapy
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It is most common for people to receive 6 ketamine sessions in a period of 3 weeks to receive their desired results. At Dear Self Trauma Therapy, we can tailor the number of and frequency of sessions to meet your individual needs.
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Side effects usually end a few hours after your ketamine session is completed.
Short term side effects may include:
Dizziness
Nausea
Blurred vision
Dissociation
Fatigue
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Common benefits may include:
Lighter mood
Less suicidality
Less anxiety
Improved cognition
Healthy lifestyle changes
Begin Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
If you’re curious about Ketamine‑Assisted Psychotherapy and want to explore whether it may be a good fit, I invite you to schedule a consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, history, and options in a collaborative, pressure‑free way.