Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
We offer ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in-person in our Thousand Oaks, California office, as well as virtually for clients throughout California and Washington.
KAP is a form of psychedelic assisted therapy using ketamine - a legal and safe psychedelic medicine. This treatment modality can be helpful for clients that are experiencing depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and symptoms related to trauma. Clients often report that adding ketamine assisted psychotherapy to their treatment has helped them to deepen their healing process by catalyzing important breakthroughs throughout the therapy process. The psychotherapy models that we practice – EMDR Therapy and Internal Family Systems therapy – dovetail very nicely with ketamine treatment.
Ketamine offers both antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, making it a valuable treatment for various mental health conditions. By blocking NMDA receptors and stimulating AMPA receptors, ketamine is thought to promote the formation of new synaptic connections in the brain. This enhancement of neuroplasticity can help individuals break free from rigid, unhelpful patterns, allowing for greater mental flexibility and emotional healing. Learn more about ketamine and the brain.
As a medicine, ketamine is very safe. The effects vary based on the dose, often creating sensations of being "disconnected" from the body, which can lead to shifts in perception that feel expansive and transformative. On average, the effects last for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, which makes it a great tool for psychotherapy sessions as compared to other psychedelic medicines that last for much longer (such as psilocybin or MDMA).
We offer two distinct methods of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): the psychedelic method and the psycholytic method. Both methods aim to enhance neuroplasticity and facilitate emotional healing, and we work with each client to determine which method is most appropriate based on their therapeutic goals and personal preferences.
Psychedelic Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
In the psychedelic method, a relatively higher dose of ketamine is administered, leading to a profound, altered state of consciousness. This experience often includes vivid imagery, deep emotional exploration, and a sense of being disconnected from the body. These expansive, non-ordinary states can offer powerful insights and help clients access unconscious material that may be difficult to reach through traditional talk therapy alone. Clients are encouraged to explore and reflect on their inner experience, followed by an integration process to make sense of the insights gained. Psychedelic KAP sessions typically last between 2 to 3 hours. We offer these sessions both in office and virtually.
Psycholytic Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
The psycholytic method of KAP involves a relatively lower dose of ketamine, which induces a mild to moderate alteration in consciousness. In this approach, the effects are more subtle, allowing clients to remain more connected to their emotions and thoughts while still benefiting from ketamine’s ability to reduce defenses and enhance therapeutic exploration. The psycholytic state facilitates deeper emotional processing and can accelerate breakthroughs in therapy without the intensity of a full psychedelic experience. This method allows for more interaction and dialogue during the session, blending the benefits of ketamine with the psychotherapeutic process. Psycholytic KAP sessions typically last between 75 to 90 minutes. We offer these sessions both in office and virtually.
Partnerships with Medical Professionals for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
We partner with Journey Clinical and Mariel Bosserman, Nurse Practitioner for clients who want to receive sublingual ketamine as part of their Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy plan.
Read About KAP Partnership with Journey Clinical
Psychedelic Preparation and Psychedelic Integration
In addition to offering Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), we also extend our services to provide psychedelic preparation and integration sessions. These sessions are tailored to support clients who are considering or have experienced psychedelic journeys outside of our practice. Prior to their psychedelic journey, we collaborate with clients to cultivate a mindset conducive to healing and growth. Afterward, in integration sessions, we work together to process and integrate insights gained, empowering clients to incorporate their experiences into their personal journey of self-discovery and healing. Our goal is to provide comprehensive support, ensuring clients feel equipped to navigate their psychedelic experiences with understanding and resilience.