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What Is Ketamine?

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Ketamine, KAP
What Is Ketamine?
For those struggling with persistent depression, anxiety, trauma, or emotional pain, traditional therapy alone may not be enough. Some wounds feel too deeply embedded, and some patterns seem impossible to break. Ketamine offers a way to unlock healing, creating new possibilities where there once seemed to be none.

At With Me Therapy, we integrate Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) within a safe, compassionate, and faith-affirming environment to help individuals achieve breakthroughs that may not have been possible through traditional therapy alone. By combining ketamine with evidence-based therapeutic approaches like EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS), along with a Christ-centered perspective, we create space for deep emotional and spiritual healing.

How Does Ketamine Work?

Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication originally introduced in the 1970s as an anesthetic. Today, it is recognized for its powerful mental health benefits. Research has shown that low-dose ketamine can rapidly relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD—often within hours.

Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or months to take effect, ketamine works by enhancing neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new, healthier connections and breaking free from negative thought patterns and emotional loops.

How Ketamine Creates Change:

Enhances Neuroplasticity
Stimulates the brain to grow new neural pathways, increasing adaptability and openness to healing.

Interrupts Trauma Loops
Many people feel trapped in cycles of pain, fear, or self-doubt. Ketamine loosens these rigid patterns, allowing for new insights and emotional breakthroughs.

Softens the Inner Critic
Many individuals struggle with self-judgment and shame, which can block healing. Ketamine reduces self-blame, making space for self-compassion and emotional growth.

What to Expect in a Session

A typical ketamine session lasts about three hours, including preparation, dosing, and integration. The psychoactive effects of ketamine typically last 45 minutes to an hour, during which you may experience:

  • A deep sense of relaxation and peace
  • Insights into past experiences and emotions
  • A feeling of spiritual connection or openness
  • A shift in perspective, seeing your life from a new vantage point

Each session is designed to be comfortable and supportive. You’ll have access to pillows, blankets, eyeshades, and calming music to help you feel relaxed. Once the primary effects diminish, we’ll transition into reflection and integration, allowing you to process the experience with therapeutic guidance.

Many individuals find that insights continue to unfold in the days and weeks following treatment, leading to long-lasting change.

KAP at With Me Therapy

Ketamine alone is not a cure, but when used within a structured therapy process, it becomes a powerful tool for deep healing.

At With Me Therapy, we combine KAP with:

  • EMDR Therapy – Helps reprocess traumatic memories and release their emotional grip.
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy – Helps you understand and heal different parts of yourself, bringing inner harmony.
  • Faith-Based Integration – If desired, we invite Christ into the healing process, offering prayer, reflection, and spiritual support.

By integrating science and faith, we create a safe and structured space for transformation.

How Is Ketamine Administered?

Ketamine can be administered in several ways, including:

  • IV Infusion
  • Intramuscular Injection
  • Nasal Spray
  • Sublingual Lozenges

At With Me Therapy, we partner with Journey Clinical, a trusted medical provider, to offer sublingual ketamine lozenges. These are self-administered under direct therapeutic supervision, ensuring a safe and supportive experience. For those who prefer IV infusions or other methods, we can collaborate with outside providers and offer integration therapy to help you process your experience.

The KAP Process at With Me Therapy

1. Initial Consultation with Journey Clinical

You’ll complete a virtual evaluation with Journey Clinical’s medical team to review your medical history and ensure ketamine is a safe option for you. If approved, you’ll receive a personalized prescription plan for ketamine lozenges.

2. Preparation Sessions

Before your first session, we’ll meet for 1–3 preparation sessions to discuss expectations, set intentions, and, if desired, integrate your faith-based perspective. You’ll learn what to expect and how to navigate the experience with curiosity and openness.

3. KAP Dosing Session

Each dosing session lasts about three hours and can be done in person or via telehealth if appropriate. You’ll self-administer the ketamine lozenge, then settle in with comfortable surroundings, calming music, and therapeutic guidance. After the experience, we’ll begin processing insights while allowing for rest and reflection.

4. Integration Sessions

Within 1–3 days, we’ll meet to explore emotions, memories, or insights that surfaced during your session. Additional integration sessions help reinforce positive changes, strengthen neural pathways, and deepen self-understanding.

5. Ongoing Support & Medical Monitoring

Journey Clinical’s medical team will monitor your progress through quarterly check-ins. As needed, additional ketamine sessions can be scheduled to support long-term healing.

Who Is a Good Candidate for KAP?

KAP may be beneficial for individuals who:

  • Have tried traditional therapy or medication but feel stuck
  • Struggle with chronic anxiety, depression, PTSD, or unresolved trauma
  • Experience negative thought loops or emotional numbness

Who Should Not Use Ketamine?

Ketamine therapy is not recommended for individuals with:

  • Uncontrolled hypertension or heart conditions
  • Acute mania, psychosis, or schizophrenia
  • Active substance abuse issues

Journey Clinical will conduct a full evaluation to determine if KAP is appropriate for you.

Helpful Resources and Research

For those interested in learning even more about ketamine-assisted therapy, we recommend:

Additionally, studies by Raquel Bennett, Psy.D., Jennifer Dore, M.D., and other leading researchers provide valuable insights into ketamine’s efficacy in clinical settings.

Start Your Journey Toward Healing

If you’ve been searching for a way to break free from emotional pain and step into a life of renewed hope, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy may be the next step.

  • Experience deep breakthroughs.
  • Heal with expert support in a Christ-centered environment.
  • Step into a future filled with clarity, peace, and freedom.
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