Ketamine Therapy

How does ketamine therapy work?

Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist, meaning that it affects the neurotransmitter known as glutamate. When ketamine increases the level of glutamate, this creates a cascade effect of increased neural activity and communication within the brain. This reawakens portions of the brain that have shut down to the symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma. Ketamine causes neuroplasticity, which means that it can effectively rewire parts of the brain thought to play a role in depression or mood disorders.

Ketamine may also interact with other receptors like GABA, G protein-coupled receptors, and the cholinergic receptors. Additionally, ketamine has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is thought that the dissociative effects of ketamine may play an important part in the healing process as well by providing enough detachment to process material with a sense of safety.

What is ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP)?

Ketamine assisted therapy utilizes the psychedelic effects of ketamine that bring forth the subconscious to process material that is below the tip of the iceberg. During ketamine therapy, clients will self administer a prescribed sublingual dose of ketamine while a therapist is present the entire time. I utilize somatic therapy to support the process. In this way, we can work with the underlying symptoms.

Ketamine therapy for couples

Ketamine therapy can be a great tool for couples therapy. Utilizing ketamine in couples therapy can offer a safety to process difficult material together. The amygdala is part of the brain that handles fear and emotion. Ketamine can increase activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, the part of the brain responsible for executive control. By strengthening the connection between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, ketamine can be a great tool to work with triggers or emotional reactivity between each other.

It is common between partners to get lost in the details, content and stories. Often a complaint about the dishes is not really about the dishes. We have old wounds of abandonment and other material buried. Ketamine therapy can give access to what is going on below the surface for each partner and aid in creating an empathetic and supportive couple bubble.