Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
KAP is a cutting-edge approach that combines ketamine with traditional therapy to unlock new paths to healing. It's particularly effective for those struggling with chronic issues like depression, anxiety, and the impact of past traumas. By creating a unique space for deep reflection and insight, this therapy can help break through barriers that may have seemed impossible to overcome. Our role is to guide and support you through this journey, ensuring a safe, transformative experience aimed at fostering lasting change.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Before diving into ketamine therapy, it's important to make sure it's safe for you. If you're experiencing hallucinations, acute mania, hyperthyroidsim, cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, bladder issues, liver health concerns, or if you're currently struggling with addiction, these concerns need to be addressed first by our medical staff. By having a thorough health and wellness exam, we can decide if this treatment is right for you.
What to Expect
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Phone Consultation (20 minutes):
This initial call is designed to give us a thorough understanding of what you're going through and to assess whether KAP is the right approach. We'll explore your symptoms, discuss your mental health history, and answer any questions you might have about the process. This is a safe space for you to share your concerns and for us to begin building our relationship.
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2 Pre-Sessions (Minimum):
Before beginning medicine sessions, you'll participate in at least two prep sessions. These meetings are essential for building a trusting relationship, clarifying your therapeutic goals, and setting intentions for your treatment. You'll discuss what you hope to achieve through KAP and how you can best prepare mentally and emotionally for the sessions. These pre-sessions lay the groundwork for a transformative experience.
02
Medical / Psychiatric Evaluation:
You'll have an appointment with our medical provider for a thorough physical and mental health evaluation. This step ensures that KAP is safe and appropriate for your specific needs. We will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and discuss any current medications or health concerns. This evaluation is fundamental to tailoring the treatment to your specific needs.
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KAP Sessions:
The gold standard is 6 consecutive weekly KAP sessions, but the amount and frequency depends on your individual needs. Each KAP session lasts about 2 hours. During this time, a carefully controlled dose of ketamine is administered under close supervision. A licensed therapist will be with you throughout the entire session, providing individualized support and guidance. They will help you navigate the experiences, facilitating a therapeutic process aimed at achieving deep insights and emotional breakthroughs. These sessions are designed to be a safe, controlled environment where you can explore your inner self and work towards healing.
What is the Medicine Session Like?
At the heart of the ketamine journey, many people experience a deep and expansive state where they feel connected to something much bigger than themselves. This can be a powerful and moving experience, but it's also important to be ready and supported through it. Here's how we help:
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Creating a Safe Space: We make sure the environment is calm, safe, and welcoming, so you feel secure and supported from the start.
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Getting Ready Mentally and Emotionally: Before starting, we talk about what you hope to find on this journey and get you prepared mentally and emotionally. This helps guide your experience towards healing.
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Being There With You: You're not alone on this journey. Your therapist will be with you the whole time, ready to help you through any tough spots you might encounter.
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Learning and Growing From the Experience: After "coming back," we'll talk about what you experienced and how you can use those insights to make positive changes in your life.
After such a deep journey, there's often a lot to think about, and it might not all make sense right away. That's okay. Together, we'll help you feel grounded and ready to bring the insights from your journey into your daily life. At Guided Journey Counseling, we're not just about guiding you through the ketamine experience; we're here to make sure it makes a positive impact on your life.
Post-Healing /
Integration
Integration transcends being merely optional; it is fundamental to the healing journey. This stance stems from our belief that using ketamine as a healing tool demands significant care and respect. In a culture dominated by the quest for quick fixes, there's a real risk that without mindful use, treatments like KAP could be relegated to just another underwhelming solution. Integration ensures that this powerful treatment is paired with a commitment to intentional, sustainable change in our daily lives. It's about taking the insights and breakthroughs from KAP sessions and actively applying them to create lasting transformation. Without integration, we risk missing the full potential of this profound therapeutic approach. Integration is the key to ensuring the awareness gained during ketamine sessions manifests as meaningful change, bridging the gap between profound therapeutic experiences and practical, everyday well-being.