Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

Discover the transformative power of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) – a pioneering psychedelic therapy treatment for mental health. Our experienced therapists use ketamine to help you reach a deeper level of insight and healing.

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The resurgence of ketamine as a treatment for mental health

Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a form of psychotherapy that involves the use of the drug ketamine to enhance the therapeutic process. KAP sessions are typically conducted with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist, who guides the patient through the experience while also providing therapeutic support.

Ketamine is used as a treatment for certain mental health conditions, such as mood disorders, anxiety and depression. It involves the administration of a low dose of ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic, through an intravenous (IV) infusion. The treatment is typically administered in a medical setting over a period of 40 minutes to two hours, and patients may require several treatments over the course of several weeks or months.

How Does Ketamine Work?

Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist, which means it blocks the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. This blockage leads to an increase in the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate, which triggers a cascade of downstream effects that are thought to play a role in the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of ketamine.

Additionally, ketamine has been shown to increase the activity of certain brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNFs), which promote the growth and survival of neurons in the brain. This increase in BDNF activity may contribute to the neuroplastic changes that occur in response to ketamine treatment, helping to reset neural circuits that are disrupted in conditions like depression and anxiety.

Potential Side Effects

Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is generally considered safe when administered by a trained and experienced medical professional in a medical setting. However, as with any medical treatment, there are potential risks and side effects associated with KAP.

Some of the potential risks of ketamine assisted psychotherapy may include:

  • Physical side effects: Ketamine may cause physical side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness during and after the infusion.
  • Psychological side effects: Ketamine may cause psychological side effects such as anxiety, confusion, and hallucinations during and after the infusion.
  • Dependency: There is a potential risk for dependency on ketamine with repeated use, which is why ketamine treatments are closely monitored.
  • Interactions with medications: Ketamine may interact with other medications the individual is taking, leading to potentially harmful effects.
  • Discomfort during infusion: Some individuals may experience discomfort or anxiety during the infusion process.

Combining Ketamine With Psychotherapy

While Ketamine is known to work rapidly in treating mental health conditions, its effects are often short-lived. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, can help individuals reframe their thoughts and behaviors and achieve long-lasting improvements in their mental health. This combination approach can be particularly effective in maximizing the benefits of both modalities.

Recent research has indicated that the addition of Ketamine to psychotherapy can enhance the therapeutic outcomes for certain individuals. Another advantage of this approach is that patients typically require much lower doses of medication compared to traditional antidepressants. At Eulas, we believe that combining Ketamine and Psychotherapy can provide a comprehensive and personalised treatment approach for individuals struggling with their mental health.

Psychedelic Therapy: a re-emerging therapeutic paradigm

In clinical research settings around the world, renewed investigations are taking place on the use of psychedelic substances for treating mental health illnesses and conditions. Since the termination of a period of research from the 1950s to the early 1970s, most psychedelic substances have been classified as “drugs of abuse” with no recognised medical value.

However, controlled clinical studies have recently been conducted to assess the basic psychopharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy of these drugs as adjuncts to existing psychotherapeutic approaches. Central to this revival is the re-emergence of a paradigm that acknowledges the importance of set (i.e., psychological expectations), setting (i.e., physical environment) and the therapeutic clinician–patient relationship as critical elements for facilitating healing experiences and realising positive outcomes. 1

 

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Treatment Process

1. Assessment

To ensure that Ketamine assisted psychotherapy is a safe and effective treatment option for you, our medical team will conduct a thorough assessment before administering the treatment. This assessment will involve reviewing your medical history, current health status, and any medications or treatments you are currently undergoing. With your consent, we will also review your medical records held by your GP to gain a comprehensive understanding of your medical background.

2. Preparation Sessions

There are two preparation sessions, which can be conducted in person or online. They are non-drug psychotherapy sessions that discuss topics such as presenting problems, expectations and treatment goals, and coping strategies. These sessions are led by a therapist.

Preparation

3. Dosing Sessions

There are four dosing sessions, each lasting 120 minutes and conducted in person. Each session includes a brief preparation talk and a breathing/mindfulness exercise to promote relaxation before the experience. These sessions are led by a therapist and a medical professional.

Exploration

4. Integration Sessions

There are four integration sessions, each lasting 50 minutes and conducted in person or online. These sessions are non-drug psychotherapy sessions where the material that emerged during the prior dosing session is explored in the context of presenting problems, treatment goals, and intentions. These sessions are led by a therapist.

Integration

5. Evaluation Session

This is a non-drug session lasting 50 minutes, where outcomes are discussed. It may include a comparison of pre and post-treatment psychometric scores, a revision of treatment goals, and exploration of options for future interventions such as another ketamine treatment or other forms of therapy. This session is led by a therapist.

Repeat

The Science Behind The Treatment

Start Healing Today

Whether you’re dealing with a recent trauma or a long-standing issue, the key is to start healing today. By taking small steps towards self-care, such as talking to a therapist, reaching out to supportive friends and family, or practicing mindfulness and meditation, you can begin to release your pain and start the healing process. It won’t be easy, but the benefits of healing are immeasurable. Remember, healing is a journey, not a destination, so take it one day at a time and be kind to yourself along the way.

Our Associations

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