The idea of therapy is not something that should be considered a one-size-fits-all approach. You have access to a variety of therapists with diverse backgrounds and training. Many treat patients using different approaches or methods, all geared to meet the patient where they are in the moment.
For many people, traditional therapy may be all that is needed to address their conditions or circumstances. For others, however, something a little more alternative may offer more benefits.
These are the instances where ketamine assisted psychotherapy could provide more effective results. Here’s a look at what it is and how it can be of help for various mental health conditions.
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What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Ketamine is used in medical settings for its pain relief properties. It can also be used as a psychedelic.
Between these two effects, ketamine has proved useful in treating a variety of conditions. Unfortunately, it is also developing a bit of a negative stigma because of misuse and possible addiction when used unsupervised among the general population.
Ketamine assisted psychotherapy involves the use of ketamine to evoke a trance-like state to work through mental health challenges. The ketamine sessions start with taking vitals and using talk therapy to work through any immediate anxieties to find a sense of calm. From there, you’ll receive your ketamine dose and wait for the effects to take place. Ketamine use may trigger some dissociative effects, leaving you with an out-of-body experience.
The important piece of the puzzle is going on this journey with a trained professional. They will be able to guide you through any thoughts and emotions that occur while you’re in an altered state.
Integration sessions focus on your experience with the ketamine and incorporate more talk therapy. Together with your therapist, you’ll be able to process any feelings you had with the ketamine use and learn how to tie the positive effects into your everyday life.
How Can Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Help?
Ketamine assisted psychotherapy is considered a non-traditional method of treatment, but it has proven to provide potential benefits to those suffering from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and PTSD.
Unlike traditional talk therapy methods, which can take an extended time to experience results, ketamine assisted psychotherapy can offer rapid symptom relief. This holds true especially when other methods have not been the most effective.
If you’re someone who struggles to open up about your feelings and deep dive into your experiences, this method could be helpful for you. Entering into an altered state allows you to approach being vulnerable in a safer way. If nothing else, you may feel more comfortable exploring negative or traumatic memories.
It’s also important to note that ketamine can have positive lasting impacts on brain function. The brain is resilient and goes through a process called neuroplasticity, i.e. the formation of new neural pathways. Using this type of medication can enhance the brain’s ability to form new connections and influence positive behavior changes.
Are There Any Risks?
As with any medication use, there are always possible side effects. With ketamine, side effects may include nausea, dizziness, elevated heart rate, or elevated blood pressure, but these are temporary. As mentioned above, you’re entering into an altered state, so dissociation is possible.
When using ketamine to work through mental health issues, be sure to do so after speaking with a health care professional and under the guidance of a trained therapist.
How Do I Start the Process?
Are you experiencing negative symptoms related to mental health challenges? Have you tried other therapy routes with little success? Reach out to us to get started with a free consultation. You can speak to one of our intake coordinators, and speak to our trained psychologist to get more information. Your healing journey can start today!
