What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and who is it meant for?

 

KAP is a newer intervention for therapeutic use to help individuals experiencing a range of symptoms related to Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Suicidality. Because of advancements in psychedelic research and trials for therapeutic use, KAP is now an available treatment option to support therapeutic outcomes. Some professionals in the mental health industry (if additional certification is earned) are able to use this modality in practice for clients. In February 2023, I became a Certified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Provider (CPATP) which now allows me at Strong Minds Counseling & Wellness to provide KAP.

 

The process of KAP includes a routine evaluation, a rotation of medicine sessions and integration sessions. During medicine sessions, clients typically gain powerful insights related to their thoughts, feelings, and fears while being monitored in a safe environment. Essentially, the medicine serves as a gateway to help clients feel less afraid to recall and confront negative experiences, thus allowing them to begin the process of making meaning out of those experiences. The medicine also helps create new neural pathways related to how experiences are recalled, helping to reduce fear and/or distress. 

 

Integration sessions between medicine sessions is a key component for the long-term effects and benefits of ketamine treatment. To learn if you're a candidate for KAP and to begin your Ketamine treatment journey, please contact me so we can discuss local or online treatment options for your initial evaluation.