Our practice offers several different types of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) sessions. Specifically, we offer both high-dose and low-dose KAP sessions, and each style offers unique opportunities and advantages.
High-Dose KAP: High-dose KAP sessions are particularly useful for addressing treatment-resistant depression but are also helpful in “resetting” the brain, disrupting rigid cognitive patterns/beliefs, or processing trauma. These sessions are two hours long, and your KAP therapist is in the room with you during the entirety of your session. We base all our dosing ranges on each individual’s specific body weight, and it is important to note that even our “high dose” ranges are still markedly lower than those used when ketamine is administered for anesthetic purposes in other medical settings. Our high dose ranges generally begin at 0.5 mg/kg, and this range usually induces a psychedelic experience for clients. Said another way, clients metaphorically “leave the room” as they potentially experience ego dissolution, visual imagery, disconnection from their body, and even mystical experiences during highly altered states of consciousness. These experiences are sometimes hard to put into words but can be profound and even transformative when paired with therapeutic support.
Low Dose: Low-dose sessions have some similarities to high-dose sessions, but they are also important distinctions as well. Like high-dose sessions, clients are with their therapist throughout the two-hour low-dose session and are fully guided during the process. These sessions are similarly useful for processing trauma or resetting stuck cognitive patterns, but the path that is taken is somewhat different. The primary difference is that low-dose sessions use dose ranges that create an altered state of consciousness. Still, the effects are lighter, less intense, and allow clients to metaphorically “stay in the room” during the course of the session. Clients might feel more open, connected, and able to access emotional material that would otherwise be hard to attend. The lighter dose allows clients to be present enough to be able to direct their thoughts and feelings during the session more consciously. They are also able to process most of the time verbally. They can even participate with specific evidence-based trauma treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which can create a powerful healing combination.
Low doses might be a good starting place for specific clients who are not fully ready to move into a full psychedelic experience. Some clients struggle with the concept of “losing control” or feeling altered in any noticeable way. This is completely understandable, and low-dose sessions offer the chance to begin with a very manageable experience. They can determine whether they are experiencing benefit from the addition of ketamine to their sessions. In addition, some clients thrive on the interactive aspects of their therapeutic relationship with their therapist. Low-dose sessions don’t necessarily mean that experiences or gains are less profound. They are merely a different path for doing deeper therapeutic work.
A final point to reiterate about high and low-dose KAP sessions is that each has particular applications and advantages. While this information can serve as a resource in understanding the therapeutic approaches, discussing your particular needs and goals with a qualified provider is always recommended. Contact our office at 720-675-7123 for more information or visit our KAP homepage at https://catalystcenterllc.com/services/ketamine-assisted-psychotherapy/ to learn more.
Photo Credits:
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
