Introduction to ketamine therapy
Ketamine therapy is a unique and innovative treatment, tailored for those who want to confront past traumas, improve mental health struggles, and decrease pain in a controlled environment. The treatments are personalized and conducted with strict medical safety protocols and careful supervision, ensuring that recipients feel safe and calm during the entire therapeutic process.
Ketamine is used in treating various mental and physical symptoms, suited for those who find traditional treatments ineffective or insufficient. Ketamine therapy can help in helping conditions such as:
- Depression
- Generalized and social anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Chronic pain
- Substance use and addiction-related disorders
- Hospice and palliative care needs
- Personal development and trauma healing
The importance of “Set and Setting”
When talking about ketamine therapy, it’s important to mention “Set and Setting”, an essential element of the ketamine therapy experience. “Set” refers to the mindset, and “Setting” refers to the physical location where the ketamine treatment is being conducted. Kadelyx balances professionalism with warmth and attentiveness, creating an environment that encourages trust and emotional safety for every individual.
Before each session, an experienced Guide preps the recipient through breathwork and meditation, making them more comfortable and at ease before the therapy session. The therapy is done in a thoughtfully designed space, fostering comfort and relaxation.
The structure of ketamine therapy sessions
Similar to traditional therapy, the participant is slowly introduced to the healing process. Most ketamine therapy sessions contain three phases to reach deep emotional calmness and a sense of relaxation throughout the entire session. Each phase is thoughtfully monitored and includes the steps that promote healing and meaningful progress. The phases include:
- Preparation (A Guide facilitates mindfulness exercises and meditation to get recipients to enter a focused, calm, and open mindset before starting the therapeutic experience.)
- Medication (Once ready, patients receive precise doses of ketamine through injections or infusions by a medical professional. Sensory deprivation devices like eye masks and headphones are available to reach a therapeutic dissociative state. The dissociative state usually lasts between 40 minutes to 90 minutes after the first ketamine injection.)
- Integration (After gaining clarity from the dissociation state, patients receive grounding techniques and assistance after the session. This part of the treatment involves processing the emotions and creating a space for introspection.)
The different types of ketamine therapy
There are various types of ketamine treatments, depending on the personal needs and preferences of the recipient. Each treatment is carefully personalized to ensure the safety and effectiveness. Mental health, medical history, and the overall goal of the therapy is a determining factors in choosing the right treatment. With the help of professional Guides, a supportive and effective treatment plan is tailored to each patient’s healing journey.
| Type of ketamine therapy | Total Clients in Room | Guide Always at Bedside | Session Duration | Choice of Guide | Preparation and Integration | Route of Administration |
| Guided | 1 | Yes | 2.75 Hours | Yes | Extended | IM (injections) |
| Semi-Guided | 1 | No (Guide medically monitors from outside the room) | 2.25 Hours | No | Limited | IM or IV (injections or infusions) |
| IV Ketamine Infusions | 1 | No (Guide medically monitors from outside the room) | 2 Hours | No | Limited | IV (infusions) |
| Couples Ketamine Therapy | 2 | Yes | 2.75 Hours | Yes | Extended | IM (injections) |
| Group Ketamine Therapy | Up to 4 | Yes | 2.75 Hours | No | Extended | IM (injections) |
Emotional and cognitive effects of ketamine therapy
Ketamine-based treatments offer a unique approach to healing, compared to traditional psychological therapy. It is said that patients enter a dream-like state and lightness, almost as if they are floating. This feeling, paired with a curated playlist based on intention and blindfolds, is used to further the recipient’s dissociation. After reaching full clarity and consciousness, the treatment includes journaling immediate insights to further the therapeutic benefits.
The effects can be rapid, with some patients reporting profound improvements after the first session. This type of treatment is stimulating and said to promote neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new neural connections).
Possible side effects:
- Dissociation
- Mild nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
Therapeutic benefits of ketamine therapy
Ketamine therapy is a complex and versatile treatment used in pain relief, psychotherapy, and sedation, suited for those suffering from mental health challenges and painful conditions (it can also be helpful for those dealing with treatment-resistant conditions). Ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic, now it’s used in therapeutic settings for emotional healing and personal transformation. The number of sessions is subjective, based on the individual’s needs. A typical treatment plan consists of six closely scheduled sessions and booster sessions if needed.
Many patients reported improvement in emotional well-being and overall symptom reduction after the first few treatments, often experiencing noticeable changes and gaining benefits such as:
- Rapid symptom relief
- Processing trauma
- Reduction of depression and anxiety
- Enhancing emotional resilience and promoting positive thoughts
Navigating mental struggles and living in pain shouldn’t be the norm, as ketamine therapy offers evidence-based steps towards healing. To learn more or book a ketamine therapy session, visit our homepage.
