Allison Kalivas
Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, Certified Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Provider
Warm, patient, ready to get to work
As an integral part of The Catalyst Center’s Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) team, I am dedicated to evidence-based practices and emerging research in the world of psychedelic medicines. Having witnessed profound shifts in thinking and symptom relief in my clients, I believe in the healing potential of KAP.
Throughout our yearlong training and during my work with clients, I have been continuingly struck by the potential of ketamine in a therapeutic setting as a spark for positive change in clients’ lives. Merely the biochemical benefits of ketamine would feel neglectful to ignore, let alone the potential for healing through the combination of ketamine medicine and the KAP model.
Since the beginning of Catalyst Center’s KAP program, I have seen clients become ‘unstuck’ and overcome barriers towards their goals. The intense shift and changes I’ve witnessed is humbling and profound. As cheesy as it may sound, it’s a true honor, as a clinician, to be part of a client’s KAP experience. Every step of the process, from the Preparation Session to the Integration Session, the significance of what the client is undertaking to feel better is not taken lightly. Each client’s journey is different and personalizing my clients’ KAP experience is key in my process.
KAP Specialites
- Complex trauma/PTSD – KAP can foster a secure container for clients to release trauma in a safe and supported environment.
- Eating disorders – I have experience working with the complexities of eating disorders which allows me more constructive integration when working with those recovering from eating disorders using KAP therapy.
- Identity struggles/Loneliness – I strive to create space for non-judgmental exploration with open curiosity. Fostering a space for those who feel they don’t fit-in or struggle to fit-in.
- PTSD and Anxiety – I work to provide a calm and secure presence in the room.
- Burn-Out – I have helped clients get unstuck from ‘burn out’ and understand the societal barriers enabling chronic burn-out from internal tendencies to family or social expectations.
Why Preparation is Helpful for Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
How KAP Helps with Cultivating and Sticking with New Year’s Resolutions and Goals
KAP: A New Dawn for Those Battling Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
What’s all the Buzz about Cortisol and How can Traditional and KAP Help?
Allisons’s Education, Training and Experience
- 2022 Certified Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Provider, Integrative Psychiatry Institute
- 2018 M.A. Emotionally Focused Therapy in Couples Therapy, concentration of Marriage and Family Therapy, Regis University
- 2012 B.A. Psychology, University of Colorado
- Advanced Training:
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Training, Basic Certification, expected Summer 2021
- Chapter Member, Denver, of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) Foundation
- Registered, Inclusive Therapist
Allison’s Recent Research, Presentations, and Publications
- Thesis: Emotionally Focused Therapy in Couples Therapy: A Case Conceptualization. Regis University.
- Chaimovitz, D., Dickter, J., Kalivas, A., & Poulter, M. (2011). A Comprehensive Analysis of the Relationship Between Psychological Disorders and Traumatic Brain Injuries. University of Colorado, Boulder.
- HealthCare Professionals Panel Opioid Epidemic– (July 2018) Your Questions Answered. Invited presentation to the Colorado Student Leaders Institute. Served as an ambassador and assisted in research of additional resources for the panel.
- Regis 9Health: (April, 2018) Stress Management Screenings – Provided a questionnaire for participants to complete. Reviewed their screening assessment results, asked questions about their results, and provided referrals for ongoing care.
- Caring for aging parents- (April 2018) Invited presentation to Regis University community as part of the Wellness program. Presented “Family Roles and Relationships: Know yourself, know you family, & know your limits” and “Grief & Loss: Ongoing growth through change”.
- Sleep… [presentation focused on increasing sleep hygiene in individuals, couples, and families]. (March 2018) Invited presentation to Regis University community as part of the Wellness program.
- Regis Goes Red 2018 (February 2018) Conducted research and provided evidence-based stress and relational assessments, with corresponding handouts. Additionally, I screened individuals using validated tools during the biometric screening.
- Understanding opioid misuse, abuse, and out patients. (February 2018) Ambassador at RHCHP 3rd Annual Healthcare Inter-professional Healthcare Experience.
Let’s Get Started!
We are committed to helping you find a great fit with a therapist, which is why we offer every new client a FREE initial consultation.
There are two easy ways to connect with us. Call our office at 720-675-7123 and press “1” to be connected. Fill out the contact form to request an appointment or to learn more.