Anxiety can feel like an unrelenting storm—persistent worry, racing thoughts, and a sense of dread that refuses to lift. While traditional treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications work for many, they aren’t always effective for everyone. This is where Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) comes in—a promising approach that combines the rapid-acting benefits of ketamine with the long-term support of psychotherapy.
What Is KAP?
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy involves the use of low-dose ketamine in a controlled setting alongside therapy. Ketamine, originally used as an anesthetic, has gained recognition for its rapid-acting antidepressant and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. Unlike traditional medications that take weeks to work, ketamine can create noticeable shifts in mood and perception within hours to days.
How Does KAP Work for Anxiety?
1. Interrupts the Anxiety Loop
Anxiety often creates rigid, repetitive thought patterns, making it hard to break free from worry and fear. Ketamine temporarily disrupts these loops, allowing for greater cognitive flexibility. Many clients describe a sense of detachment from their usual thought patterns, giving them a chance to explore new perspectives with their therapist.
2. Promotes Neuroplasticity
Ketamine stimulates the growth of new neural connections in the brain, particularly in areas related to mood and emotion regulation. This process, called neuroplasticity, can help rewire anxious thought patterns, making therapy more effective.
3. Enhances Emotional Processing
Anxiety often stems from unprocessed emotions and traumas. Ketamine’s dissociative effects can create a sense of safety and distance, making it easier to explore difficult feelings without becoming overwhelmed.
4. Increases Mindfulness and Acceptance
Many clients report that ketamine induces a state of calm awareness. This state can help reduce emotional reactivity and increase self-compassion, two key elements in managing anxiety.
What a KAP Session May Look Like
A typical KAP session includes:
• Preparation: Before taking ketamine, you meet with your therapist to set intentions, discuss any concerns, and address any parts of yourself that need preparation. If trauma work is identified as necessary, specific memories or limiting beliefs may be identified, along with sufficient time to prepare and resource your nervous system so you have the capacity to be with the specified material.
• Ketamine Administration: The medicine can be administered sublingually (under the tongue), through intramuscular (IM) injection, or intravenously (IV). In our work, we will use lozenges.
• Therapeutic Experience: While under ketamine’s effects (which last 45 minutes to 2 hours), you may listen to music, journal, or engage in guided reflection with your therapist. With me, we will be utilizing EMDR or working with specific parts of yourself that come up during the medicine journey.
• Integration: After the session, you and your therapist process insights and develop strategies to apply them in daily life.
Who Can Benefit from KAP for Anxiety?
KAP may be especially helpful for:
Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Those with social anxiety who struggle with avoidance and self-criticism
People experiencing panic attacks or chronic worry
Anyone feeling stuck despite trying therapy or medications
Is KAP Right for You?
While KAP shows great promise, it’s not for everyone. It may not be suitable for those with certain heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of psychosis. A thorough assessment with a trained provider is essential.
Final Thoughts
KAP offers a new pathway for healing anxiety, helping clients experience freedom from overthinking, emotional regulation, and a renewed sense of self. If traditional treatments haven’t worked for you, this innovative approach may be worth exploring.
If you’re interested in KAP, reach out to me see if we could be a good fit for your healing journey.
Stephanie Post, PsyD., is an online clinical psychologist serving the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California. She is a certified EMDR and Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, integrating somatic therapy, parts-work, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, for adults with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and trauma who are seeking mind-body-spirit healing.
Comments