WHAT IS KETAMINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY?

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a ground breaking approach to healing depression, trauma, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and anxiety. KAP is a life changing method that utilizes the power of psychedelic medicine – in this case ketamine –within a 2 to 3 hour psychotherapy session. This combination has robust research showing that many clients are able to achieve growth, change, and healing in just a few sessions that otherwise can take months or even years to achieve. Ketamine has been dubbed a “dissociative anesthetic” due to its tendency to produce a disconnection from our usual way of feeling and experiencing. At low doses given during a therapy session, this influence produces shifts in consciousness such as expanded states of awareness, novel ways of viewing life concerns, and freedom from the worries and anxieties of our ordinary mind-states. Psychotherapy offers real-time reflection on this experience to enhance growth and change.

HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?

Ketamine is typically administered orally through a losenge that is prescribed to you by Dr. Naveen Thomas, Patrick's physician partner. Another option is to recieve Intramuscular (IM) doses which generate a deeper journey. The best method for your ketamine journey will be determined through an initial consultation with Dr. Thomas.

WHAT'S THE SCHEDULE?

You can expect the following steps on your journey:

1. A course of KAP typically begins with an intake session with Patrick to determine if KAP is a good fit for you, and to identify treatment goals.
2. Schedule and attend an initial consult with Dr. Naveen Thomas, Patrick's physician partner.
3. Dr. Thomas writes your ketamine prescription.
4. Attend your initial ketamine session at Patrick's office. This 1.5-3 hour appointment includes both Dr. Thomas and Patrick who work to dial in the optimal dosing and route of treatment. The first session is a mellow, less potent dose to begin your journey. The varying length of time depends upon dose, response to the medicine, recovery time, and other factors that are discussed during the intake session.
5. Subsequent journeys will be led by Patrick only and last between 1.5-3 hours each. While some patients may request a single KAP session, we recommend committing to an individualized course of treatment that may occur over several weeks. Traditional therapy focused on support, integrating insights, and identifying and reinforcing change may also be a part of the treatment process.

WHAT'S THE SCIENCE?

Ketamine enhances healing in the brain through multiple pathways. A main action path for Ketamine is on the NDMA receptor site in the brain, increasing activity of the neurotransmitter glutamate. This may enhance mood, decrease anxiety, and decrease the cravings found in addiction. Neurogenesis or growth of neuronal connections within the brain can occur, along with a decrease in the inflammatory response in the brain and body. Ketamine may ultimately allow for novel connections to be made across areas of the brain that allow for change and healing to take place. This may translate in to enhanced enjoyment of life, renewed sense of connections in relationships, and elevation of positive mood. Check out our friend Craig Heacock's podcast to learn more.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?

Ketamine may, at times, facilitate psychedelic experiences such as expanded consciousness. It can usher in a relieving sense of less ego and defensiveness, produce an expansive sence of one's heart opening, and a deeper connection to all parts of ourselves and to others. At times it can feel like an out of body experience and a sense of deeper spiritual connection and meaning in life. These characteristics are similar to other psychedelic drugs that have been used successfully in psychotherapy sessions to reduce pain and distress, such as MDMA and psilocybin. However, ketamine is currently the only legally available medication that may produce a psychedelic effect that is used used in psychotherapy for transformation and relief of life-limiting suffering.

WHAT DOES IT TREAT?

Issues that may respond to KAP include but are not limited to:

• PTSD / Trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Unresolved issues from childhood
• Rejoining life after a major illness
• Grief & Loss
• End of Life distress related to dying
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Difficult life transitions

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?

Side effects are generally limited to the timespan directly after session and usually resolve quickly. These may include mild nausea, dizziness, derealization, drowsiness, or feeling a bit drunk. Our medical staff will help ease any side effects that occur.