Ketamine-Assisted Therapy
The Power of Psychedelic Medicine and Therapy
What is Ketamine Assisted Therapy?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a treatment approach that blends the use of ketamine, a short-acting psychedelic medication, with supportive and integrative psychotherapy. Unlike traditional therapy, KAP induces an expanded state of consciousness, allowing individuals to gain new insights and perspectives. By combining ketamine with psychotherapy, KAP offers a distinctive approach to healing that can result in profound therapeutic outcomes.
How It Works
Intake
In the initial assessments for Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), both therapy and medical assessments are completed. The therapy assessment delves into your history, goals, and suitability for KAP, including a discussion of risks, benefits, and confidentiality. The therapist openly communicates their approach to ensure your comfort. If you and your therapist agree to proceed, our medical team conducts a comprehensive assessment, discusses any necessary changes to current medications, and prescribes ketamine if appropriate.
Preparation
At Go Inward, we prioritize thorough preparation for Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) by creating a safe environment and providing psychological support for clients. We ensure a sense of safety, trust, and relaxation in the environment and help clients navigate their journey emotionally and psychologically before entering the altered state induced by ketamine.
Dosing Session
On dosing day, you'll be warmly welcomed at the office, where you’ll take your ketamine medication. Your therapist focuses on creating a soothing environment to help calm both your conscious and unconscious mind. For a more inward experience, we recommend using an eye mask. Additionally, your therapist selects music designed to enhance your ketamine session. Sessions typically last around 2 hours. Throughout the session, our team provides gentle medical monitoring to ensure your well-being.
Integration
Following the administration of ketamine, the process of integration begins. As you return to waking consciousness, you may encounter insights and experiences that require processing and integration into your daily life. Your therapist is experienced in guiding this journey and supports you in optimizing this period when your brain is more receptive to positive changes. This guidance enhances the long-term impact of the ketamine experience and aids in finding equilibrium and a sense of grounding after such a transformative journey.
It's important to note that ketamine-assisted therapy is not suitable for everyone, as it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors like medical history, current medications, and personal beliefs should be carefully considered when determining if psychedelic therapy is the right choice for an individual.
Is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Right For Me?
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Must be between 18-65 years old
Primary residence in a state other than NC
History of psychotic disorders
Current mania state
Active suicidal ideation
Active homicidal ideation
Ketamine use disorder
Obstructive or Central Sleep Apnea
Hypertension - Blood pressure greater than 140/90
History of Stroke
Heart Arrhythmia
Heart disease or history of cardiovascular event (myocardial infarction, unstable angina)
Acute or chronic kidney disease
Cystitis or bladder issues
Acute or chronic liver disease
Glaucoma or increased intraocular pressure
Increased intracranial pressure
Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
Untreated thyroid disorder
Active alcohol use disorder or unable to abstain for 48 hours pre/post KAP
Unable to abstain from benzodiazepine use for 48 hours pre/post KAP
Polypharmacy (combination of Lamictal, atypical antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, sleep medicine, benzodiazepines, or stimulants)
At Go Inward, we believe in harnessing the innate healing intelligence within each individual.
Ketamine serves as a catalyst, opening the door to new perspectives and healing potential. However, it's essential to recognize that the primary agent of healing is you.
Ketamine acts as a non-specific amplifier, allowing you to tap into your inner healer and make positive shifts in your life.
Whether you connect with this inner intelligence as a higher power, a gut feeling, or simply as intuitive decision-making, our focus is on fostering and encouraging this innate capacity for healing throughout your journey.