Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
The Transformation Healing of Ketamine & Therapy
What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a treatment approach that blends the use of ketamine, a short-acting psychedelic medication, with supportive and integrative psychotherapy. It is a powerful treatment that treats mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Unlike traditional therapy, KAP induces an expanded state of consciousness, allowing individuals to gain new insights and perspectives. By combining ketamine with psychotherapy, KAP offers a distinctive approach to healing that can result in profound therapeutic outcomes.
Unlike traditional therapy, KAP induces an expanded state of consciousness, allowing individuals to gain new insights and perspectives. Ketamine is a fast acting medication that helps provide rapid relief, unlike many anti-depressants that can take weeks to work.
How It Works
Intake
You’ll first meet with Lauren for an assessment to determine if this treatment is a good fit for you. The assessment delves into your history, goals, and suitability for KAP, including a discussion of risks, benefits, and confidentiality. The therapist openly communicates their approach to ensure your comfort. You will also have a medical assessment to review your medical history, health concerns, and discuss any changes to current medications. The medical professional will then prescribe ketamine if it is safe and appropriate.
Preparation
Once you’ve been approved for KAP, you’ll meet with Lauren for preparation sessions. The purpose of these sessions is to prepare the mind and body to navigate your journey emotionally and psychologically before entering the altered state induced by ketamine. We’ll focus on safety, informed consent, intention setting, fear clearing, and mindset shifts.
Dosing Session
On dosing day, you'll be warmly welcomed at the office, where you’ll take your ketamine medication. Own soothing environment helps to calm both your conscious and unconscious mind. We recommend wearing an eye mask and earphones during your journey for an immersive experience. Additionally, your therapist selects music designed to enhance your ketamine session. Sessions typically last around 2 hours.
Integration
You will likely encounter new insights, sensations and experiences after the medicine session. It is important begin to integrate this information into your life to help improve your mental health. Lauren is experienced in guiding this journey and supports you in optimizing this period when your brain is more receptive to positive changes. This guidance enhances the long-term impact of the ketamine experience and maximizing the benefits from the experience.
Is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Right For Me?
Ketamine-assisted therapy is not suitable for everyone, as it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors like medical history, current medications, and personal beliefs should be carefully considered when determining if psychedelic therapy is the right choice for an individual. Please review the exclusions for our program below.
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Must be between 18-65 years old
Primary residence in a state other than NC
History of psychotic disorders
Current mania state
Active suicidal ideation
Active homicidal ideation
Ketamine use disorder
Obstructive or Central Sleep Apnea
Hypertension - Blood pressure greater than 140/90
History of Stroke
Heart Arrhythmia
Heart disease or history of cardiovascular event (myocardial infarction, unstable angina)
Acute or chronic kidney disease
Cystitis or bladder issues
Acute or chronic liver disease
Glaucoma or increased intraocular pressure
Increased intracranial pressure
Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
Untreated thyroid disorder
Active alcohol use disorder or unable to abstain for 48 hours pre/post KAP
Unable to abstain from benzodiazepine use for 48 hours pre/post KAP
Polypharmacy (combination of Lamictal, atypical antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, sleep medicine, benzodiazepines, or stimulants)
At Go Inward, we believe in harnessing the innate healing intelligence within each individual.
Ketamine serves as a catalyst, opening the door to new perspectives and healing potential. However, it's essential to recognize that the primary agent of healing is you.
Ketamine acts as a non-specific amplifier, allowing you to tap into your inner healer and make positive shifts in your life.
Whether you connect with this inner intelligence as a higher power, a gut feeling, or simply as intuitive decision-making, our focus is on fostering and encouraging this innate capacity for healing throughout your journey.