Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Group Retreats

Ketamine is a FDA approved anesthetic agent originally developed in 1962. It has been used primarily as an induction agent for general anesthesia in surgery for children, adults, and animals. Ketamine has a remarkable safety track record, hence its use in the pediatric population. Recently, it has been discovered that ketamine can be highly effective in treating depression, PTSD, Fibromyalgia, and other conditions.

Ketamine is only available by prescription from a medical provider, a physician or nurse practitioner. Reach out to get a list of preferred providers.

The short answer is, yes. Our practice procedures require you to be cleared by a medical professional.

Ketamine is not recommended for clients who have cardiovascular conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension. Clients with active mania or a history of psychotic illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia) should not take ketamine, as there could be severe risks. Ketamine is also not indicated for clients who are actively abusing substances or have abused ketamine in the past.

Routes of administration of ketamine include intravenous, intramuscular, intranasal, and sublingual/bucal. At Del Ray Psych & Wellness, we currently use sublingual/bucal which is compounded ketamine lozenges (self-administered sublingually/bucally and held under tongue for several minutes).

The experience of a ketamine journey can vary from person to person, and it depends on factors such as the dosage, setting, and individual characteristics. However, there are some common elements that are often reported:

Dissociation: Ketamine is known as a dissociative anesthetic, which means it can induce a sense of detachment from one's body or surroundings. During a ketamine journey, you may experience a shift in your perception of reality, feeling disconnected from your body or a sense of floating or out-of-body experiences.

Altered Sensations: Ketamine can distort your sensory perception, leading to changes in how you perceive sounds, colors, and textures. Some people report enhanced or distorted sensations, while others may experience a blurring or merging of sensory inputs.

Emotional Effects: Ketamine can elicit a range of emotions, which can vary from euphoria and relaxation to introspection and introspective experiences. Some individuals may experience a deep sense of peace and contentment, while others may confront difficult emotions or memories.

Time and Space Distortion: Ketamine can alter your perception of time and space. It may feel as if time is slowing down or speeding up, and your sense of spatial awareness may be distorted.

Insights and Transcendent Experiences: Ketamine journeys can be accompanied by profound insights, self-reflection, and a sense of transcendence. Some individuals report gaining new perspectives on their lives, increased self-awareness, or a feeling of connectedness with something larger than themselves.

Visual Imagery: Ketamine can also induce vivid and immersive visual imagery, often described as dream-like or hallucinatory. These visual experiences can be abstract, colorful, or symbolic.

It's important to note that the effects of ketamine can vary depending on the dose and the context in which it is administered. In therapeutic settings, the experience is typically guided by a trained professional who can help create a safe and supportive environment to navigate the journey.

Ketamine journeys, particularly when used in a therapeutic context, have been associated with several short-term and long-term benefits. It's important to note that the research in this area is still ongoing, and the effects can vary between individuals. Here are some potential benefits:

Short-Term Benefits:

Rapid Mood Improvement: Ketamine has shown promise in rapidly reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Many individuals report experiencing an immediate improvement in their mood and a temporary relief from emotional distress.

Enhanced Emotional Insight: Ketamine can facilitate introspection and self-reflection, allowing individuals to gain new insights into their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. This increased awareness can support personal growth and promote a deeper understanding of oneself.

Increased Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Ketamine's anesthetic properties can induce a state of deep relaxation and calmness. This can provide temporary relief from stress, tension, and physical discomfort.

Long-Term Benefits:

Sustained Mood Improvement: While the immediate mood-enhancing effects of ketamine may be temporary, there is evidence to suggest that ketamine-assisted therapy can lead to sustained improvements in mood and a reduction in depressive symptoms over time, even after the ketamine sessions have ended.

Improved Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Ketamine has shown promise in treating individuals with treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other challenging mental health conditions. It may offer an alternative treatment option for those who have not responded to traditional therapies.

Enhanced Resilience and Coping Skills: Through the insights gained during ketamine journeys and the therapeutic support provided, individuals may develop enhanced resilience, self-compassion, and new coping mechanisms. These skills can help individuals better navigate life's challenges and maintain their mental well-being in the long term.

It's important to note that ketamine journeys should always be conducted under the supervision of trained professionals in a controlled and therapeutic setting. Furthermore, individual responses and outcomes can vary, and ketamine should not be seen as a universal or standalone solution for mental health conditions.

A sitter is a person who is a trained mental health professional that provides support and assistance to someone undergoing a psychedelic experience. The sitter's primary role is to create a safe and supportive environment for the individual, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being throughout the session. Sitters also help process the individual’s experience, transcribe the experience in a journal, and guide through the experience. They may also have expertise in mindfulness, meditation, and other contemplative practices that can help the individual navigate the psychedelic experience. Having a sitter present during a psychedelic therapy session can help minimize the risk of adverse reactions and ensure that the individual receives the maximum benefit from the treatment.