What is ketamine assisted psychotherapy?

Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a treatment modality that combines the therapeutic benefits of psychotherapy with the pharmacological and psychedelic effects of ketamine.

KAP involves a four-step process: screening, preparation, medicine experience, and integration.

The first step, screening, involves a thorough assessment of the patient's medical and psychiatric history, as well as any medications they may be taking. As we’ve stated before in previous blogs, this step is the most important when it comes to safety.  The screening process also is a time for clients to better understand what KAP entails, to allow people to ask questions about the process and make sure it is a right fit for them.  During the screening it is also determined the best approach for treatment, in terms of number of sessions and how far apart they will be spaced.  This is usually dictated by severity of diagnosis and how chronic certain issues have been for someone.

The second step, preparation, involves getting the patient ready for the experience.  This begins with inviting the client to share their background, and begin to create a roadmap of where the client would like to explore.  During the preparation phase we explore intentions for doing this work and setting goals and looking at expectations.  Another important part of preparation involves educating the patient about ketamine and psychedelic therapy.  We also talk about what to expect for their journeys and giving people tools to navigate the experience.  Overall, preparation is about creating a comfortable and safe environment for the patient.

The third step, the medicine experience, is the actual ketamine session. The patient is typically given a low dose of ketamine through intramuscular injection by the physician.  The patient is seated in a comfortable recliner with blankets and is given eye-shades and headphones.  This technique is common in psychedelic therapy as it encourages one to go ‘inward’.   During the experience, the patient may experience a range of sensations, altered perception of time and space, traveling to a distant place.  The experiences in terms of content are limitless and vary from person to person.  We believe that whatever comes up in the experience is meant to be looked with curiosity.  The therapist is with the patient the entire time and may help guide the patient if in need of support.  During the height of the medicine experience patients are typically not interacting with the therapist, they are encouraged to ‘be in’ the experience.  Once the medicine begins to wear off (40 min to 1hr) the patient is then able to begin interacting with the therapist.   This can be an interesting part of the therapy as client’s begin to process their experiences and begin to make connections about certain intentions.

The fourth and final step, integration, involves helping the patient integrate the insights and experiences gained during the ketamine session into their daily life.  The integration session allows the patient and therapist to look at the medicine experience and see what can be learned, what can the patient take with them into their lives to create change.  Integration sessions can also act as preparation sessions for the subsequent medicine experience.  All in all the integration sessions may uncover interventions to help support the patient's long-term well-being. 

It's important to note that in KAP, the medicine itself is the therapy. Rather than simply masking symptoms, KAP aims to create long-term change by addressing underlying psychological and emotional issues. KAP is not a quick fix, but rather a powerful tool for supporting ongoing personal growth and healing.

Listen to our podcast to learn more!