Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

Pre-Session Information and Guidelines

Welcome! This handout will guide you through the preparation and process of your Ketamine-Assisted Therapy session. Please read carefully to familiarize yourself with the procedure and maximize your therapeutic experience.

Before You Arrive:

  • Required Reading: Please read Chapters 3-6 of Conscious Medicine by Francoise Bourzat before your session. Ideally, we encourage you to engage with the material and journal your reflections on the chapters to deepen your preparation.

Morning of Your Appointment:

  • Take Dramamine- 1-2 tablets at least one hour before to prevent nausea.

  • Arrange for a ride home after your appointment.

  • Wear comfortable clothing, ensuring your shirt allows access to your upper right arm for the injection.

  • Bring eye shades if you have them.

  • Avoid eating or drinking for at least 2 hours before your treatment.

Appointment:

  • Arrival:

    • Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

    • Upon arrival, your blood pressure will be checked, and you’ll have time to use the restroom.

  • Intention Setting:

    • Reflect on your intentions for the session beforehand, and be prepared to share them when you arrive.

    • Smudging will be part of the ritual to clear the space and mark the moment.

    • Both you and the practitioner (therapist/sitter) will state your intentions for the session.

  • During the Session:

    • You will sit on the therapy bed in a comfortable position.

    • Focus on awareness and let the experience unfold naturally.

    • Eye shades will deepen your inward journey, and we encourage you to wear them.

    • Gentle breathwork may be suggested to enhance relaxation.

    • Music, without words, will play throughout the session to help you relax and stay comfortable.

Potential Side Effects:

  • Temporary increases in blood pressure.

  • Headaches.

  • Sedation.

  • Altered gait or balance.

After Your Session:

  • After the session, you will be invited, when ready, to move from the treatment room into the relaxation room for integration.

  • We suggest you bring any materials you like to use to journal, draw, or otherwise document or creatively express your experience.

  • Importance of Integration: Integration is a critical part of your healing journey. This process helps consolidate your experiences and memories from the session, allowing you to understand better and apply the insights you gain. Reflecting, journaling, or creative expression can deepen the therapeutic benefits and assist in long-term healing.

  • After an individual session, you will be invited to join a group therapy session, which is offered as a collective way of healing. These sessions provide a supportive space where participants can share their experiences, reflect, and heal together.

Make an appointment for individual therapy to continue your healing journey.

Attend group integration sessions for community support and further reflection.