What if there was a way to effectively ease your depression and anxiety symptoms without
having to rely soley on traditional methods of therapy and medication? Ketamine-assisted
psychotherapy may be the solution you have been looking for.
At Thresholds Counseling, we believe in helping our clients access the most innovative and
breakthrough treatments possible. We offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy as an option for
those who are struggling with depression and anxiety disorders.
Our interactive approach is tailored to each individuals needs. We work closely with our clients
to make sure that they're receiving the best care possible. But what exactly is this revolutionary treatment - and is it right for you? Learn more below.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic that was first developed in the 1960s. Over the years, it has
been used for a variety of medical purposes, including pain management, anesthesia, and
sedation.
However, in recent years, ketamine has gained attention as a potential treatment for depression
and other mental health conditions. Currently, it is the only legal medicine with psychedelic charachteristics available
to mental health providers for the treatment of emotional suffering caused by conditions like
depression and PTSD.
In general, ketamine has mood-enhancing and antidepressant effects that take effect in as little
as an hour after treatment. It blocks the brain's NMDA receptors and stimulates AMPA
receptors, both of which are thought to help in the creation of new synaptic connections and in
boosting neural circuits that regulate mood and stress.
Beyond that, ketamine is also believed to improve neuroplasticity (the ability of your brain to
adapt to change) for long-lasting improvement in your symptoms.
One of the most promising applications of ketamine, as you might have gathered by reading this
post, is in the field of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. This is a form of therapy in which
ketamine is used in conjunction with traditional talk therapy to help patients explore and resolve
deep-seated emotional issues.
Unlike the antidepressant medications we relied on in the past, which can take several weeks or
often even months to take effect, ketamine has been shown to produce rapid improvements in
mood.
How Does Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Work?
So, how does KAP work? Let's explore the process step by step.
The Initial Consultation
First, you will undergo an initial consultation with a KAP provider like Thresholds Counseling to
discuss ketamine therapy in general, answer questions, and begin to determine if it is something
you would like to pursue. If we both feel you may benefit from KAP, I will refer you to Journey
Clinical whom I partner with where you will undergo an assessment by a medical provider who
is responsible for determining your eligibility for KAP medically and will prescribe the
prescription for Ketamine. Then we will work together over several sessions and develop a
personalized plan for you.
Administering the Ketamine
If you are approved for KAP by the medical provider at Journey Clinical, you will then be
instructed how to self-administer your ketamine lozenges - these are small dissolvable
tablets that contain a carefully calibrated dose of ketamine as prescribed by your provider. You are provided a small initial supply.
Ketamine can also be administered via intramuscular injection, nasal spray, or IV infusion,
though these methods are not offered by Thresholds Counseling.
Ketamine therapy will occur in-office.
In our process, you'll self-administer your ketamine lozenge in the supportive environment of your therapist's office. Your therapist will be present for support and guidance throughout the dosing session. Our goal
here is to promote a relaxed, introspective state that allows you to access deeper parts of your
psyche and process inner conflicts that might be contributing to your symptoms.
Your therapist may provide guidance on breathing techniques, visualization exercises, or other
mindfulness-based practices to enhance the therapeutic effects of ketamine.
Ideally, 6 dosing sessions one week apart with an integration (processing session) within 1-3
days after each dosing session has been found to provide clients with the most therapeutic
benefits of ketamine assisted therapy. An integration session between each dosing session is required to review memories, insights, and thoughts that come up while you're taking ketamine. If the process is working well for you, you may be eligible to receive prescription refills as well.
What Does Ketamine Therapy Feel Like?
First, know that ketamine therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The experience can vary
greatly depending on the individuals unique physiology, the dosage, and the specific therapy
approach used.
However, there are some common themes and sensations that many people report during a
ketamine therapy session.
The first thing to note is that ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, which means it can create a
sense of detachment from reality. In the context of psychotherapy, this can be a helpful tool for
clients to gain a different perspective regarding their thoughts and emotions.
During a ketamine therapy session, you may feel as if you're observing yourself and/or your thoughts &
emotions from a distance, rather than being fully immersed in them. This can create a sense of
objectivity and detachment that can help patients process difficult emotions and experiences.
While this detachment can be helpful, it can also be uncomfortable for some people. If you're
prone to anxiety or panic attacks, it's important to discuss your concerns with your therapist and
ensure that you feel comfortable and supported throughout the session. Ketamine therapy can
also cause vivid or unusual sensations, like altered senses or even hallucinations, which can be
unnerving - preparation sessions tailored to each clients needs are essential and required for client safety.
Again, this is why it's so important to work closely with a therapist - as you
begin this journey.
It's also worth noting that the euphoric effects of ketamine are temporary and usually wear off
within a few hours. It's important not to rely on ketamine as a long-term solution for mental
health concerns, but rather as a tool that can help jumpstart the healing process and provide
relief in the short term.
