Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy in Denver
At Beyond the Mind Psychotherapy in Denver, Colorado, we utilize Ketamine as a tool to deepen the already existing clinical strategy, including the therapeutic alliance, and somatic & parts work processing. A lower dose of sublingual ketamine aims for a psycholytic experience, which allows for an approach to healing utilizing a non-ordinary state of consciousness, much like a dream or trance state. This is different from a higher dose experience which can often be more psychedelic in nature. Higher dose intramuscular KAP may be available upon request. Not only are the properties of ketamine known to increase neural-plasticity, the non-ordinary state of consciousness can allow us to work with challenging mental states and symptoms with a new perspective, often in a much more palatable way.
What does ketamine assisted therapy look like at Beyond the Mind?
Internal and external safety and stability, as well as other clinical and medical factors, will be assessed prior to KAP treatment. You can expect to meet with your therapist for a period of time (preparation) to establish readiness and appropriateness for KAP prior to engaging in this type of work. If we do decide to pursue KAP as a part of your treatment, there will be a process of meeting with a specific medical prescriber outside of Beyond the Mind Psychotherapy for the sublingual ketamine prescription. You will always need to arrange a ride home after all KAP session as it will not be safe for you to drive yourself. And an agreement will be signed about the parameters of use of the medication you receive while under the care of Beyond the Mind Psychotherapy. Additional time and costs will be necessary to complete this process, after which, all prescribed ketamine will only be available for use during our scheduled, in-person KAP sessions. At home use is not permitted through Beyond the Mind Psychotherapy, and all medication is tracked during our time together. Any remaining medication will be destroyed at the completion of treatment, or if KAP is not the treatment modality for you and you no longer need your prescription.
What to expect during a Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy session at Beyond the Mind:
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions are always scheduled for 120 minutes / 2-hours.
A ride will need to be arranged to pick you up after every KAP session.
Medicated sessions will always be pre-arranged (we will never decide last minute to go into a KAP session).
Even if a medicated session is scheduled, you can always decide when you arrive to session that you’d prefer not to utilize the medication, and a regular session will be arranged instead.
Medication will be taken approximately 15 minutes into the 2-hour time slot.
Come in on an empty stomach (4 hours recommended) and are only clear liquids an hour or two prior to KAP.
Once you take the medication, you will get settled into a state of body tracking and relaxation while we wait for the onset of the medication.
The therapist will provide background music during the session.
An eye mask is generally worn throughout the experience.
What you may want to bring for a Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy session at Beyond the Mind:
-The Ketamine Prescription (always bring the entire pack of remaining Ketamine)
-A water bottle (water is also available at the office)
-Your own eye-mask (Recommendations will be given; masks are available to borrow)
-Nausea medication (Good if you tend towards motion-sickness, generally not needed)
-Slip on shoes (In case you need to walk to the bathroom mid-session)
-Important objects if desired (Such as: a stuffed animal, a favorite blanket or pillow, a meaningful photo)