Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative approach that combines the administration of ketamine with psychotherapeutic interventions. Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has gained attention in recent years for its rapid and robust antidepressant effects. When used in conjunction with psychotherapy, ketamine can facilitate emotional breakthroughs, enhance psychological insights, and promote neuroplasticity.
KAP typically involves a series of ketamine sessions interspersed with psychotherapy sessions. The ketamine dosage used in KAP is subanesthetic, meaning it is lower than what would be used for general anesthesia. This allows clients to remain conscious and engaged in the therapeutic process.
How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy works
The Three Parts of a KAP Session Cycle
Medicine is one part of the work. Preparation and integration are where the change is made.
Medical screening with the prescribing clinician, then sessions with your therapist to set intentions and learn what to expect.
Your therapist stays with you throughout. Eyeshades and music support an inward, reflective state while the medicine is active.
Follow-up therapy sessions to make sense of what came up and turn insight into changes in daily life.
The cycle repeats across a series. Ketamine is prescribed and monitored by a licensed medical provider; your therapist guides the psychotherapy.
What to expect
The experiences induced by ketamine can include altered perceptions of time and space and access to unconscious material. When processed with a trained therapist, these experiences can lead to significant psychological insights and emotional breakthroughs. Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to show effects, ketamine can produce noticeable improvements within hours to days.
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