Ketamine Assisted Therapy

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: A Spiritual Journey 

What is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT/KAP) is an innovative approach to mental health treatment that combines the use of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, with psychotherapy. In our practice, we view KAT as not just a medical treatment, but as a spiritual journey that can lead to profound personal growth and healing.
Our Unique Spiritual ApproachWe believe in the power of KAT to facilitate deep spiritual experiences and personal transformation. Our approach is designed to create a sacred space for your inner exploration and healing. We treat each journey like ceremony. We do not operate in a clinical fashion, instead we create a warm, welcoming environment where you are never left alone.  
Spiritual Preparation: Before each ketamine session, we'll engage in spiritual practices such as meditation or intention-setting to prepare your mind and spirit for the journey ahead. We have many optional tools to offer to help your journey. Some of these tools include: shamanic drumming, ear acupuncture, Hapé, breathwork and sound healing. 
Sound Healing during Ketamine: To enhance your experience and guide your journey, we incorporate live sound healing during ketamine sessions. This creates a unique, immersive atmosphere that can deepen your spiritual connection and facilitate emotional release. Depending on the intention and energy of the journey this could include crystal bowls, rain sticks, drums, rattles, tongue drums, chimes, singing and more! There are no headphones with uninspiring music! As your guide, its important for me to be in the medicine space with you and music is essential in that. Holistic Integration: We view integration as a crucial part of the healing process. Our integration work combines traditional psychotherapy with spiritual practices, helping you make meaning of your experiences and apply insights to your daily life. Without integration the medicine work falls flat. Therefore, between every ketamine session we will integrate the journeys. 
How Does It Work?
Preparation: Before the ketamine session, we'll have preparatory therapy sessions to set intentions, discuss your goals, and introduce spiritual concepts that may be helpful during your journey. You will meet with McKinley LCSW for an intake. If she feels like you are a good fit then she will connect you with an APRN who will have their own intake. They will prescribe the troche to a compound pharmacy where you will pick it up. 

Program: Our work together includes 6 ketamine treatments and 6 integration sessions. 

Ketamine Administration: In a safe, comfortable, and spiritually-attuned environment, the client brings the troche and puts one under their tongue. It will dissolve in about 15 minutes. The option is there to add a booster troche. The dosage is carefully controlled to induce a gentle, altered state of consciousness. McKinley never leaves the room and is keeping eyes on you for any physical or emotional safety concerns. 
Benefits of Our Spiritual Ketamine-Assisted Therapy
Facilitates spiritual growth and self-discoveryEnhances connection to self, others, and the universePotential for transcendent or mystical experiencesCombines the neuroplasticity benefits of ketamine with spiritual healingHolistic approach addressing mind, body, and spirit
Is This Spiritual Approach to KAT Right for You?This approach may be particularly beneficial if you:
Are interested in exploring spirituality as part of your healing journeyResonate with holistic or alternative healing modalitiesAre open to sound as a therapeutic toolValue integration and ongoing personal growth work
Safety and ConsiderationsWhile our approach emphasizes the spiritual aspects of KAT, we maintain a strong commitment to safety and medical best practices. A thorough screening process will be conducted to ensure your safety and suitability for this treatment.Next StepsIf you're interested in exploring this spiritual approach to ketamine-assisted therapy, please contact us to schedule an initial consultation. We'll discuss your specific situation, and goals to determine if this innovative therapy aligns with your healing journey.

Ketamine Podcast

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Am I a good canidate?
 A: I work with and am trained to work with individuals who have treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, suicidality, and major and long-lasting grief. Treatment resistance implies that you have been to therapy, taken medication, tried to implement positive coping skills and you are seeing no relief.
 Q: What does ketamine feel like? 
A: Ketamine is a very joyful, hopeful medicine. Typically, people report feeling happy and can see how life could improve. This does not mean that difficult things do not come up. Typically its reported that the 'edge' is removed. Your body will feel heavy like you`re moving through mud. 
Q: What should I do to prepare? 
A: On the day of your treatment, you should fast as much as possible but stay hydrated. Due to the fact that we use troches, we want as little food in your stomach as possible. This will help with the bioavailability of the medicine. Try to keep life stressors down and utilize coping skills of getting outside, moving your body, meditating, and working to create a general sense of peace. 
Q: I do not want to do drugs 
A: In my practice, we view ketamine as medicine, it is sacred. We respect it, talk about it as a tool- not a solution. We have a conversation that ketamine could be addictive. It is a feel-good agent. It does exist on the street and people use it recreationally. We have these conversations and discuss ways where we can view it as a medical tool to help our inner healing. 
Q: What if something goes wrong? 
A: I never leave the room and am always watching for any signs of danger. If something happens I will call 911 and get the appropriate medical attention.
 Q: What if I do not want to do all 6 treatments? 
A: Your body your choice. Your journey is your choice. Evidence has said that 4-6 rounds close together is the most effective form of treatment. However, if you have this knowledge and only want to do a few rounds this is something we can discuss. 