Are you interested in KAP but wondering what Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) actually looks like in practice? Great question!
The First Intake Session
When someone reaches out to us with interest in KAP, the first step is to set up an intake session with one of our KAP therapists. During this first session, the therapist will gather more information and answer any questions you might have. After the first session, if you and the therapist decide that KAP is a good fit, you will then be scheduled for an intake appointment with our nurse practitioner.
What Happens During The Medical Intake for KAP?
During the medical intake, our nurse practitioner will determine if there are any underlying health concerns that might be a contraindication for KAP. They will also take basic vitals to determine dosage. At the end of the session, if the nurse practitioner also gives a green light on Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, they will send in a prescription to a local pharmacy.
New Client Processes
If you are a new client to Wild Acres, you will likely have a few standard therapy sessions scheduled with your new therapist so that trust can be built. Then the therapist can begin to understand your goals for KAP, and for you to set intentions for your upcoming journeys. At least one therapy session is required for ‘prep’ in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, but most people opt for 2-6 before having their first medicine session.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Sessions at Wild Acres Wellness
Once you are all set with your prep sessions and medical intake and have your prescription in hand, you will be ready for your medicine and integration sessions! Each client begins by scheduling three medicine sessions (each three hours long) and an hour-long integration session the day following that medicine session.
What to Expect During a KAP Session
The medicine sessions themselves will vary slightly depending on the therapist and yourself. All therapists at Wild Acres prioritize setting up a very therapeutic space which includes a big comfy couch, music, eye shades, pillows, blankets, etc. You are also welcome to bring anything that you find comforting to add to the room. You will set an intention for each session, and the therapist will guide you into your psychedelic journey. The actual ketamine journeys are, on average, about an hour each. That means there is usually time after the medicine journey to discuss with the therapist, have some snacks, and prepare to return home.
Follow Up Integration Session
You will then come back for an integration session the following day or so. During this session, you will have the time to process what happened in the previous day’s journey. For some people, this includes nature-based or equine-assisted therapy. For others, it includes anchoring and deepening an image or feeling from the journey—it depends!
What Happens After Your Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
After the series of 3 medicine and integration sessions, usually over the course of 3-4 weeks, you will then be able to reevaluate your needs and discuss with your therapist moving forward. For those who have another therapist outside of Wild Acres, that might mean taking your healing work back to that space and collaborating with both therapists as to how best to integrate your KAP sessions into your ongoing work.
For others, it might be sitting with and noticing the changes you have gleaned from KAP and integrating them into daily life. It might also be that you decide you would like additional KAP sessions, which is a conversation that can be had with your therapist and medical provider.
