Ketamine assisted therapy

Having worked previously at a local ketamine clinic and combined with my training from The Living Medicine Institute here in Asheville, North Carolina, I have seen the remarkable changes KAP brings to people’s lives. Using mindfulness, somatic-parts work (rooted in Internal Family Systems and Somatic Experiencing), transpersonal psychology, and trauma-informed care, these approaches provide a context to help you process your experiences emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically, before, during, and after the medicine. 

How the KAP process works

Step 1:
Schedule a free consultation with me to ensure it’s a good fit

Step 2:
Schedule your free intake and evaluation with Skylight Psychedelics

Their medical provider will ensure you are physically and psychologically a good candidate for the treatment. Once cleared, you receive an approval email and a form indicating we are working together. The ketamine lozenge prescription is delivered by mail. 

Step 3:
Preparation psychotherapy sessions with me

Step 4:
Begin KAP Series with me (In-Person and Virtual options)

Begin with 3-6 ketamine treatment sessions (2 hours each). Expect to be lying in a relaxed position, wearing an eye mask, and having the music and myself as your therapy guides. A prep session the day before your treatment will help focus your intention, an integration session the day after treatment will help with consolidation. 

Step 5:
Maintenance Phase 

KAP sessions are available as needed based on the treatment plan in order to maintain treatment outcomes.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine, the first legal and widely used psychedelic drug, softens the default mode network so that the mind is less constricted and thus able to recognize more possibilities. Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine has been studied in over 70 Phase clinical trials for psychiatric disorders and has been found effective for the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, end-of-life distress, and addictions. 

When combined with psychotherapy, the flexible and undefended mind often finds increased insight, self-acceptance and lasting solutions. With its ability to quickly improve mood and cognitive processes in a way that traditional antidepressants can’t. When paired with psychotherapy, KAP can open up new pathways for emotional healing, even in areas that might have been hard to access before.

Additional KAP FAQ

  • The client brings their lozenges to our session, in a nurturing and comfortable space of my office. While under the influence of the medicine, we engage in a therapy session exploring the material discussed in the preparatory sessions. These sessions typically take two hours, and the client is under the influence of the ketamine for about an hour. 

    The client is encouraged to focus their attention inward and can listen to music and wear eye shades. At no time will your therapist handle the medication. Prior to taking ketamine, we will measure your blood pressure using a wrist cuff. 

  • KAP Protocol recommends that clients take their prescription, six doses, over the course of 2-3 weeks. Your therapist will work with you about a cadence that feels more appropriate if you feel uncomfortable with 6 doses over 2-3 weeks. The number of KAP sessions depends on the client’s needs. On average, clients use 4-15 KAP sessions. This can be discussed in more detail prior to starting treatment. 

  • Between KAP sessions, we meet to integrate the material that arose in the KAP sessions. This is where the magic happens because as you reflect on your experience and where your Inner Healer wanted to take you, you can start weaving these insights into your life. This phase helps you process and internalize your experiences, making lasting changes in your emotional health that are grounded and sustainable. 

  • Clients must wait to drive until they are no longer under the influence of the medicine, and that’s a minimum of 2 hours waiting at the office. Clients are generally able to work after, and clients often arrange someone to pick them up after the appointment. 

  • The client pays for the ketamine separately.