There are three different session types involved with KAP—preparation sessions, dosing sessions, and integration sessions.
Before KAP begins, you will participate in a 90-minute mental health assessment. This assessment is all about you and your health. We're going to take a look at what's going on in your body, mind, spirit, and life to figure out what might be causing any mental health issues you're experiencing. You'll fill me in on your medical history, symptoms, family, social, and mental health history so I can get a good idea of what's going on. My goal is to identify the root causes of any issues you're having and come up with a plan to help you feel better. And of course, we'll see if KAP is the best option for you.
If we determine that KAP is the way to go, we proceed with one or two preparation sessions. During these sessions we explore what your KAP intentions are. You can freely discuss your goals, expectations, and concerns, as well as any previous experiences with ketamine or other psychedelics. I will provide you with information about how ketamine works and what to expect during the dosing session. This session is crucial for building a therapeutic relationship and ensuring your emotional and mental readiness for the KAP experience.
During a KAP dosing session, we first review the instructions you received from the doctor who prescribed you the Ketamine lozenges*. You will take your blood pressure to ensure it is within the safe range. Then, you will self-administer the ketamine lozenges by placing them under your tongue, where it is allowed to dissolve slowly. You will relax in an oversized reclining chair, with eye shades and headphones on. This allows you to fully focus on your thoughts and emotions during the experience. I will be there to support you throughout the session and help you navigate any intense feelings and insights that may come up.
The goal of the session is to help you work through emotional blocks or trauma by accessing new perspectives and insights that may be facilitated by the ketamine experience.
As ketamine enters the bloodstream, it can produce a range of effects, including a feeling of dissociation from the body, a sense of euphoria, and altered perceptions of time and space. These effects can be intense and may last for several hours.
After the session, we will schedule one or two integration sessions to help you process your experiences and discuss any insights or growth you may have gained. I utilize an integrative psychotherapy approach that is tailored to your individual needs. This approach combines various psychotherapeutic modalities, such as psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, parts work, shadow work, and more, to create a safe and supportive space for your healing and personal growth.
*Journey Clinical prescribes ketamine for two dosing sessions.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Tampa