Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy in Shasta County

Psychotherapy: Why Ketamine?

There are several reasons why we use ketamine during psychotherapy, but the biggest reason is that it is an entheogen. It can bring subconscious, emotional material to the surface. That way, we can get in touch with your inner healing intelligence and assist you during the recovery process. It may feel like you are experiencing a vivid dream, and we can explore the images to figure out what they mean. We can encourage somatic integration, helping you develop a strong relationship with your body. Then, we can use those insights to customize the treatment process and help you recover. 

Why Use a Psychotherapist?

If you are interested in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for depression, it is critical to use a therapist. A therapist can give you an outside perspective, helping you figure out what certain experiences mean. You also need a trained, licensed therapist who can keep you safe as you use ketamine. This type of observation is critical not only for the quality of your psychotherapy session but also for safety reasons. 

Ask Yourself: Questions to Consider Before Initial & Subsequent Treatments

Prior to the treatment session, there are several questions that you need to ask yourself to maximize the benefits of your treatment plan. They include:

1. Where am I “stuck” in life?
2. What’s holding me back?
3. How does my behavior compare to my goals, values, and self-beliefs?
4. What would I like to change about my life?

By answering these questions, you can put yourself in the best position possible to maximize the benefits of your treatment plan. 

Then, you need to think about the goals for your treatment session. What do you want to get out of your treatment session? Some of the potential goals and intentions include: 

• You may want to increase your awareness of your strengths, weaknesses, and obstacles.
• You might be interested in exploring creativity, which can be a source of inspiration in your life.
• You might want to be more grateful for the positives in your life.
• You may want to recover from past trauma or difficult experiences. 
• You may have bad habits you want to break.
• You may want to improve your relationship with other people. 

Consider your goals before the treatment session begins. 

Additional Ways to Identify Intentions

You may also want to speak with a professional who can help you identify other problem areas in your life that you want to address. This is critical for helping you during the recovery process. 

Posing Intentions as Questions or Requests

Do not hesitate to ask yourself questions during the session. Some of the questions you may want to answer include:

• What are the causes of my depression and anxiety?
• Show me how I can be a better partner to myself and/or my significant other
• Help me understand what is holding me back at work or in other areas of my life
• I want to be more patient and empathetic towards others
• How can I overcome this habit I do not want anymore?

By answering these questions, you can track the results of your therapy and your recovery process. They can act as milestones as you recover. 

Post-Experience Processing

Immediately after the experience, during the first 24 hours, you should use a journal to take notes. You can include your insights, experiences, and feelings. Discuss how they relate to your initial goals and what they say about how the treatment process is going. 

Does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work?

Yes, it absolutely can work, but you need to work with a professional who can help you get the most out of your sessions. That is where we can help you.