The purpose of a ketamine session is to generate robust antidepressant benefits—along with support for PTSD, anxiety, and other conditions—that often develop gradually through repeated treatments. This process is well established in the medical field and is typically administered in a clinic through an IV.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) combines the medication with psychotherapy. The benefit of this approach is the ability to talk through the experience and gain insight, as unconscious thoughts and memories are often more accessible during a session. This is because the amygdala—the part of the brain that modulates emotions—is at rest. As a result, stored memories can surface without the fear response being activated.

A trained KAP therapist, such as myself, helps clients make meaningful connections and release stored memories that may be interfering with present-day life. While this might sound intimidating, most people experience it as peaceful. The part of the brain that normally generates emotional distress is quiet, allowing difficult memories to arise in a more digestible, manageable way.

As a trained KAP therapist under renowned psychiatrist Dr. Phil Wolfson, I combine my experience as a trauma and body-centered therapist with a spiritual dimension. This approach can help you feel more connected to a “greater force” or “higher power” as you settle in with an eye mask and allow the ketamine to flow through your system.

Sessions may include body scans, rituals, poetry, breathing exercises, intention setting, and customized music to support your experience. As the ketamine begins to wear off, we transition into dialogue to help you integrate insights and gain deeper psychological understanding of your present-day struggles.

The sense of privacy in my office contributes to what I call the “nest”—a comfortable, protected space to do this work. The office includes soundproofing so you won’t be interrupted by outside noise. Privacy and comfort are essential elements that help enhance the overall experience.

Sessions are two hours in length. If you are new to therapy with me, we will meet several times beforehand to build a clearer understanding of your struggles so they can be thoughtfully integrated into the experience. The medicine on its own has antidepressant and anti-anxiety benefits; however, it’s the processing of the abstract thoughts and memories that often leads to longer-lasting change.

I have partnered with Journey Clinical (www.journeyclinical.com), which provides the medication. Their experienced medical team conducts eligibility screenings and prescribes the ketamine. If you are serious about taking this step, you can contact Journey Clinical for an initial psychiatric appointment, which is conducted online. They will communicate directly with me as we move through your KAP sessions in my office.

After the first visit, you will receive an initial dose, followed by additional doses as treatment progresses. If you have any questions, I’m happy to walk you through the process, as it can feel new or different from traditional therapy sessions.

I use sublingual lozenges, which you will place under your tongue and allow to dissolve over a 10–15 minute period. The lozenges are prescribed by Journey Clinical and sent to the address of your choice. You’ll bring your dose with you to my office each time we meet.

Consider your ketamine experience as a form of psychological surgery. Like any other surgery, self-care and rest are essential afterward. Plan for a gradual and gentle return to your normal activities for the remainder of the day.