Part 1: What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?
In recent years, a growing number of people are seeking relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges from a promising new approach: ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, has been used since the 1970s in a variety of different capacities. From the battlefield to the hospital, ketamine has been used to treat surgical patients, and now, at lower dosages (subanesthetic), it has proven to be a valuable treatment for mental health.
KAP combines the fast-acting effects of ketamine with guided psychotherapy sessions to help individuals access deeper emotional insight and healing. But what does that mean, and how does it work in practice?
In this first installment of our KAP series, we’ll break down the basics of treatment, explore how ketamine interacts with the brain, and what to expect from therapy sessions. Whether you’re curious about alternatives to conventional therapy or considering KAP for yourself or a loved one, this series will offer a compassionate, clear, and evidence-based view of KAP and how it is making a difference in the world of mental health.
What Does Ketamine Do?
Ketamine directly affects the brain by influencing neurotransmitter activity. It affects serotonin levels, which boosts neuroplasticity and makes it easier for the neurons in your brain to form connections.
What does that mean, exactly? With the formation of new neural connections, existing negative thought patterns can be broken. That makes it easier to improve your mood and foster cognitive thinking. Suppose you’ve been struggling with negative thoughts associated with anxiety or trauma, for example. In that case, ketamine can essentially “rewire” the way your brain thinks about those things, allowing you to let go of those unhealthy patterns so you can form new, positive thoughts.
What to Expect
There are typically three main phases of ketamine assisted therapy that you’ll go through with a professional.
First, you’ll discuss your history and goals with your therapist. You’ll develop a rapport with each other and talk about what you’ve been struggling with. If you’ve tried other forms of therapy in the past, you might even discuss those and why you didn’t achieve the results you were looking for. It’s important for you to feel comfortable with your therapist, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn as much as possible about what to expect.
During your KAP session, you’ll be safe and comfortable with your therapist right there in the room with you for the entire time you are on the medicine. Your therapist will guide you through the journey, which can consist of everything from altered states of consciousness to insights about your thoughts and memories.
Finally, you’ll use the insights gained in your ketamine session to address underlying issues further. You’ll be able to apply them to your daily life to make positive changes so you don’t feel trapped by negative thoughts.
Benefits and Risks
Ketamine assisted therapy has started to gain popularity due to its effectiveness. It works quickly and can be a powerful solution for those who haven’t responded to previous treatment for anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health disorders.
The risks of using ketamine are greatly minimized in a professional, controlled setting. While it is a controlled substance, ketamine assisted therapy is considered safe. However, some people might experience symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or an increased heart rate. It’s also important to note that ketamine assisted therapy is not often considered a standalone treatment. Rather, it’s typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that likely still includes other types of therapy.
The best thing you can do if you want to learn more about KAP is to talk to an anxiety therapist who specializes in it. It’s perfectly normal to have questions about what to expect and to learn more about the process. I’m here to help if you’re dealing with those questions. Let’s work through them together. Contact me today for a consultation.