Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

by Shelby Wall

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy combines the unique therapeutic capabilities of ketamine treatment with an integrated psychotherapy program to address not only the symptoms of anxiety and depression but also the negative thought patterns, traumas, habits, and old narrative that has been maintaining old behaviors. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy provides both rapid and effective relief from symptoms and the long-term healing gained from greater self-knowledge, emotional growth, and neural rebalance. 

What is Ketamine? How Does It Work?

Ketamine was developed in the second century as a safer alternative to other surgical anesthetics, and because of its efficacy and innovative safety profile, it was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and added to the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. 

Ketamine is now an “off-label” treatment for various chronic treatment-resistant mental health conditions, as well as for chronic pain. Ketamine is a Schedule III medication that has long been used safely as an anesthetic until now. Over the past two decades, it has become a popular remedy for psychiatric conditions and substance use disorders. When administered at doses lower than those used in anesthesia, ketamine works rapidly, effectively, and safely to improve symptoms in people living with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Like? How Long Does It Last?

At Recovery Without Walls, our ketamine-assisted psychotherapy sessions last an average of two to three hours, depending on the client. The preferred route of administration is intramuscular injection. Each client spends between 45 and 75 minutes in a psychedelic headspace. They then shift into a liminal space: “returning to the present moment or into the room.” During this time, clients are self-reflective and can discuss or process their experiences. They may gain a new perspective. Typically, three to six sessions are required. To foster a fully individualized experience, we only schedule one session at a time.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Mill Valley, CA

Over the years, integrative medicine practitioner Inna Zelikman has worked to uncover the benefits of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Her expertise has allowed numerous clients to find relief from treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, chronic pain, and other conditions. To learn more about psychedelic-assisted treatment, contact the Recovery Without Walls office.

To learn more about ketamine therapy for depression, substance use disorder, or chronic pain, please contact us today.

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