Benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy over Ketamine Clinics
Introduction
Ketamine has emerged as having great mental health benefits. It has been shown to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, among other issues. With Ketamine clinics offering various routes of administration and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy entering the scene as another option, it can be difficult to determine the differences between the two. This article is dedicated to exploring the benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy over Ketamine clinics.
First, Some Clarification
It is important to delineate differences between services provided at Ketamine clinics and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Ketamine clinics administer the medicine in different ways including intravenous, intramuscular, sublingual, and as a nasal spray. Clinics often have therapists on staff but don’t always have a therapist present during the time that a patient is experiencing a Ketamine journey. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), on the other hand, is an intervention that involves the administration of Ketamine during a therapy session. This method involves a licensed therapist accompanying a client during the time they take the medicine and while they are undergoing their Ketamine journey. The therapist is present with the client while they reorient after a journey and integration work is undertaken during their subsequent therapy sessions. Here are three key benefits of KAP compared to Ketamine clinics.
Therapeutic Guidance and Integration Support
The focus of KAP goes beyond the administration of Ketamine, it involves dedicated therapy sessions before, during, and after the Ketamine experience. In KAP there are three types of therapy sessions, preparation, dosing, and integration sessions. The client is thoroughly prepared and supported throughout their experience. Integration support is particularly significant, as it allows clients to connect insights gained during a Ketamine dosing session to their daily lives. In contrast, Ketamine clinics generally provide treatment without therapeutic support, which can limit the long-term benefits.
Personalized, Trauma Informed Care
KAP is facilitated by licensed therapists who specialize in mental health, trauma, and emotional healing. Therapists adapt KAP to meet individual client's needs fostering a safe and compassionate space. In this setting, therapists can respond to trauma responses, helping clients feel supported and protected. Ketamine clinics on the other hand, are primarily staffed by medical professionals that are focused on the administration of Ketamine rather than addressing psychological needs. This makes KAP a better option for those with a history of trauma or complex trauma.
Long Lasting Benefits
One of the benefits of KAP is it's focus on long lasting benefits. By combining Ketamine treatment with psychotherapy, clients are able to explore their thoughts, patterns, and behaviors in a new light, promoting meaningful, lasting changes. The integration sessions are where the true transformation happens, the client has personalized support in making sense of their experience and incorporate insights into their lives. Ketamine clinics lack a psychotherapeutic component and may provide short term relief, but often miss the opportunity for lasting change.
Conclusion
Ketamine has become increasingly accepted as an intervention to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, among other problems. Ketamine clinics administer the medicine through different routes but often do not have a therapist present. KAP allows a client to experience Ketamine while being supported by a therapist who stays with them throughout the whole process. KAP also allows the client ample space to integrate their experiences into their lives.
If you are interested in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, please contact Melissa Solano, a trauma therapist seeing clients virtually throughout the states of Texas and Massachusetts. Melissa provides KAP as well as psychedelic integration for those receiving Ketamine treatment at a clinic or those who have had other psychedelic experiences outside of the therapy room.