If you’re considering ketamine therapy for the first time, it’s natural to wonder what it may feel like. We’re asked this question all the time. And while the experience is different for everyone, there are some common emotional, physical, and psychological sensations that many people report during and after ketamine therapy.
So, how does ketamine therapy make you feel? Find out here.
See below for an overview of what ketamine therapy can feel like, including before, during, and after a session – and how these sensations can support deep healing.
Most people come into their first session feeling a mix of curiosity, nervousness, and hope.
At Eulas, we spend time in preparation sessions to help you feel grounded and informed before your first dose. You’ll discuss your goals, intentions, and any concerns with your therapist. Some people describe this part as calming.
You are typically seated or lying down in a comfortable setting, with soothing music, dimmed lights, and supportive presence from our team.
Once ketamine is administered via infusion, its effects begin within minutes. The entire session usually lasts 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the individual and treatment plan.
Here’s what you might feel throughout this session.
One of the most consistent effects is a shift in how you perceive yourself and the world. This might include:
Some describe it as stepping outside themselves, a temporary pause from the usual noise of depression or anxiety. This can feel strange at first, as well as peaceful. It might even be challenging for some people, especially if they encounter difficult emotions. But in the right setting, it’s also incredibly safe and supportive. Your therapist is with you, helping you navigate and process whatever arises.
You might access memories you hadn’t thought about in years, or feel clarity around something you’ve been stuck on. These insights often don’t come in words as they’re felt, not just thought. That’s part of what makes ketamine therapy so powerful.
People may experience:
Many people describe a sense of clarity and calmness during the session. The mental noise of depression, anxiety, or trauma often fades into the background, creating a sense of spaciousness.
It’s not always euphoric. But it can feel like finally taking a deep breath after years of holding it in. Some people feel incredibly relaxed, even sleepy, while others feel energised and aware. There’s no right way to feel, as it’s all part of the healing process.
As the ketamine wears off (typically within 1 to 2 hours), you’ll gradually return to your normal state of consciousness. Most clients feel calm, slightly reflective, and emotionally open.
This is where integration therapy comes in and why it’s so important. You and your therapist will gently explore:
Some people can have emotionally intense sessions. This is when difficult feelings or past traumas come to the surface, and it’s often where the deepest healing begins.
At Eulas, our trauma-informed therapists are trained to guide you through these moments safely. We never push, rush, or pathologise your experience. We listen, support, and honour your process.
Physically, ketamine can feel a bit unusual. Some common effects include:
These sensations typically pass within a few hours, and our medical staff monitors your safety and comfort throughout.
While the acute effects wear off within a few hours, the emotional and mental changes can last days, weeks, or even longer, especially when supported by integration therapy.
Feeling more grounded or connected, experiencing a reduction in depressive symptoms, improved sleep, and an increased ability to manage emotions or triggers are also common as you progress through your complete ketamine therapy programme.
At Eulas, we follow up regularly and adjust your treatment plan as needed. You’re never left wondering what comes next.
To recap, this article presents a treatment method that can be peaceful, challenging, expansive, emotional, insightful, and transformative. It’s completely personal and a unique experience. But most of all, it’s an opportunity to help you feel like you again. You’ll meet yourself in a new way, free from old patterns, with space to feel, heal, and grow.
We believe that healing should be safe, supported, and deeply personal. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have tried everything else, ketamine therapy might offer the shift you’ve been waiting for.
Contact us for a free consultation with our expert team to discuss eligibility and learn how ketamine assisted psychotherapy can support your unique mental health journey. Our team will discuss all the details needed to ensure you’re able to decide whether it’s right for you.
Call us today on 0169 862 8178 or email info@eulasclinics.com for more information.
