To better understand Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy™,
let's first explore Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, or KAP, is an emerging mental health treatment that combines the administration of ketamine and psychotherapy sessions. This combination allows clients to explore further topics or areas of their lives that contribute to pervasive symptoms and mental health concerns such as treatment-resistant depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
In 2019, the FDA approved the first ketamine medication, Spravato. Spravato is a ketamine nasal spray that is prescribed and administered by a qualified medical professional.
Ketamine can also be administered intravenously as an infusion. This is considered an off-label, non-FDA-approved treatment option. Additional forms of ketamine administration include sublingual (under the tongue), intramuscular injections, or as troches and lozenges.
Ketamine is known for its dissociative properties, which means it can help people disconnect from their usual patterns of thinking and gain new perspectives. This can lead to increased feelings of openness, emotional relief, and sometimes even profound personal insights. For many people, this temporary “reset” allows them to see their challenges from a new angle and start healing from the inside out.
What is Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy™?
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy™, or KA-EMDR, focuses on the use of low dose ketamine troches for administration after Phase 3 of EMDR has been completed.
KA-EMDR allows clients to remain alert, grounded, and fully engaged in the therapeutic process, while still accessing a profound and meaningful inner experience. The medication is self-administered sublingually under the supervision of a licensed medical provider. KA-EMDR sessions are conducted by trained therapists in a secure, collaborative environment.
The Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ protocol is specifically designed to enhance memory reconsolidation, supporting clients in achieving deep, transformative healing.
To learn more, please visit the Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ Institute.
What does KA-EMDR help?
KA-EMDR has been shown to help with depression and has been proven as a useful treatment for the following concerns:
- Anxiety Disorders including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Mood Disorders including Major Depressive Disorders (MDD)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
It's important to note that while KA-EMDR has shown promising results, it's still a developing field. It’s important to approach KA-EMDR with a clear understanding of your mental health needs and a commitment to working closely with trained professionals.
It's also important to remember that as a trained Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy™ practitioner, I lead patients through treatment, but I do not prescribe nor do I handle the ketamine involved in treatment. Clients who are interested in ketamine-based therapy must work with a qualified provider.
None of the above symptoms or experiences fit you?
Do you experience distressing emotions that appear to you, and perhaps to others, to be excessive given the current situation? Do you tend to be highly reactive to certain triggers? Is there one or more dysfunctional beliefs that you believe about yourself that on an intellectual level you know is not true?
If so, you may still be a good candidate for KA-EMDR. Contact me today for a free 30 minute video consultation call to see if KA-EMDR might help you release what no longer serves you.