Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in Denver, Colorado

Healing is a deeply personal and individual journey. As a trauma therapist, I understand that traditional talk therapy alone may not always reach the root of what’s holding you back, especially if you’ve experienced complex trauma. This is where Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) can be a transformative tool.

KAP combines the therapeutic potential of ketamine with a trauma-informed approach, creating a safe and supportive environment for you to explore and heal. By harnessing the insights and expanded states of consciousness that ketamine facilitates, we can move past emotional blockages, unprocessed trauma, and deeply ingrained patterns that may be keeping you stuck.

I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals, highly sensitive people, and high-achieving adults and couples, many of whom struggle with overwhelm or burnout. I recognize that everyone’s nervous system is unique, and I approach each session with care, tailoring the work to meet you exactly where you are. Through KAP, we create space for deep healing, self-discovery, and emotional regulation, helping you reconnect with your true self and transform your relationship with your past.

Ketamine allows us to gently bypass cognitive defenses that can hinder progress, providing access to deeper parts of the psyche. This makes it particularly effective for processing complex trauma and emotional dysregulation, allowing for breakthroughs that traditional therapies may not reach. My approach is grounded in respect, safety, and support, ensuring that you are always cared for and empowered throughout this transformative process.

In addition to KAP, I offer a variety of complementary therapies, including trauma-informed yoga therapy, traditional therapy sessions, EMDR, Parts Work Therapy intensives, and longer retreats, all designed to deepen and integrate your healing.

What To Expect

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a legal, safe, and highly effective medicine used to treat various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma-related disorders. Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine has fast-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, often beginning within 1-2 hours of treatment and lasting up to two weeks. It works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors while stimulating AMPA receptors, which helps form new synaptic connections and boosts neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. This enhancement of neuroplasticity allows for lasting improvements in symptoms and emotional resilience.

How Does Ketamine Feel?

The effects of ketamine are generally pleasant and vary from person to person. Most clients report experiencing a sense of detachment from their bodies, with shifts in perception that can feel expansive, freeing, or even otherworldly. These effects typically last around 45 minutes. During the experience, you’ll be lying down in a comfortable position, with an eye mask, listening to calming music. This approach helps you remain relaxed and supported throughout the session.

Once the effects begin to subside, we will spend the remaining time reflecting on the experience. While it may be challenging to fully articulate what you went through, many clients report that the insights gained are deeply clear and impactful. The benefits of ketamine therapy often extend well beyond the session itself, with mood and neurological improvements that can last up to two weeks.

How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Works

Initial Consultation

The first step is scheduling an evaluation with a clinician to review your medical and psychiatric history and determine if you’re eligible for KAP. If eligible, we’ll develop a personalized ketamine prescription and outcome monitoring plan.

Preparation Sessions

Before your dosing sessions, we’ll meet for one or more preparation sessions to align on the process, set intentions, and discuss any questions you may have.

KAP Dosing Session

Dosing sessions typically last 1-2 hours and can be conducted in-person or via telehealth. During the session, you will self-administer the ketamine lozenge while lying down, wearing an eye mask, and listening to calming music. I’ll be present to support you throughout the session.

Integration Session

After each dosing session, we’ll meet to explore insights, memories, and thoughts from your experience, preparing for the next session. These sessions help to ground your experience and integrate what you’ve learned into your everyday life.

Ongoing Medical Follow-Ups

After your first session, we will schedule regular follow-ups, usually once per quarter, to monitor progress, discuss experiences, and provide medication refills as needed.

How Ketamine is Administered

Ketamine can be administered in various forms, including intravenous infusion, intramuscular injection, nasal spray, and sublingual lozenges. In my practice, I use the sublingual lozenge form for its ease and precision, ensuring a gentle, controlled experience that allows for greater integration and insight during the therapy process.

If you’re ready to explore how Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy could support your healing, please reach out. Together, we can create a healing path that’s right for you.