What is Ketamine Assisted Therapy?
Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP) is a cutting-edge therapeutic approach that combines the powerful effects of ketamine with talk therapy to enhance emotional healing and mental well-being. Ketamine, historically used as an anesthetic, has shown profound benefits in mental health care, particularly for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. More recently, it has been used as a catalyst for existential and spiritual development, helping individuals tap into deeper layers of meaning and self-awareness (Dore et al., 2020).
Important Distinction Between Ketamine Assisted Therapy and Prescribing Ketamine
At Repose, we want to clarify that we do not supply ketamine directly. Instead, we offer therapeutic integration sessions where ketamine is used legally under the supervision of medical professionals. Currently, KAP is the only legally available psychedelic treatment option in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Sessions are available both in-person and virtually, as ketamine has been proven effective in both formats (Wilkinson et al., 2017).
Ketamine as an Adjunct to Therapy
Ketamine is unique in its ability to rapidly reduce symptoms of anxiety, OCD, and mild to moderate depression. This makes it an excellent adjunct to talk therapy, as it allows individuals to access insights and emotions that may be difficult to reach through traditional methods alone. The dissociative effects of ketamine can help break down psychological barriers, creating an expanded state of awareness where clients feel more connected to their emotions and thoughts.
This expanded awareness can also facilitate spiritual and existential development, providing a sense of clarity or purpose during challenging periods in life. Clients often report a renewed sense of meaning and connection with themselves and the world after KAP sessions (Dore et al., 2020).
Efficacy of KAP: Virtual or In-Person
Research has demonstrated that Ketamine Assisted Therapy is effective both in-person and virtually, making it accessible to a wider range of individuals. Whether you’re participating in a session from the comfort of your home or at one of our office locations, ketamine’s therapeutic benefits remain consistent. Virtual sessions, in particular, offer clients a convenient way to engage in therapy without compromising on care. In fact, studies have shown that ketamine's positive effects on anxiety, depression, and OCD are just as profound in remote settings as they are in face-to-face sessions (Wilkinson et al., 2017).
What to Expect in a KAP Session
Preparation and Assessment
Your first step with KAP at Repose begins with an in-depth consultation with one of our experienced therapists. This consultation allows us to fully understand your needs, explore your mental health history, and determine if KAP is the best course of treatment for you.
During your KAP session:
Creating a Therapeutic Environment: Whether in-person or virtually, we prioritize creating a safe, calming space where you can explore your emotions freely. Our therapists guide you through each step of the process to ensure you feel supported.
Administering Ketamine: Ketamine can be administered through an intravenous (IV) infusion, via a nasal spray, or with a lozenge you hold under your tongue with a mint flavor. Ketamine Assisted Therapy at Repose is primarily done with clients taking the lozenge at the time of the session or just before. The dosage is carefully tailored to meet your unique therapeutic needs, ensuring a safe and effective experience.
Therapeutic Integration: Once the ketamine takes effect, you’ll engage in therapeutic exercises or guided discussion. Ketamine’s dissociative properties allow you to step outside of ingrained thought patterns, enabling deeper emotional processing. This phase is crucial for integrating your newfound insights.
Post-Session Reflection: After the session, you’ll work with your therapist to process and reflect on the experience. The focus is on integrating the insights and emotions that arose, setting goals for moving forward.
Continued Care and Support
KAP is most effective when it is part of a broader therapeutic approach. At Repose, we integrate KAP with other forms of therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or mindfulness-based practices, to ensure comprehensive care. Continued therapy sessions help anchor the insights gained from KAP into everyday life, promoting long-term emotional well-being.
Ketamine for Anxiety, OCD, and Depression
KAP has been shown to rapidly alleviate symptoms of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and mild to moderate depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or months to take effect, ketamine’s benefits are often felt within hours or days (Wilkinson et al., 2017). This makes it a valuable option for individuals who need immediate relief or for those who have not responded to conventional therapies.
Ketamine for Existential and Spiritual Development
For some individuals, KAP can facilitate profound existential and spiritual growth. By temporarily dissociating from everyday consciousness, ketamine creates space for clients to explore deeper questions of meaning, purpose, and self-identity. Clients often describe feelings of unity, self-compassion, and emotional release after sessions, which can be integral to their overall healing process (Dore et al., 2020).
The Research and Evidence Behind KAP
Scientific research strongly supports the efficacy of Ketamine Assisted Therapy:
Anxiety and Depression: Studies have found that ketamine can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant cases, often within hours of treatment (Wilkinson et al., 2017).
OCD: Ketamine has also been shown to reduce obsessive-compulsive symptoms, helping individuals break free from the rigid thought patterns characteristic of OCD (Rodriguez et al., 2015).
Spiritual and Existential Well-Being: Research suggests that ketamine can facilitate a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s place in the world, promoting feelings of connectedness and meaning (Dore et al., 2020).
Your Healing Journey with Ketamine Assisted Therapy at Repose
At Repose, we believe that Ketamine Assisted Therapy is a powerful tool for healing and transformation. Whether you're seeking relief from anxiety, OCD, depression, or embarking on a journey of spiritual growth, KAP offers a unique therapeutic experience. Our compassionate therapists are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your treatment is tailored to your specific needs.
If you're ready to explore how KAP can enhance your mental well-being, reach out to us for a consultation today.
References
-Dore, J., et al. (2020). Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant depression: A case series. Journal of Affective Disorders, 265, 387-392.
-Wilkinson, S.T., et al. (2017). A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Finding Study of Intranasal -Ketamine in Adult Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression. American Journal of Psychiatry.
-Rodriguez, C.I., et al. (2015). Randomized Controlled Trial of Ketamine in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Proof-of-Concept. Neuropsychopharmacology.