Ketamine, Psychedelic Psychotherapy, & Integration
Psychedelic Psychotherapy
While psychedelic psychotherapy is relatively new, humans have been utilizing alternated states of consciousness for healing, insight, and exploration for as long we’ve been around. These states are induced by fasting, prayer, meditation, music and dance, or substances. Several substances are gaining popularity and research credibility, mainly Psilocybin, MDMA, and Ketamine. Currently, Ketamine is the only legal substance outside of research settings. Dr. Trevor Ahrendt offers Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy in partnership with the Psychiatric team at Journey Clinical.
Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is an emerging modality for treating depression as well as other psychological conditions that leave people feeling “stuck” in life.
Changes to the brain
While research is still emerging about Ketamine and it’s impact on the brain, one promising theory is that ketamine seems to cause a burst of regrowth in the neuron networks of the brain that have been impacted by depression. Physiologically, the can result a startling remission in depression symptoms for a period of time after the therapy, and people report feeling more free, open, and less burdened. It also appears that Ketamine creates a “neuroplastic window” following the treatment, meaning that the mind is especially open to developing new habits and associations following the treatment. In KAP, we capitalize on this by planning how to make best use of the time after the session to maximize its benefits.
Depth & Insight
Outside the physical experiences of Ketamine, people often have profound personal experiences during the Ketamine journey itself. These can range for insight about oneself, processing traumatic memories more effectively, reviewing one’s life with both objectivity and compassion. At times, people can even have what called “mystical” experiences in which they experience awakenings, openings, or clarity in ways that are written about by mystics and monks. These can include finding deep compassion for the human experience, knowledge of the interconnectedness of life and how precious it is, and even states best described as spiritual communion. Often times people describe psychedelic experiences as some of, if not the most, meaningful experiences of their life.
Ritual
Dr. Ahrendt approaches KAP as a secular ritual — a way to explore the depths of the psyche and heal from some of its greatest challenges. He collaborates with clients to develop a tailored approach to each KAP session and combines extensive therapy knowledge and approaches with ritual work done through many different traditions to address the heart of the matter at hand, with heart and wisdom.
Each session is unique — some sessions involve more speaking and processing, some are more emotional, others more explicitly spiritual. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us for details.