Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

 Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Delve Deeper, Heal Further

You've done your research and you know how to do therapy. The self-exploration and the connection you gain with your therapist in therapy is something you genuinely enjoy. You've been around the block a few times because therapy has benefitted you in incredible ways. You're aware of your coping mechanisms and triggers, and you've worked hard to heal from past traumas.

But sometimes, despite all the work you've put in, there are still moments where it feels like something is missing. You've tried the traditional, tried and true methods of therapy, but it feels like you've hit a wall. You want to dive deeper. The patterns you want to reshape seem out of reach when you're in traditional therapy sessions. So, where do you go from here? Because you've given it your all but you're not fully satisfied with the results. You know you can heal further, but you just need the right tools and guidance to do so.

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy combines ketamine with guided sessions to enhance your healing process. Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, induces an altered state of consciousness. This psychedelic-assisted therapy is applied to various mental health concerns, including treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and more. At Spilove Psychotherapy, our primary focus is on providing psychedelic-assisted therapy to help you effectively resolve trauma. When the substance takes effect, you can utilize its impact to lower your defense mechanisms, allowing for more effective engagement in trauma resolution therapies.

Additionally, once you feel the substance take effect, you'll be able to delve deeper and access those wounds that are typically inaccessible. Often, these are the wounds causing your PTSD symptoms. You can then explore and process the traumas in a safe and guided space, leading to transformative healing. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has proven highly effective in treating trauma-related symptoms and improving overall mental health for many individuals like you.

You Can Find Your Place In The World Easier

Trauma responses can leave you feeling disoriented and disconnected from yourself and your surroundings. With ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, however, you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world. KAP not only allows you to pull back your defense mechanisms but has a significant anti-depressant effect. This creates an existential effect where you can be in a more relaxed state, evaluate your current situation and relationships, and make changes as needed. As a result, you can have an easier time finding your place in the world with more clarity and confidence.

In traditional therapy, your defensive mechanisms make the exploration of your inner world challenging. But with KAP, these mechanisms are lowered, the substance allows your mind to be more malleable to the therapeutic process. Therefore, enabling you to explore and gain insight into your trauma in a way that was previously inaccessible. This unique approach to therapy can help you move past your defensive mechanisms and dive deeper into your healing journey.

You Want to Learn More About Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy...

Whether you're looking for additional information to support your decision to pursue KAP or are interested in learning more about this innovative treatment option, you've come to the right place. We understand that seeking therapy can be a difficult decision and we want to provide you with all the information you need to feel confident in your choice. Here are some common questions and concerns about Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy:

  • Ketamine mainly targets the brain's NMDA receptors, which play a role in regulating glutamate, a crucial neurotransmitter related to learning and memory. By tweaking glutamate, ketamine helps form new neural pathways and boosts neuroplasticity, making it possible to "retrain" negative thought habits. This can be especially beneficial in breaking free from the cycles of depression or trauma.

    Furthermore, the unique action of ketamine provides a rapid onset of symptom relief, distinguishing it from traditional antidepressants. Researchers are continually exploring its potential in treating a variety of mood disorders, highlighting its innovative role in mental health care. The clinical application of ketamine represents a promising frontier in psychiatry, offering hope for those who have not responded to conventional treatments.

  • At therapeutic doses, ketamine is generally considered safe and non-addictive. However, if miss used in a recreational setting, ketamine can lead to dependency. In Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, the controlled and occasional use of ketamine, combined with therapy, is unlikely to result in addiction. Therapists and medical professionals closely monitor dosage and frequency. They focus on therapeutic outcomes and minimizing the risk of dependency.

    At Spilove Psychotherapy, our team is trained and experienced in administering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy safely and responsibly. We prioritize your well-being and will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Our goal is to help you heal and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Ketamine is typically safe when used under professional supervision, but there might be some side effects. These can include:

    Nausea. Common but usually mild; often managed with anti-nausea medication.

    Dizziness or Lightheadedness. Ketamine can make individuals feel unsteady, though these effects pass quickly.

    Hallucinations or Dissociation. While often mild, dissociation is an intended effect that can feel unsettling if unexpected.

    Mood Changes. Some clients may feel emotional or introspective following a session. It’s helpful to have a trusted support person nearby or arrange post-session integration.

    Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Bryn Mawr, PA is a powerful tool that can help individuals find relief from trauma, depression, and other mental health concerns. Our team of compassionate professionals understands the complexities of these conditions and is dedicated to providing personalized care through KAP. If you're interested in learning more about this groundbreaking treatment, please reach out to us for support and guidance on your journey towards healing.

  • Ketamine is administered in a controlled clinical environment to ensure safety, effectiveness, and therapeutic outcomes. The dosage is carefully customized for each individual, considering factors such as body weight, personal history, specific therapeutic goals, and any prior experiences with ketamine or similar medications. At Spilove Psychotherapy, we work closely with medical professionals specializing in ketamine treatment to ensure a safe and effective dosage. Various administration methods exist, each tailored for specific effects and purposes. The methods of ketamine administration include:

    Oral (lozenge or tablet): Common oral doses range from 100 to 300 mg. This form suits low to moderate-intensity sessions due to its gradual onset, reducing the likelihood of strong dissociative effects. This is the method of administration that we will be using in our Spilove Psychotherapy offices.

    Intramuscular injection (IM): IM dosing for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) typically falls between 0.5 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg of body weight, with adjustments for individual needs. This method provides a more immersive experience, often producing dissociative effects at higher doses, facilitating deeper therapeutic exploration.

    Intravenous infusion (IV): IV doses are measured in a controlled, gradual manner through titration, typically ranging from 0.5 mg/kg to 0.75 mg/kg. While more common in medical treatments, IV ketamine can be part of KAP when clinically appropriate.

We Want You Help You Overcome Your Deep-Rooted Pain

Imagine you have a heavy backpack full of rocks that you've been carrying for a really long time. These rocks and their heaviness are like your difficult memories or feelings. The ones that make you feel sad, scared, or angry. The ones that keep you stuck in the past and prevent you from fully living and enjoying your life. Sometimes, you don't even know how many rocks are in the bag because they are buried deep inside and hidden from view. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in Bryn Mawr, PA is as if you put on some special glasses that help you see inside that bag more clearly. It allows you to understand what each rock is and why it's there. And with the support of your therapist, you can begin to take them out. With each rock that is removed, the weight in your backpack becomes a little lighter, and you start to feel more free and less burdened.

At Spilove Psychotherapy, we will help you put on those special glasses. What are those glasses? Well, they are a combination of the unique effects of ketamine and our therapeutic approaches. Together, we will look at each rock and gently explore its meaning and impact on your life. We will examine how these experiences have shaped you and slowly remove them from your backpack, freeing you from their weight. Over time, you will find that your backpack is lighter and easier to carry, allowing you to move forward with strength and resilience.

What to Expect at Your First Session

You've done your research but the internet may not tell you exactly what happens during a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy session. We understand that starting something new can be intimidating and we want you to feel comfortable, informed, and empowered throughout your journey with us. Your prep sessions at Spilove Psychotherapy involve meeting with a doctor and your therapist. This is to determine which protocol or types of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy sessions you will engage in. After making your decision, reflect on the intention you want to focus on.

If your KAP session involves EMDR, you'll work with your therapist on EMDR preparation to get acquainted with the process and identify targets. Reflect and consider the areas where you feel stuck or topics that have been challenging to access. On the day of the session, keep food consumption light, particularly within two hours beforehand. Remember to bring an eye mask, a blanket, and wear comfortable clothing. Approach the session without high expectations and with an open mind. Initial sessions typically aim to help you acclimate to the ketamine experience and explore your inner world. Subsequent sessions can delve more into specific issues, triggers, or symptoms you wish to address with ketamine.

Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Right for Me?

Choosing KAP is a personal decision that requires careful consideration. For individuals facing long-term, treatment-resistant conditions, KAP offers a unique pathway for healing that may complement or accelerate the progress of traditional therapy. If you’re curious, consulting with a therapist experienced in KAP can provide more insight into whether it’s the right fit.

At its core, KAP is about opening doors to parts of the mind that may have been hard to reach before. It can be a deeply healing experience, providing new perspectives and facilitating emotional breakthroughs in a way that other therapies sometimes can’t. If you’re curious but uncertain, it might help to start by scheduling a free consultation with us to discuss the process in-depth, hear about other people’s experiences, and see if KAP feels right for you. However, here are some frequently asked questions to help you decide whether KAP is right for you:

  • Ketamine is deemed safe when used in controlled therapeutic environments with licensed professionals overseeing the process. At every stage of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), we prioritize safety to ensure a secure, supportive environment for clients undergoing this treatment. We follow protocols that include medical, psychological, and physical safeguards. Medical and psychological screenings are conducted in collaboration with our medical professionals who specialize in ketamine administration, assessing any potential risks or contraindications, such as certain heart conditions. The dosage of ketamine is carefully customized to each client and administered in a controlled setting.

    Side effects are generally mild, such as dizziness, nausea, or dissociation, and they typically fade soon after the ketamine effects diminish. During each session, clients are supported by a trained therapist experienced in KAP and trauma-informed care. After each session, we provide integration support to help clients make sense of their experiences, addressing any residual emotions or physical sensations. Clients have the opportunity to discuss their experience in detail, ensuring they feel supported in understanding and applying the insights gained during KAP. In recent years, ketamine has gained recognition for its potential in treating depression and anxiety, offering rapid relief for some individuals who haven't responded to traditional treatments. As research continues, it's increasingly important to ensure the use of ketamine is carefully managed and tailored to each person's unique needs to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is showing encouraging results in addressing several mental health challenges:

    Depression, including Treatment-Resistant Depression: KAP has proven effective for individuals who do not find relief from traditional treatments.

    Anxiety: Those with severe or treatment-resistant anxiety may experience relief through ketamine’s calming effects.

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): KAP provides a safe, controlled setting to help individuals process traumatic memories.

    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): By interrupting entrenched thought patterns, KAP offers potential relief for individuals with OCD.

    Chronic Pain and Related Conditions: Ketamine’s ability to reduce pain perception and enhance mental clarity makes it a valuable option in chronic pain management.

  • KAP presents a transformative opportunity for individuals who have not found relief through conventional therapies. Ideal candidates are those who:

    Have explored various treatment methods, such as medication and talk therapy, without adequate results.

    Are receptive to experiencing altered states of consciousness.

    Do not have a history of psychosis or specific medical conditions that could adversely interact with ketamine.

    Aim to address conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety, or chronic pain through a structured, therapy-supported approach.

    All candidates undergo a comprehensive screening process to ensure KAP is a safe and appropriate choice for them. At Spilove Psychotherapy, we take great care in providing personalized evaluations and treatment plans for our clients, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout their Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy in Bryn Mawr, PA journey. If you're interested in learning more or exploring whether KAP is right for you, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you on your path towards healing and growth.

  • The timeline for experiencing the benefits of ketamine varies between individuals, with symptom improvements often noticeable within the first few sessions. How many sessions are needed depends on the presenting problem and the client's goals or expectations. While 8 sessions can be a good starting point, especially for conditions like depression or anxiety, trauma may require more sessions to achieve desired outcomes.

    Ketamine's antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects tend to occur quickly, often within the initial treatments. The effects usually last from several days to weeks, influenced by factors like metabolism, treatment frequency, and overall mental health. Some patients might benefit from maintenance sessions to sustain these effects, while others could experience longer-lasting relief after an initial series of treatments.

Access the Parts of Yourself That Are Hard to Reach with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

At Spilove Psychotherapy, we believe in the transformative power of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy to help individuals access deep-rooted emotions and unconscious patterns that may be difficult to reach through traditional therapy methods. Our therapists have always known that psychedelic-assisted therapy can help people access parts of themselves that are difficult to reach in regular talk therapy. They've seen and heard many inspiring ways Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy has led to deep healing and growth. That's why we are offering this therapy modality to our clients, knowing it can help them in their trauma resolution and empower them on their journey toward mental and emotional well-being.

You won't just have your deep wounds soothed, but it will help you align with the depth and gateway of your inner experience to reconnect with your soul more fully. No longer will you feel bound by your trauma memories. You'll be able to delve deeper, heal further, and break free from the limitations of your past experiences. Together, we can explore the transformative potential of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and support you on your path towards lasting healing and growth. All so you can find relief, joy, and fulfillment in your life. If you think KAP may be right for you, we encourage you to reach out and take the first step towards a brighter future. Let us help you lighten your load and discover the full potential of your inner strength and resilience.

Heal Further with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Bryn Mawr, PA

If you've been through traditional treatment methods and are still struggling with mental health challenges, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Spilove Psychotherapy may be the next step in your healing journey. Our compassionate and empathetic therapists will guide you through this therapeutic process, helping you explore your inner self and find relief from your struggles. We are committed to helping you delve deeper and heal further, so you can live a happier, more fulfilling life. If you'd like to find out more about -Assisted Psychotherapy in Bryn Mawr, Philadelphia, and Online, follow the steps below.

  1. Contact us today for your FREE 15-minute phone consultation.

  2. Learn more about Ketamine-Assisted therapy at Spilove Psychotherapy.

  3. Break free from the limitations of your past experiences and explore lasting healing!

Other Therapy Services Offered at Spilove Psychotherapy in Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, & Online Throughout Pennsylvania & New Jersey

Along with specializing in KAP, our dedicated therapists provide additional counseling services. This includes trauma therapy and PTSD treatment, couples therapy, LGBTQ therapy, eating disorder treatment, and addiction therapy. Interested in group therapy over individual counseling? Our therapists also host a DBT skills group. Or if you would prefer life coaching over counseling we provide that as well.