Exploring New Paths: Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for Healing
Hey! I'm April Jacobs, LPC, KAP, a licensed therapist who works with folks struggling with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. There's been a lot of talk on the internet and social media about a new kind of therapy called Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). I want to break down what KAP is and how it might help you on your healing journey.
What is KAP?
Think of KAP as a team effort between you, me (your therapist), and a special medication called ketamine. Ketamine is a medicine that doctors sometimes use as an anesthetic, but in much smaller doses, it can be a powerful tool for therapy. Here's the gist:
We'll meet to determine if KAP is right for you. If it is, we explore options like Journey Clinical so that you have access to your medication. If medically approved, you can come to my office or have a session remotely from the comfort of your own home.
I'll be there to guide you through the whole process, making sure you feel safe and supported.
You'll receive a doctor prescribed dose of ketamine, which might make you feel a little relaxed and dreamy. I'll encouraged you to use an eye mask and listen to a playlist of music specifically curated for KAP.
The medication usually lasts for about 45-60 minutes. Once you come out of the altered state of consciousness, I'll be there to help you process what you experienced.
We will follow up shortly after to have an integration session so that you can make the most out of your medicine session and incorporate lessons learned into your every day life.
Why KAP?
Traditional therapy is awesome, but sometimes, it can feel like you're stuck. KAP can be a game-changer because it can help loosen up those stuck places in your brain. Imagine your brain like a garden. Sometimes, weeds (negative thoughts and feelings) take over, making it hard for new flowers (positive thoughts) to grow. KAP acts like a special tool that helps clear those weeds and create space for new growth.
Benefits of KAP:
Faster Relief:Â Compared to traditional therapy, KAP can offer quicker relief from symptoms like depression and anxiety.
Deeper Exploration:Â The relaxed state induced by ketamine can allow you to access deeper emotions and memories that might be helpful in therapy.
New Perspectives:Â KAP can help you see your struggles from a different angle, leading to new ways of coping.
Possible Risks:
KAP isn't magic. It's important to be aware of some potential side effects:
Short-term Discomfort:Â During the session, you might feel a little out-of-it, nauseous, or have some tingling sensations. These usually go away quickly.
Not a Cure-All:Â KAP is a tool, not a cure. You'll still need to put in the effort in therapy for lasting change.
Is KAP Right for You?
This is a question we can explore together! If you've tried traditional therapy and haven't found the relief you need, KAP might be worth considering. It's important to note that KAP isn't for everyone, and there are some medical conditions that make it unsuitable.
Next Steps:
If you're curious about KAP, reach out to me! We can discuss your specific situation and see if KAP could be a good fit for your healing journey. Remember, you're not alone in this, and there are always new paths to explore when it comes to feeling better.