Moving Beyond the Rigidity of the Past.
Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP) is an emerging, evidence-based treatment that combines the use of ketamine—a dissociative anesthetic—with structured psychotherapy to address mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and treatment-resistant disorders.
At a neurobiological level, ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants. Rather than primarily targeting serotonin, it acts on the glutamate system, increasing neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This can help “loosen” rigid thought patterns, reduce depressive symptoms rapidly, and create a window where therapeutic interventions are more effective.
A Safe, Clinical
Framework.
In a clinical setting, ketamine is administered in a controlled, medical environment, typically via IV infusion, intramuscular injection, or lozenge. During the session, clients may experience altered perception, dissociation, or a dreamlike state. These effects often allow individuals to access thoughts, emotions, or memories with less defensiveness or avoidance.
Phase 1:
Intake, Preparation, and Resourcing
If KAP appears to be an appropriate option, you will be referred to a qualified medical provider for a separate medical evaluation. That provider determines whether ketamine is medically appropriate and, if so, prescribes sublingual ketamine troches.
Before your first medicine session, we will spend time helping you feel informed, prepared, and supported. Preparation may include:
- Clarifying your intentions and treatment goals
- Developing grounding and emotional-regulation skills
- Discussing fears, expectations, and concerns
- Identifying patterns or experiences you hope to explore
- Creating safety and support plans
- Cultivating curiosity, openness, and self-compassion
I do not prescribe ketamine or make medical decisions regarding its use. Ketamine must be prescribed by a qualified medical professional. My role is to provide psychotherapy, preparation, emotional support, and integration alongside your medical treatment.
Phase 2:
The Medicine Experience
Ketamine troches are taken in my private-practice office according to the prescribing provider’s instructions. During the first hour, you will be invited to turn your attention inward while resting comfortably on a couch or recliner. An eye mask, blankets, and a carefully selected music playlist are available to support the experience.
For many people, the noise and pressure of everyday life begin to quiet during this time. This may create room for emotions, memories, images, or perspectives to arise in a different way.
Each session is personalized. Depending on your preferences, we may begin with intention-setting, guided meditation, breathwork, sound bowls, light drumming, or other grounding practices. Palo santo may also be offered with your consent. I remain present throughout the session to provide a calm, attentive, and supportive therapeutic environment.
Phase 3:
Integration & Reprocessing
As the strongest effects begin to soften, we gently explore what came forward during the experience. This transition is sometimes described as a “golden hour” because familiar defenses may remain less rigid, making it easier to approach protected or long-disconnected parts of yourself with greater curiosity and less fear.
Therapy during this period helps turn an experience into something you can understand and use. Together, we may identify rigid beliefs, explore new perspectives, connect insights to your everyday life, and practice healthier emotional responses. When clinically appropriate, EMDR may be incorporated during the second hour to deepen processing and help reinforce more adaptive ways of understanding yourself and your experiences.For many people, the noise and pressure of everyday life begin to quiet during this time. This may create room for emotions, memories, images, or perspectives to arise in a different way.
Integration continues beyond the medicine session. Follow-up therapy can help you revisit important themes, make sense of emotions or imagery, and translate new awareness into changes in your relationships, choices, boundaries, and daily life.
Beyond the
Clinical Room.
• Pre & Post Integration Coaching
Research has shown that ketamine can produce rapid reductions in depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, sometimes within hours to days.
It is particularly useful for individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments.
However, it is not a standalone cure. Benefits may be temporary without ongoing therapy, and repeated sessions are often needed.
research and facts!
What We Treat with KAP
Medical and psychological screening is required to determine whether KAP is an appropriate and safe option for you.
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Anxiety disorders
- PTSD and trauma-related symptoms
While every experience is different, clients may report:
- Reduced symptoms of depression or anxiety
- Greater emotional openness
- Increased access to trauma-related material
- Deeper self-awareness and insight
- More self-compassion
- Greater psychological flexibility
- Less hopelessness or disconnection
- Improved communication and relationships
- A renewed sense of meaning or connection
- Increased emotional resilience
EXPANDING THE WINDOWS OF NEUROPLASTICITY
EXPANDING THE WINDOWS OF NEUROPLASTICITY
A BIOLOGICAL CATALYST FOR EMOTIONAL RELIEF
A BIOLOGICAL CATALYST FOR EMOTIONAL RELIEF
A BIOLOGICAL CATALYST FOR EMOTIONAL RELIEF
BRIDGING CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AND EXPANDED STATES
BRIDGING CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AND EXPANDED STATES
Grounded In Integrity.
Ketamine is a powerful catalyst, but it is not a standalone cure. Its benefits are most profound when integrated into a broader, long-term therapeutic plan.
