Learning and Success in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

In the nearly two years since the start of the Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy program at Rezenity, many of our KAP patients have achieved remission status for depression, generalized anxiety and PTSD, including those who were previously labeled as “treatment resistant” (i.e. have tried multiple medications and behavioral interventions without substantial benefit). Some of our KAP success stories were people who even tried ketamine infusions previously without improvement! It is also worth noting that to date there have been no adverse effects during or after dosing.

With the growth of ketamine infusion centers and prescription nasal ketamine (Spravato/esketamine), many have questions about the differences between the KAP approach vs. ketamine as medication. Below we summarize what we have learned about what makes KAP uniquely effective.

The value of preparation work

• Prior to beginning any dosing, individuals complete a series of preparation sessions (at least 4, with additional sessions as clinically appropriate) 

• Guided by their KAP therapist, individuals identify the places that they have plateaued in their treatment and create meaningful and clinically relevant intentions for KAP

• This process also allows for the development of comfort and trust prior to being in a non-ordinary state of consciousness with their KAP therapist

Connecting the cognitive and the experiential

• It’s one thing to “know” that anxiety or trauma responses are unhelpful in the moment, and quite another to change the feeling in the body

  
  

• Ketamine produces an altered state of consciousness, and individuals may have dream-like visual or sensory experiences infused with personal meaning and symbolism

• While under the influence (typically 90 minutes in total), this altered state allows people to confront experiences/themes they might otherwise avoid

• In doing so, they often observe a shift in their physiological reaction to their triggers, and an enhanced ability to provide compassion to themselves  

The critical role of follow-up (integration) work

• Integration begins immediately following dosing, with the KAP therapist facilitating translation of the individual’s experience into intentional steps towards change

• Concrete goals are set for the 48 hours following dosing to maximize the benefit of increased neuroplasticity provided by ketamine

• During this time, individuals are establishing new habits that allow for lasting change, not simply using a medicine to feel better until it wears off 

Our Methods Get Results

Put simply, our research-backed model of preparation, dosing, and integration works.  We recommend a minimum trial of 4 dosing sessions, and we measure symptoms at regular intervals. On average, symptoms improve by 50% after 4 dosing sessions.

We have also observed a benefit for our patients living with chronic pain. Along with improved depression and anxiety, these patients report reduced pain interference and improved quality of life after KAP treatment.

Regardless of the initial referral reason – pain, anxiety, depression, or trauma – KAP treatment helps folks break cycles that have kept them stuck. We are excited to have KAP as a tool for individuals who are still struggling despite good faith efforts in therapy.  We are looking forward to the coming year and expanding the offerings of this unique framework!

Want to Learn More?

For Patients:

We offer free 15-minute phone consultations for KAP every Wednesday from 10-11 am. Give us a call at 585-895-6191 or request a consultation at New Patient Inquiry | Rezenity Health

For Clinicians:

Patients do NOT need to transfer care to Rezenity to be seen for KAP. In fact, we encourage them to stay connected with their existing mental health team. We provide KAP as a short-term, consultative service for other mental health clinicians.

We are happy to provide answers to any consultation questions via email at info@rezenityhealth.com

You may also enter a referral on our service page for KAP.