Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

A trauma-informed, integrative path to healing

I offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) as part of an integrative, trauma-informed approach to supporting emotional pain, chronic stress patterns, depression, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms.   

KAP combines the neurobiological effects of ketamine with skilled psychotherapy, intention-setting, and integration—helping support insight, emotional flexibility, and lasting change beyond talk therapy alone.   

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

KAP is a therapeutic process in which low-dose ketamine—prescribed and overseen by a licensed medical provider—is used alongside psychotherapy to support psychological healing.   

Ketamine is known to help: 

• Reduce rigid thought patterns (temporarily) 
• Quiet the brain’s default fear/threat response 
• Increase neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new connections) 
• Support access to emotional material with less overwhelm or avoidance   

In this expanded—and often gentler—state of awareness, therapy can become more effective, meaningful, and transformative.   ​

How KAP differs from medication alone

KAP is not simply ketamine treatment. The psychotherapy component is essential.   

Preparation, therapeutic support during the ketamine experience, and integration afterward are what help insights translate into lasting shifts. Ketamine is used as a catalyst—not a cure.

Concerns KAP may support

KAP may be helpful for individuals experiencing: 

• Trauma and complex trauma (C-PTSD) 
• Depression and treatment-resistant depression 
• Anxiety and chronic stress 
• Grief and loss 
• Chronic pain with emotional or trauma components 
• Shame, self-criticism, or emotional numbness 
• Relationship or intimacy-related distress 
• Existential distress or life-transition challenges   

KAP can be especially supportive for people who feel “stuck” despite prior therapy—or who understand patterns intellectually but struggle to shift them emotionally or somatically.

My approach

My approach to KAP is: 

• Trauma-informed 
• Client-centered 
• Relational and compassionate 
• Mind-body oriented

I integrate KAP with my background in trauma psychotherapy, EMDR, hypnotherapy, sex therapy, mindfulness/somatic awareness, and attachment-based relational work. This supports healing not only through insight, but through the nervous system and embodied emotional memory—where many symptoms are rooted.   

What the KAP process looks like

KAP typically includes three phases:

1) Preparation sessions

We build safety, clarify intentions, and assess readiness. Preparation often includes: 

• Education about ketamine and the therapeutic process 
• Clarifying goals and intentions 
• Building internal and relational resources 
• Assessing emotional, psychological, and medical appropriateness   

2) Ketamine-assisted sessions 

Ketamine sessions are conducted in collaboration with a prescribing medical provider. Psychotherapy support focuses on: 

• Safety and grounding 
• Emotional processing 
• Curiosity rather than judgment 
• Allowing the experience to unfold without force   

Some sessions are primarily inward-focused; others may include gentle therapeutic dialogue, depending on your needs.   

3) Integration sessions 

Integration is where insight becomes change. We work to: 

• Make meaning of the experience 
• Translate insights into daily life 
• Support emotional regulation and nervous system integration 
• Anchor new perspectives, behaviors, and relational patterns

Is KAP right for you?

KAP is not appropriate for everyone. Careful screening and collaboration with a medical provider are essential.

KAP may be a good fit if you: 

• Feel stuck in old emotional patterns 
• Have tried therapy or medication with limited relief 
• Are open to experiential, depth-oriented work 
• Want a compassionate, supported approach rather than a quick fix

Some medical or psychiatric conditions may make KAP inappropriate, and we would review this carefully in consultation.

Collaboration with medical providers

Ketamine is not prescribed by me. I collaborate with licensed medical providers who evaluate medical eligibility and oversee dosing and safety. My role is to provide the psychotherapeutic framework—preparation, support, and integration—to keep the work effective and ethically grounded.   

A note on safety and ethics

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is offered with: 

• Careful screening 
• Clear boundaries 
• Trauma-informed pacing 
• Respect for your autonomy and readiness

This work honors your nervous system and you.