Break Through Emotional Barriers and Rediscover Hope with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Renue Wellness
While ketamine therapy and psychotherapy are both effective independently, there is a substantial synergistic effect when the two are combined. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy allows you and your therapist to take full advantage of the neuroplasticity and perspective shifts that come with ketamine infusions, integrating lessons learned and developing strategies to keep healing and enact more positive behaviors.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a way of helping people deal with emotional challenges that stem from stress, trauma, or mental illness of any kind. Psychotherapy involves regular meetings with a trained therapist, who begins by establishing trust and alliance with the patient. Over a series of sessions, the therapist supports the patient’s exploration of thoughts and emotions to deepen their understanding of their mind, heal psychological wounds, and develop adaptive and positive behaviors.
How Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Done?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy employs preparatory, medication (one to three sessions with moderate to high doses of ketamine), and integration sessions. During the initial sessions, the therapist or co-therapist team engages the patient to explore their life history and help them understand their symptoms and intentions, emphasizing the potential for emotional and psychological growth. They also educate the patient about what to expect during the ketamine sessions and work to develop a solid therapeutic alliance.
During the ketamine session, the therapist maintains integrity and safety for the therapeutic relationship. The medication is administered in a comfortable room with a reclining chair, in an environment that is decorated and appointed so that it will feel familiar and not intimidating in the way a medical office or institutional setting might. The patient is encouraged to focus their attention inward and can listen to music and wear eye shades. The therapist listens empathically to the patient for the next 60 to 90 minutes and maintains a non-threatening, neutral therapeutic stance. The drug effects and the patient’s thought content drive the experience. The therapist aims to facilitate safety, trust, and openness.
After the medication session, during the integration sessions, the therapist works with the patient to interpret the content of the ketamine experience into meaningful long-term change by identifying insights or analyzing thoughts or ideas that arose during the experience.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy can be a transformative experience. It does not need to replace any current therapy or treatment. KAP often works best as an adjunctive treatment to ongoing psychotherapy. Nevertheless, some patients benefit from a course of KAP even though they are not currently engaged in another psychotherapy or treatment plan.
Getting Treatment
If you suffer from mental health issues and want symptom relief, turn to Renue Wellness for exceptional care. Our expert team offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to treat a variety of mental health conditions. Call the office to learn more about this revolutionary treatment, or book an appointment online today.
Ketamine Facts
How long will I experience relief?
The impacts of a single infusion usually persist for up to two weeks. Following a sequence of six infusions, certain individuals may experience an absence of symptoms for numerous months. Additionally, we provide the alternative of booster infusions, which can be administered monthly or several times annually, according to necessity.
Are there any medications that can interfere?
Patients should avoid taking benzodiazepines or any prescribed narcotics on the day of their infusion.
Should I continue seeing my psychiatrist?
We encourage our patients to maintain ongoing engagement with their outpatient providers for the management of medications and/or psychotherapy sessions.
What is it like during a ketamine infusion treatment?
Ketamine is administered through an intravenous drip, a process that unfolds gently over 45 minutes. Initially, its effects might be imperceptible. However, as the infusion proceeds, a sensation of ‘lightness’ or ‘floating’ may envelop you, akin to the lifting of a heavy burden from your shoulders. The experience includes mild dissociative symptoms, which most patients find manageable. Throughout the infusion, you’ll be under close observation, with a team ready to address any discomfort you may encounter. Within a quarter of an hour after the infusion’s conclusion, clarity and normalcy in your perceptions and thought processes will gradually return.
Will I be unconscious during the procedure?
No, the ketamine dosage administered will not induce unconsciousness.
Can I have anything to eat and/or drink prior to my infusion?
To ensure your safety and maximize the effectiveness of your ketamine infusion, please adhere to the following dietary guidelines: Solid Foods and Milk: Refrain from consuming any solid foods or milk for at least 6 hours prior to your appointment. This precaution is crucial for a smooth procedure. Clear Liquids Permissible: Up until 2 hours before your infusion, you are allowed to consume clear liquids. These include water, pulp-free fruit juices, sodas, clear teas, and black coffee. Clear liquids help maintain hydration without affecting the procedure. Alcohol and Illicit Drugs: It is imperative that you completely avoid alcohol and all illicit substances in the period leading up to your infusion. The interaction between these substances and ketamine can be extremely hazardous. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for your safety and the success of the treatment. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Are there any specific medical conditions that would prevent me from receiving treatment?
Yes, there are certain medical conditions that might disqualify someone from receiving ketamine infusion therapy. These generally include severe uncontrolled high blood pressure, active substance misuse, certain cardiac and pulmonary conditions, and a history of psychosis. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate your specific health situation and determine if ketamine therapy is appropriate for you.
Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?
A referral for ketamine infusion therapy can be made by any licensed mental health care professional or physician.
What is ketamine?
Ketamine, a medicinal marvel first synthesized in 1962, has long been esteemed for its anesthetic prowess. Approved by the FDA, this agent has seamlessly woven itself into the tapestry of medical practice, serving as a cornerstone for inducing general anesthesia across a diverse demographic—from the young to the elderly, and even extending its care to the animal kingdom. Its exemplary safety profile has made it a favored choice, particularly in pediatric surgeries, where precision and care are paramount. In a fascinating turn of events, the medical community has unveiled ketamine’s potential beyond the realm of anesthesia. Recent studies have illuminated its effectiveness in battling a spectrum of conditions that challenge the mind and body, such as depression, PTSD, fibromyalgia, and more. This discovery marks a significant leap in understanding and treating these conditions, offering a beacon of hope where traditional treatments may falter. Ketamine’s journey from an anesthetic to a multifaceted therapeutic agent is a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of medical science. Its ability to transcend its original purpose and provide solace to those grappling with complex conditions is a narrative of innovation and resilience. As research unfolds, ketamine continues to underscore the importance of reevaluating the roles of existing medications, potentially reshaping the future of medical treatment.
