Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy™
Trauma-Informed Healing Through Ketamine and EMDR Therapy
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy™ is an innovative, trauma-informed, relational approach that thoughtfully combines ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This approach is designed to support healing from trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and deeply rooted emotional patterns—especially when traditional therapies alone have not been enough.
This work is grounded in safety, consent, and a strong therapeutic relationship, honoring your pace and inner wisdom throughout the process.
What Is Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy™?
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR therapy ™ integrates two evidence-based modalities:
· Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) to increase neuroplasticity, emotional openness, and cognitive flexibility
· EMDR Therapy to help the brain process and resolve traumatic memories and distressing life experiences
Ketamine, when used in carefully monitored, psycholytic* doses, can help soften defenses, reduce fear-based reactivity making accessing traumatic memories more tolerable, and supports the reconsolidation** of disturbing memories.
EMDR then accelerates and enhances the reprocessing of disturbing memories, which is also part of adaptive memory reconsolidation*, and increases access to adaptive memory networks.
Rather than forcing exposure as many trauma therapies do, Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy™ emphasizes gentleness, connection, and collaboration as the memory is accessed and then reprocessed.
*Psycholytic: a low to moderate dose of a psychoactive substance that is used to loosen psychological defenses without fully dissolving the sense of self.
** Memory reconsolidation is a neurobiological process in which a previously stored memory becomes temporarily unstable when it is recalled, allowing it to be updated, modified, or weakened before being stored again. In other words, when a memory is brought back into awareness, it is not simply replayed—it briefly becomes malleable. During this window, new emotional, cognitive, or bodily information can be integrated, so the memory is re-stored in an altered form. If trauma reprocessing with trauma therapies such as EMDR, KAP, or IFS (Internal Family Systems) has occurred the altered form should be more adaptive, have little emotional charge, and feel distant; like something that happened a long time ago.
How Ketamine Enhances EMDR Therapy
EMDR works by activating the brain’s natural capacity to process unresolved memories. Ketamine may enhance this process by:
· Increasing neuroplasticity and cognitive flexibility
· Reducing emotional overwhelm and fear responses
· Creating distance from rigid trauma narratives
· Supporting access to adaptive beliefs and resources
For some clients, ketamine allows traumatic material to be approached with less reactivity and more curiosity or compassion—making EMDR feel safer and more accessible.
Conditions Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy™ May Help
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR may be supportive for individuals experiencing:
· Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
· Complex or developmental trauma (complex PTSD)
· Childhood trauma or attachment wounds
· Treatment-resistant depression
· Anxiety disorders
· Grief
· Burn-out
· Pain conditions
· Some addictions
Careful screening helps determine whether this combined approach is appropriate for you.
Relational Approach
In my private practice, therapy is highly individualized. The therapeutic relationship is central, providing safety, attunement, and continuity across preparation, medicine, and integration sessions. This allows the work to unfold with depth and respect for your unique nervous system needs.
Sessions are unhurried and collaborative, with ongoing consent and choice emphasized throughout the process.
Safety, Ethics, and Medical Oversight
Safety and ethical care are foundational. All clients complete comprehensive medical screening with a ketamine prescriber prior to beginning KA-EMDR. Ketamine prescribers on my list are physicians, psychiatrists, physician’s assistants, naturopathic doctors, or psychiatric ARNPs trained in working with ketamine. After meeting with me, I can refer you to one of these trusted colleagues. Ketamine is administered at carefully controlled doses, and sessions are conducted in alignment with professional, medical, and ethical standards. Collaboration with medical prescribers ensures responsible and individualized care.
Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Right for You?
You may be a good fit for KAP if you: - Feel stuck despite previous therapy or medication trials - Are seeking a deeper, experiential approach to healing - Value relational, trauma-informed care - Are willing to engage in preparation and integration therapy.
Initial therapy sessions will allow us to explore whether Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy aligns with your needs, goals, and readiness.
Training & Certifications
I am a certified psychedelic therapy provider, which includes extensive training in KAP, by the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. I am also certified in KAP by Skylight Psychedelics.
Please note: If you are more interested in traditional ketamine assisted psychotherapy, please see the tab for that in the drop down menu.
Curious about KAP? Reach out today!
If you are curious about Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, I invite you to schedule a free, 15-minute, confidential consultation. This is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns, and determine whether this approach feels like a supportive next step.
Reach out today to begin a thoughtful, collaborative healing journey!
Links to ketamine research and information
https://askp.org/scientific-literature/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20008066.2025.2572861
https://www.skylightpsychedelics.com/ketamine