Relationships can be deeply rewarding—but also incredibly complex. When traditional counseling isn’t enough, many couples are now turning to ketamine for couples therapy as a powerful tool for healing emotional wounds, improving communication, and fostering reconnection.
What is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been widely studied for its therapeutic benefits in mental health treatment. Ketamine was originally used in anesthesia but has gained recognition for its ability to help individuals with mental health conditions. More recently, ketamine is being used to aid in couples therapy.
There are two main models of ketamine treatment which are essential to understand for couples therapy: ketamine infusion therapy and ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP).
Ketamine Infusion Therapy
In standard ketamine therapy, patients typically receive a carefully dosed infusion of the drug under clinical supervision. Ketamine directly influences the brain’s electrical activity, affecting nerve circuits involved in emotional regulation. This can lead to immediate mood-enhancing effects and a reduction in mental health symptoms.
Ketamine infusion therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals in urgent need of relief from mental health conditions, or who haven’t responded to first-line mental health treatments.
If a relationship is struggling because one or both of the partners is struggling with severe mental health issues, ketamine infusion therapy could be most helpful in this context.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Unlike infusion therapy, KAP combines ketamine administration with psychotherapy. Ketamine has psychoactive effects, characterized by a dissociation–feeling seperate to one’s body and normal sense of reality. During this state, people often have changed ways of perceiving and feeling, which can lead to insight and emotional release, aiding the psychotheraputic process.
This treatment model is best suited for individuals looking to process and heal from trauma or those seeking self-development. For couples, KAP offers benefits to partners looking to overcome relationship wounds, or form a deeper connection.
What Makes Ketamine for Couples Therapy So Powerful?
Ketamine’s effects on the brain and emotional processing can make it a powerful tool for couples therapy. Here are some of the key benefits:
Increased Neuroplasticity
Ketamine enhances neuroplasticity, which describes the brain’s ability to re-organise neural pathways. Couples often get stuck in negative thought loops, repeating the same arguments and emotional patterns. By increasing neural flexibility, ketamine could help partners break free from these cycles and approach problems with fresh perspectives.
Reduced Negative Thinking
Negative affective bias is the tendency to perceive situations, emotions, and interactions more negatively than they actually are. This can be a major factor in relationship conflict, with partners perceiving the intentions and behaviours of their loved ones through a negative lens. Research has shown that ketamine reduces negative affective bias, which could allow individuals to interpret their partner’s words and actions in a more balanced, constructive way.
Addressing and Understanding Trauma
Many relationship struggles stem from unresolved trauma. KAP provides a safe space for individuals to process past wounds that may be affecting their relationship. By addressing trauma with the support of a trained therapist, couples can work through deep-seated issues and build a stronger emotional foundation.
Increased Empathy and Emotional Connection
One study found that ketamine reduces the distinction between self and affective touch from others, suggesting it may enhance emotional closeness and connection between partners. Additionally, animal studies suggest that ketamine may have entactogenic effects, promoting feelings of closeness and bonding.
The Ketamine Therapy Process for Couples at Kadelyx
At Kadelyx, ketamine-assisted couples therapy is designed to create a safe and supportive environment for emotional healing. The therapy process includes:
- Preparation: A therapist works with the couple to set intentions and discuss their relationship challenges.
- Guided Ketamine Session: The couple will undergo a three-hour journey where ketamine is administered via intramuscular (IM) injection. IM administration provides a steady and controlled experience, allowing couples to focus on emotional processing with a trained guide present.
- Integration Therapy: Within one to two days after the ketamine session, couples participate in integration therapy, where they process insights gained and discuss how to apply them in their relationship.
Cost of Ketamine Couples Therapy at Kadelyx:
- $1,000 per couple – Single Session
- $2,850 per couple – 3-Session Package ($950 per session)
- $5,400 per couple – 6-Session Package ($900 per session)
Who Can Benefit from Ketamine for Couples Therapy?
- Couples struggling with chronic conflict – Those who feel stuck in recurring arguments or negative patterns.
- Partners dealing with trauma, anxiety, or depression – When mental health challenges impact the relationship.
- Couples seeking deeper emotional connection – Those looking to strengthen their bond and enhance communication.
Key Takeaways
- Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) enhances neuroplasticity, reduces negative affective bias, and increases perspective-taking.
- Studies suggest that ketamine fosters empathy, emotional connection, and trauma processing.
- Kadelyx offers a structured and supportive ketamine therapy experience with a focus on preparation, guided sessions, and integration.
- Couples therapy with ketamine can be a transformative tool for those looking to improve communication, heal past wounds, and build a stronger relationship.
Ready to Explore Ketamine Therapy for Your Relationship?
If you and your partner are looking for a new path to healing and connection, Kadelyx can help. Contact us today to learn more about ketamine-assisted couples therapy and take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.
