What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative approach to mental health treatment that differs from traditional therapy. At Midwest Ketafusion®️, we use KAP to address several treatment-resistant conditions like depression, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, and more.
The differentiating factor in KAP is using ketamine infusions to accentuate and enhance the therapeutic session. Likewise, therapy can enhance the positive effects of ketamine infusion.
Though effective on their own, ketamine infusions may be bolstered with a therapist guiding you through the experience. Our therapists will help you work through your thoughts, emotions, and thought processes to maximize the amount of good this treatment can do for your health.
During a ketamine infusion session, many patients report hallucinogenic imagery and sensations. While these effects are mild in most cases, it can be helpful to have our therapist act as a guide for you during your infusions to make sure you remain in the right frame of mind.
While KAP has traditionally been centered around those who are in the process of receiving treatment, it has recently transitioned into a post-treatment option as well.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a transformative approach that combats symptoms of mental health disorders while also helping to maintain results once completing your infusion series.
How Does Ketamine Work?
The medical community is still researching ketamine, but the current understanding is that ketamine binds to receptors in the brain. This increases the amount of glutamate, a vital neurotransmitter. Releasing more glutamate sets off a chain of reactions in the brain that affects thinking and emotional regulation.
In simpler terms, the human brain reacts to ketamine in a way that triggers hormones that help create “feel-good” emotions. Though this effect can occur rapidly after a person receives their first infusion, a series of infusions is usually necessary to optimize the amount of good this treatment can do.
What are KAP Sessions Like?
Your first KAP session is designed to determine if this treatment is right for you and to identify the end goals of your treatment.
The next sessions can last anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours in overall length but vary greatly depending upon the dosage, response, recovery time, and other factors.
Like ketamine infusions or traditional psychotherapy, KAP is most effective when you commit to an individualized treatment plan. It may take weeks or months to get the full benefit of KAP.
About Our Therapist
Victoria Knight, MS, LMFT, RYT
Victoria has been providing therapy to individuals, families, and couples since 2003 as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She has extensive training and experience with trauma, anxiety, stress, and relationships. In more recent years, other holistic concepts and non-ordinary states of consciousness have enriched both her professional practices and personal life in profound ways.
In 2014, Victoria earned certification from Yoga Calm, a curriculum that integrates yoga poses, mindfulness, and movement with social and emotional learning for children. She spent three years learning the more traditional ways of being a yoga teacher at Yoga Loft, achieving the 500-hour certification in 2015. Victoria is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance.
Victoria believes in meeting individuals where they are and assisting them in reaching their goals. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) certified therapist, and Registered Yoga Teacher, she integrates different techniques in therapy to heal mind, body, spirit, and relationships.
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