Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Compassionate, Personalized Care for Depression, Trauma, and Emotional Healing
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a gentle, yet powerful therapeutic approach offered in person in my office or via telehealth from the comfort of your home. It combines the use of ketamine—a legally prescribed medication—with relational, trauma-informed psychotherapy to support healing from depression, anxiety, PTSD, addictions, and chronic pain issues. Our work together is grounded in safety, trust, and deep respect for your lived experience.
The therapeutic modalities used in my approach to preparing and integrating your ketamine experiences are primarily EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), IFS Internal Family Systems). CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Mindfulness, and others are also used as needed.
What Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a structured therapeutic process that integrates medicine with meaningful psychological support. In carefully monitored doses, ketamine can help quiet habitual thought patterns and open a window of increased neuroplasticity. When paired with skilled psychotherapy, this state can allow for deeper insight, emotional processing, and reconnection with parts of yourself that may feel distant or burdened.
Unlike medication-only approaches, KAP is highly relational and intentional. The medicine supports the therapy, not the other way around.
How Ketamine Therapy Works
Ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants. Rather than primarily targeting serotonin, it influences glutamate pathways in the brain and supports neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections. This can help soften rigid patterns related to depression, anxiety, or trauma, creating space for new perspectives and emotional flexibility.
Clients often describe ketamine sessions as: - Feeling less overwhelmed by distressing thoughts or memories - Gaining distance from inner criticism or trauma narratives - Accessing compassion, clarity, or emotional insight - Experiencing relief from depressive or anxious symptoms
Each experience is unique and unfolds at its own pace.
Conditions Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy May Help
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy may be beneficial for individuals experiencing:
· Depression and Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
· Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
· Complex or developmental trauma (complex PTSD)
· Childhood trauma or attachment wounds
· Anxiety disorders
· Grief
· Burn-out
· Pain conditions
· Some addictions
KAP is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Careful screening and collaborative decision-making are essential parts of the process.
Relational Approach to KAP
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. This approach allows for depth, continuity, and care that honors the whole person, not just symptoms.
The Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Process
Preparation Sessions
Preparation sessions help you feel grounded, informed, and supported. We explore intentions, review medical and psychological considerations, and develop resources for navigating the ketamine experience. Preparation builds safety and helps the medicine work become more meaningful.
Ketamine Sessions
Ketamine sessions take place in a calm, supportive environment with medical oversight. The experience is typically inward-focused and may include music, eyeshades, and periods of quiet reflection. The therapist remains available for emotional support, gentle guidance, and relational attunement throughout the session.
Integration Sessions
Integration sessions help translate your ketamine experiences into lasting change. We reflect on insights, emotions, or imagery that emerged and explore how they relate to your daily life, relationships, and sense of self. Integration is where healing continues to unfold.
Benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
· Can provide relief when traditional therapies or medications have not helped
· Supports emotional openness and psychological flexibility
· May facilitate trauma processing in a titrated, supported way
· Strengthens insight, self-compassion, and connection
· Integrates seamlessly with ongoing psychotherapy
Safety, Ethics, and Medical Oversight
Safety and ethical care are foundational. All clients complete comprehensive medical screening with a ketamine prescriber prior to beginning ketamine assisted 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 and 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.