1. Assessment

Before starting Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAP), you will complete a psychological and physical assessment to make sure the treatment is safe for you.

Before starting KAP, we want to ensure it aligns with your mental health goals. In the psychological assessment, you’ll meet with one of our Wild Acres Wellness therapists to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your expectations, and any concerns you may have. This assessment helps us understand your emotional readiness and how KAP can best support your journey.

Your safety is our priority. To ensure KAP is appropriate for you, our medical practitioner will review your health history and current medications to identify any possible interactions. The physical exam is simple and non-invasive, focusing on vital signs and basic cardiovascular and neurological health. We aim to make this process as comfortable and respectful of your privacy as possible.

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

2. Preparation

We offer as many preparation sessions to help you feel confident and ready for your psychedelic journey. During these sessions, we focus on:

  • Building trust with your Wild Acres Wellness therapist
  • Exploring the psychedelic experience and what to expect
  • Discussing your goals and addressing any fears or uncertainties
  • Creating a personalized framework to help you interpret your experiences

Feeling safe and understood is the foundation of effective therapy. During the preparation phase, we focus on building a trusting relationship with your therapist so that when the time comes for your medicine session, you can let go and fully immerse yourself in the journey.

Open communication around your boundaries and consent is vital throughout this process. We’ll continuously check in with you to ensure you’re comfortable and adjust as needed to honor your preferences. While some people find that gentle physical touch, like a hand on the shoulder or holding hands, can help ground them, this is always optional and based entirely on your consent.

We take the time to understand any anxieties or concerns you may have. Together, we’ll explore your expectations and address any fears, ensuring you feel prepared to embrace the experience. This may include reflecting on past experiences and developing strategies to manage difficult emotions.

3. Treatment: 3-6 medicine sessions

Our Ketamine-Assisted Therapy generally involves a series of 3 to 6 sessions, each lasting about 3 hours.

Please follow these guidelines before your session:

  • Avoid stimulants like caffeine or medications such as decongestants on the day of your session.
  • Food and drink: Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water for at least two hours before your session. Drink no more than 16 ounces of water. If you’re prone to caffeine withdrawal headaches, you can have up to 6 ounces of black coffee.
  • Comfortable clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes on the day of your session.

After your session, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Departure: You’ll leave Wild Acres with your designated ride. Feel free to contact your therapist if you have any questions or concerns after you return home.
  • Recovery: It’s normal to feel some mental fog or dizziness for up to 12 hours after the session. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you feel fully clear-headed, usually by the next morning.
  • Emotional Response: You may experience intense emotions or resurface memories. If you’re having difficulty processing these feelings, reach out to your therapist for support.
  • Positive Engagement: Many people feel relief or emotional ease after their session. We encourage you to engage in activities that make you feel good, whether walking in nature, spending time with loved ones, or quiet reflection.

4. Integration

After each KAP session, you’ll meet with your therapist to reflect on your experience and incorporate the insights gained into your everyday life.

Purpose of Integration

This phase involves applying your session’s emotional and psychological breakthroughs to create lasting change. We work with you to develop a personalized strategy for turning the healing and insights you’ve gained into daily practices that resonate with your values and long-term goals.

Possible Integration Practices:

  • Spending time in nature
  • Equine therapy
  • Mindfulness and meditation exercises
  • Creative outlets like art or music
  • Breathwork and somatic work
  • Reflective journaling

Integration helps you align these transformative experiences with your everyday life, fostering lasting emotional and psychological growth.

Interested in Ketamine Assisted Therapy?