Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

WHAT IS KETAMINE?

Ketamine is a medication that has been used safely in medical settings for decades. In recent years, it has been recognized for its ability to support people who feel stuck in depression, anxiety, trauma responses, or emotional numbness. When used in carefully prescribed, therapeutic doses, ketamine can temporarily shift the way the brain processes thoughts, emotions, and memories. Many people experience their minds as less rigid and less dominated by repetitive, self-critical, or fearful thought patterns. This creates a window of opportunity in which therapy can feel more accessible and meaningful.

Why Ketamine Can Be So Helpful

Under stress, trauma, or long-term depression, the brain often gets stuck in narrow pathways. It replays the same thoughts, emotions, and reactions over and over again. Ketamine helps by briefly loosening these pathways. It allows the brain to step out of its usual grooves and consider new perspectives. Ketamine supports the brain’s natural ability to adapt and change, a quality known as neuroplasticity. In simple terms, it helps the brain become more flexible.

This flexibility can make it easier to feel emotions without becoming overwhelmed, to reflect rather than react, and to approach difficult experiences with more curiosity and compassion. This effect does not last forever on its own, which is why psychotherapy and integration are essential. Ketamine opens a door; therapy helps you walk through it.

HOW I WORK WITH
CLIENTS

My work in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is grounded in compassion, safety, and respect for each individual. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each client’s process is tailored to their emotional history, goals, and nervous system. My role is to create a calm, supportive environment and offer skilled therapeutic guidance before, during, and after ketamine sessions. I focus on helping clients feel safe, understood, and in control throughout the process.

Structure of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

01

PREPARATION
SESSIONS

For clients I already know, preparation may involve one focused session. For new clients, preparation usually involves two to three sessions. Preparation helps build trust, reduce fear, clarify intentions, and ensure emotional readiness. We will build this together, ensuring you feel in charge of what you want and the atmosphere you wish to create.

02

MEDICATION
SESSIONS

All medical evaluations and dosing are handled by a licensed psychiatrist, who provides the medication to the client. I do not prescribe or handle ketamine. My role is to provide therapeutic support and a safe space. On session day, you will arrive at my office, which provides a peaceful and welcoming environment. You control when to start the medication, and I support your exploration. The effects usually last about 45 minutes, though the full session takes three to four hours.

03

INTEGRATION
SESSIONS

Following the medication session, clients participate in two to three integration sessions. Integration is the most important part of this work. This is where insights are explored, emotions are processed, and experiences are translated into real-life understanding and change. Without integration, insights often fade. With integration, they can become lasting shifts.

A COMPASSIONATE
AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Clients are never rushed, pressured, or pushed beyond what feels manageable. Consent is ongoing, and clients maintain agency throughout the process. I remain present and responsive, offering reassurance, grounding, and structure as needed. Safety and trust are prioritized at every stage.

COMMON
MISCONCEPTIONS

  • Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is not a recreational or psychedelic experience.
  • Clients do not lose control or consciousness.
  • Ketamine alone does not heal; therapy and integration are essential.
  • It is not a quick fix or passive treatment.
  • Ketamine is not intended for long-term or casual use.

Potential Benefits

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may help people who feel emotionally stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Many clients report greater emotional openness, relief from persistent negative thought patterns, increased self-compassion, and a renewed sense of perspective. Some people find it easier to talk about difficult experiences, access emotions that were previously shut down, or view past experiences with less fear and more understanding. While outcomes vary, the combination of ketamine and psychotherapy can support meaningful, lasting change when approached with care and intention.

MEDICAL
COLLABORATION &
DISCLAIMER

I work collaboratively with licensed psychiatrists or with psychiatrists chosen by my clients. All medical assessments, prescribing decisions, and dosing are handled exclusively by the prescribing provider. I do not prescribe, administer, or handle ketamine.

BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE

You do not need to have everything figured out to start.
Therapy is simply a conversation, one that can open
new ways of relating to yourself and the world around you.

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Integrative Therapy & Mind-Body Healing
Supporting individuals and teens with compassion and clarity.

Phone: (415) 407-1513

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