Why Psychedelics, Why Ketamine, Why Now?

The resurgence of interest in psychedelics for mental health treatment marks a paradigm shift in how we approach psychotherapeutic care. Among various kinds of psychedelics, ketamine stands out as a legal, quick-acting, well researched, and effective therapy-assisting option.

The term “psychedelic” comes from the Greek words “psyche”, meaning mind or soul, and “delos” meaning manifest or reveal. Put together, “psychedelic” essentially means “mind-manifesting” or “soul-revealing” Psychedelics are substances that alter perception, mood, and thinking patterns, often leading to experiences that reveal hidden aspects of the mind. These substances can induce changes in consciousness, leading to heightened awareness, altered sensory perception, and profound emotional and psychological insights.

While ketamine is primarily classified as a dissociative anesthetic rather than a classic psychedelic, its effects can lead to experiences that are both introspective and transformative, particularly when used in a therapeutic setting. Like other psychedelics, ketamine has the ability to induce a non-ordinary state of consciousness, which can allow patients to gain new perspectives on their lives and increase their capacity to tolerate difficult or painful feelings. Ketamine’s dissociative properties offer a break from habitual thought patterns and persistent worries. This interruption of ruminative cycles creates a unique opportunity to explore new ways of thinking and being. As such, ketamine can contribute to the creation of an optimal psycho-spiritual environment for psychotherapy. When the defenses are lowered, and the anxiety is eased, deeper therapeutic work can take place.

Ketamine, once primarily used as an anesthetic, has recently gained recognition for its powerful potential in mental health treatment. Ketamine can be administered in a number of ways, from oral to injections. While ketamine injections can only be administered by medical professionals, oral ketamine’s safety profile makes it suitable for use in non-medical therapy settings.

Unlike traditional antidepressants, which have to be taken daily and can take weeks to show effects, ketamine is fast-acting, and its healing effects can be sustained over time. Ketamine’s mechanism of action has the effect of increasing synaptic plasticity or the brain’s ability to form new connections. This process is believed to play a critical role in mood regulation, memory, and cognitive function. By enhancing neuroplasticity, ketamine helps patients break free from entrenched patterns of negative thinking, offering a window for deepening the therapeutic work during KAP sessions.

Additionally, ketamine’s dissociative properties allow patients to distance themselves from painful memories or emotions. This dissociation is often described as a “stepping outside of oneself,” creating space to observe one’s thoughts and emotions without being overwhelmed by them. The integration of this experience with the support of a skilled therapist can lead to profound psychological healing.

Ketamine’s effects are relatively short-lived, typically lasting between 45 minutes to an hour, making it more manageable in a therapeutic setting. This shorter duration allows for more focused sessions and quicker recovery times post-treatment. Furthermore, ketamine’s dissociative effects are dose-dependent, and with proper monitoring, side effects are generally mild and transient.

Many people have heard of the importance of set and setting, but what does it mean?

Set and setting are crucial elements in KAP work because they greatly influence the nature and outcome of the psychedelic experience. “Set” refers to the individual’s mindset going into the experience, including their thoughts, expectations, emotions, and overall psychological state. A positive and prepared mindset can help facilitate a more insightful and healing experience, while a negative or anxious mindset can contribute to challenging or distressing outcomes. Preparation and intention-setting are important aspects of managing “set,” helping individuals approach the experience with openness, curiosity, and a readiness to engage with whatever arises during the journey.

“Setting” refers to the physical and social environment in which the psychedelic experience takes place. A safe, comfortable, and supportive setting can create a sense of security, allowing the individual to explore their inner world more freely. This environment typically includes calming elements such as soothing music, soft lighting, and the presence of a trained guide or therapist who can provide reassurance and support. The right setting can help prevent feelings of overwhelm or fear, especially during intense or challenging moments.

Together, set and setting play a fundamental role in shaping the psychedelic experience, maximizing its potential for therapeutic and transformative outcomes while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.

As a clinical psychologist and a certified KAP provider, I’m doing more than sitting with you when you take this medicine. I’m creating an environment of trust and care where our therapeutic exploration can reach different depths. While there is no such thing as a magic pill, combined with psychotherapy, ketamine can help access your inner world, process difficult emotions, and increase the potential to experience profound healing.

Returning to the relevance of set and setting, it’s helpful to think of ketamine treatment as consisting of three phases: preparation, exploration, and integration. Thus, it is not only what happens during the ketamine session that matters.

Preparation: It is my task to make sure you’re well-prepared for the KAP experience. This phase can take many weeks, depending on your level of familiarity with psychedelic work and readiness for exploration. It is essential that I know enough about you and your history so I can help you integrate your experiences later. Before each ketamine session, we’ll explore your intentions for your journey that day.

Exploration: During the ketamine session itself, I make sure to provide a supportive and non-judgmental space, guiding you through any challenging moments that may arise. It is my job to ensure you’re as physically comfortable as you can be in this altered state of consciousness.

Integration: The most vital part of KAP treatment is the post-session integration. During integration, insights you gained during the ketamine experience are processed and applied to your everyday life. The integration process aims to transform the ketamine experience from a fleeting moment of relief into long-term healing and growth.