Ketamine has been in the news a lot lately and I'd love to provide some solid information about the medicine and how it is used in mental health treatment.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an anesthetic with psychedelic properties that is most commonly used in surgery. Administered at lower doses, ketamine provides a more traditional psychedelic experience. Since 2000, ketamine research has focused on the impact of the use of KAP on various mental health diagnoses with promising results for the treatment of depression, suicidality, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, OCD, substance abuse, eating disorders, relationship issues, existential distress, bipolar I and II (without acute mania), psychological reactions to physical illness, and acute pain. Currently it is used off-label to treat mental health, however this is a common practice within healthcare when research has shown other effective uses for an approved medicine.
The level of intensity and length of the experience is dependent on the dosage and how it is administered. Under the supervision of medical staff and typically in a clinical setting, ketamine can be administered by IV or an injection, which provides a more powerful and longer experience. Ketamine may also be prescribed at lower doses for therapeutic use as a nasal spray and in lozenge form. These lighter doses provide a shorter experience in a trance-like state that allows the client to experience an altered state of consciousness while maintaining the ability to engage in conversation.
The Benefits of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy can help break through common barriers in traditional talk therapy and can lead to profound insights, emotional breakthroughs, and accelerated progress.
Repeated ways of thinking and behaving create well-worn pathways in the brain that are almost impossible to change. Research has shown that ketamine has the ability to shift consciousness and increase the brain's ability to alter these pathways, resulting in reduced negative thought patterns and allowing new beliefs and behaviors to be adopted.
Trauma processing is often complicated by defense mechanisms developed to keep the individual safe. While they do a great job protecting the client from living in the pain, they can act as a barrier to accessing traumatic experiences. In a ketamine induced state, the typical defenses are often subdued and one is able to approach difficult emotions or experiences more effectively. In this altered state of consciousness, the mind has more flexibility to make connections, increase insight, and relate to experiences differently.
Psychedelics have been used for centuries to elicit spiritual awakening and self-understanding. KAP can be an important part of one's personal growth as they connect to their inner wisdom and inner healing.
Safety
The recent death of Matthew Perry has highlighted valid concerns about ketamine and self-guided use. Ketamine is not a standalone treatment. Rather, it is a tool that enhances the therapeutic process and should not be used recreationally. Ketamine has been researched for over 20 years and is generally safe when used in a therapeutic environment. The risk factors for ketamine dramatically increase when an individual is self-treating as opposed to working under the care of a medical doctor and psychotherapist. Ketamine has a low addiction potential, especially when used under the guidance of a medical professional. Not everyone is a candidate for KAP.
I've partnered with Skylight Psychedelics, an organization started and run by medical doctors who honor the power of psychedelic medicine. They conduct a thorough examination before prescribing ketamine and will not prescribe ketamine unless the client is working with a therapist certified in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Sessions
The standard treatment is six KAP sessions. After an evaluation by a member of the medical team at Skylight Psychedelics, a client is prescribed a sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine (in lozenge form), which is shipped directly to the client. Ketamine sessions may take place in my office in Los Angeles (preferred) or online (CA residents only), where the client will have consistent support and guidance. The dose prescribed is centered on the client's specific needs and is intended to support a trance-like state that is light enough to maintain conversation while still receiving the benefits of enhanced consciousness. Clients typically experience positive feelings and increased insight during a ketamine session. A typical journey last about 60 minutes and the client is guided to turn inward with curiosity. A block of 2 hours is scheduled for KAP sessions so there will be time to process the experience with the therapist after the journey. Psychedelic integration is an important part of psychedelic assisted therapy that allows you to incorporate the insights you've gained into your daily life.
It is said that clients can experience the same progress in one ketamine assisted psychotherapy session as they would in weeks of therapy. If you are interested in exploring KAP further or have any questions about how it might complement the work you are doing in therapy, please reach out. If you love your therapist, there's no need to switch! KAP can be offered as an adjunctive treatment to your current work and I'd love to include your therapist in the process.
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