So often people come to me seeking Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) after suffering for a long time with no real relief from traditional treatment methods for mental health. By the time they reach out, most people have spent a great deal of time exploring online what Ketamine does and what it is like. If they have come across trustworthy resources, they may have a balanced idea of what to expect but I find that at times, people’s expectations may not be as grounded in real life experience as they should be.
Although the relief offered by KAP can sometimes happen quickly and often be profoundly life changing, it can also take more time than people want it to and require a high level of engagement in the healing process. Healing and relief happens in layers, and although the 6 week standard protocol treatment I offer can help people make significant progress, it is often just the beginning of a more profound journey of exploring and healing the root causes of suffering.
In an effort to keep expectations of KAP treatment grounded in reality, I want to share some feedback from a client about the 6 week treatment experience with me. This is being shared with permission and in a way that protects confidentiality.
I want to send my deepest gratitude to this client for not only trusting me to help them heal, but for being willing to share pieces of their experience with others who may need support.
Client Testimonial
I would love to hear about about your experience with KAP. What was this process like for you? What do you feel you got out of this journey?
I think the process was good. From the start Rachael was great about answering questions and explaining things. I went into it hoping to find relief from my anxiety and depression and I feel I got that.
Relief! and a tool to use moving forward that I think will be more effective than any other tool in my kit. This journey has allowed me to see things in a broader way and reset my thinking patterns. I know there is still work to do and Rachael has set me up with a new counselor who is familiar with Ketamine; I am very grateful.
Think about the hopes and goals you came into treatment with Do you feel like you have made movement towards those goals?
I do. Initially, I was really hoping to see my anhedonia resolved and a return of feelings of joy. It hasn’t been quite like that but it is so much better than before. As I said above, I think I still have work to do but I am definitely moving towards these goals and I don’t think that would have happened without KAP.
How do you think KAP has impacted you, your perspective, your life?
It has lessened my anxiety, given me a broader mindset which in has greatly reduced my anxiety and tendency for rumination. In fact, when I see these old thinking patterns arise, I find I can take a minute and reset. It doesn’t always work but many times it does and that is amazing.
My family has noticed as well that I am more engaged in the activities of our daily life. I have more energy for basic tasks and I laugh more often.
What can I do more of, less of or differently to support people in this process?
I think you did great! It is difficult stepping into this kind of therapy and I always felt very supported and understood. I think explaining that 6-weeks of KAP is just the starting point would be good. I know you told me this, but it was hard for me to believe so for a bit in the middle of my treatment I felt like it may not work. You reminded me that this is just a start and that even little changes show just how much subconscious work is being done.
What would you say to someone who was considering KAP treatment?
I think it depends on why they were seeking it. I think it has been amazing for my anxiety and given me the ability to to step back and see the bigger picture. It has helped my depression as well but that seems a little slower. Overall, it has been the best treatment I have engaged in so far and I would definitely recommend it, I think I put so much weight on it working that it made things a bit harder. But that’s ok – It’s a process and one that is very individual.
Interested in Learning More?
Email me at Rachael@therapyuntethered or start by checking out my website pages about KAP!
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