Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy

(KAP)

A New Path Forward When Traditional Therapy Isn’t Enough

Talk therapy has been transformative—and at times life-saving—for countless individuals. Yet for some, even after years of effort, relief from symptoms can remain out of reach. When this happens, non-traditional therapeutic tools may offer a more effective way forward. One of the most promising of these tools is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP).

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a medication widely known for its pain-relieving and dissociative properties. In medical settings, it has been used safely for decades as part of general anesthesia and pain management. Depending on dosage and method of administration, ketamine can create:

  • Reduced sensitivity to pain

  • Relaxed, dream-like or hypnotic states

  • Deep dissociation or trance states

Although ketamine has sometimes been misused recreationally, its therapeutic applications in mental health have grown rapidly, backed by decades of research and clinically supervised treatment protocols.

What Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

KAP combines the trance-inducing effects of ketamine with the structure and support of psychotherapy. In this state, individuals are often able to access painful emotions, memories, or beliefs that are normally guarded by the mind’s natural defenses.

As a certified KAP provider in California & Nevada, I guide clients through the therapeutic process. (Note: I do not prescribe ketamine; prescribing is handled by a licensed medical provider.)

Why Ketamine? A Look at the Research

Research into psychedelic-assisted therapy—including psilocybin and MDMA—has been promising, but ketamine has emerged as a front-runner for several reasons:

  • First used in psychiatric treatment in 1973

  • Strong evidence supporting treatment of depression, trauma, and addiction

  • FDA approval in 2019 for a ketamine-based treatment for treatment-resistant depression

  • Effective in major depressive disorder (MDD), PTSD, OCD, and some substance use disorders

KAP is not a “quick fix,” but it can create breakthroughs that may take years to reach through traditional talk therapy alone.

How a KAP Session Works

  1. Evaluation & Preparation
     You’ll meet with your provider to discuss your history, goals, and treatment plan.

  2. Ketamine Administration
     During a session, you relax in a quiet, comfortable environment—often with calming music and an eye mask.
    Ketamine may be administered as:

    • A dissolvable lozenge

    • A nasal spray

  3. Onset typically takes about 10 minutes, depending on the method.

  4. The Experience (45–60 minutes)
     As the medication takes effect, clients often experience a dissociative, inward-focused state. This can lower emotional barriers and allow deeper access to emotions, memories, or insights.

    A therapist remains present throughout the session for grounding, safety, and support.

  5. Integration
     After the experience, we process what came up and translate those insights into meaningful therapeutic progress. Integration may continue in follow-up sessions, with or without additional ketamine.

Potential Side Effects

Most clients experience minimal side effects, though some may notice:

  • Nausea

  • Dizziness

  • Increased heart rate

  • Brief disorientation

As with any therapy involving emotional exploration, symptoms may temporarily intensify before improvement occurs. A detailed plan is created to support you throughout the process.

Why Clients Choose KAP

Many clients describe KAP as a catalyst for:

  • Breaking through long-standing emotional blocks

  • Processing trauma that once felt unbearable

  • Accessing repressed memories

  • Experiencing renewed meaning, clarity, and purpose

  • Accelerated therapeutic progress

While research is ongoing, KAP has already opened the door to healing for individuals who have struggled to find relief through more traditional methods.

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