Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?
KAP is a holistic modality in which therapist-guided ketamine experiences are woven into the psychotherapeutic process. These experiences, paired with ketamine’s antidepressant effects, can help clients to go deeper and experience more frequent breakthroughs in therapy. Ketamine is a legal, safe, and effective medicine used to treat a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
How does ketamine work?
Ketamine works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors as well as by stimulating AMPA receptors, which are thought to help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. Ketamine has been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity, often making it easier for clients to self-reflect and make needed life changes.
How is ketamine used to support the therapy process?
When introducing ketamine to the psychotherapeutic process, I provide comprehensive psychedelic preparation and integration support. This means that we are giving care to your medicine experience both before and after you have it. During preparation, we’ll plan for your medicine session, explore your intentions, and discuss any questions or concerns you have. During integration, I work with a variety of modalities to support meaning making, insight, and symptom reduction.
How do I get started with KAP?
Prior to referring potential KAP clients to my medical partner for evaluation and ketamine prescription, I typically require that we meet for at least 2-4 regular psychotherapy sessions. During this time we’ll explore your history and reasons for choosing KAP, and begin our therapeutic work together. To get started with therapy, click here.
I offer telehealth and in-person psychotherapy to adult individuals, couples, and multi-person relationships. For clients across New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, therapy is available via a secure online video platform. For those located near New Haven County, in-person appointments are available at my office.