What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

KAP, a specialized form of psychedelic-assisted therapy, integrates the controlled use of ketamine with focused psychotherapy sessions led by a licensed mental health practitioner. This innovative treatment delves into the underlying causes of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, fostering positive, lasting change in a safe and supportive setting.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a safe and effective medication, legally used in the treatment of various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

While ketamine can be administered in several ways, at Life Cycles Counseling, we prioritize the oral route via tablets. This approach offers greater affordability and flexibility, allowing individuals to experience ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in a wider range of comfortable settings.

How Does It Work?

Ketamine interacts with the brain's receptors, notably blocking NMDA receptors while activating AMPA receptors. This action is believed to enhance the brain's flexibility and ability to form new connections. The antidepressant and mood-boosting effects of ketamine can be felt within 1 to 2 hours of administration. The intensity and duration of these effects depend on the dosage, with the positive response typically lasting up to two weeks or even longer in some individuals. Studies indicate a 50-80% response rate to ketamine treatment.

How Does It Feel?

The effects of ketamine typically last around 45 minutes, and many individuals find this experience quite pleasant. It often creates a sense of distance from the body and everyday thoughts, allowing for a unique perspective on past experiences and emotions. This detachment can be particularly helpful in processing trauma and gaining new insights.

Because ketamine can temporarily affect movement and speech, clients recline comfortably throughout the session. This ensures a safe and relaxed environment for their inner exploration.

Why Ketamine + Therapy Matters

By combining ketamine with dedicated therapy sessions, KAP offers a deeper path to healing. This approach explores the underlying causes of conditions like depression and anxiety, leading to more profound and lasting improvements in mental well-being.

A Safe and Powerful Treatment

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a safe and effective treatment backed by research, combining the use of ketamine in a controlled, therapeutic setting with personalized psychotherapy sessions facilitated by a licensed therapist. This approach offers a unique opportunity to address the root causes of various mental health concerns.

Why Ketamine + Therapy Matters

Integrating ketamine with psychotherapy, under the guidance of a skilled KAP practitioner, can optimize mental health outcomes. Research highlights the synergy of this approach: a 2019 study led by Jennifer Dore demonstrated that patients receiving ketamine alongside therapy experienced significantly greater reductions in depression and anxiety compared to those receiving ketamine alone. This underscores the importance of the therapeutic relationship in maximizing the benefits of ketamine treatment.

Additional Resources

1. Paradigms of Ketamine Treatment by Raquel Bennett, Psy.D. for MAPS
2. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): Patient Demographics, Clinical Data and Outcomes in Three Large Practices Administering Ketamine with Psychotherapy - research study by Jennifer Dore et al, 2018
3. Ketamine for Depression and Mood Disorders by Erica Zelfand, ND for Townsend Letter
4. Ketamine-Facilitated Psychotherapy for Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression by goop