Common myths and misconceptions I hear as a psychedelic therapist
If you listen to podcasts, have a Netflix subscription, or watch the news, you’ve likely heard something about psychedelics, particularly psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Many people are calling this time in the mental health field the psychedelic renaissance. With more and more research being done and the use of these medicines becoming more mainstream and socially acceptable, there is a lot of content and information out there.
Ketamine is the first prescribed legal psychedelic medicine being used in therapy offices today. In my practice, I am proud to offer ethical, safe, and effective ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). With this in mind, it is important for me to provide current and potential clients with the facts of this cutting-edge treatment. In my practice, I hear a lot of great information about ketamine-assisted psychotherapy being discussed in media, but I also hear some common myths and misconceptions.
As a ketamine assisted psychotherapist in Colorado, I am here to clear up some of these common myths and conceptions!
Myth #1: Ketamine is a recreational, party drug. It can’t be used for therapy.
Ketamine is a well-research, widely used medicine. It has been used for 60 years as an anesthetic (after being approved by the FDA in 1970), and has been used as an FDA-approved treatment for depression since 2019. Ketamine is a very safe medicine, and in working collaboratively with the prescriber, there is careful screening and supervision as part of the medical evaluation to make sure ketamine is appropriate for each client. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is considered an “off-label” use of the medicine by the FDA.
Myth #2: Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a magic bullet. A lifetime of therapy in one afternoon!
Although there is amazing research (both clinical and subjective) supporting this cutting-edge treatment, it may not be for everyone. Furthermore, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a process, with a serious and important focus on preparation and integration. With that in mind, although there may be improvements in function or mood after one or two sessions, a commitment to the process of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is important when creating sustainable change that most clients desire.
Myth #3: Ketamine is only good for treating depression.
There is great research supporting positive outcomes of using ketamine to treat depression. However, growing research supports ketamine and ketamine assisted psychotherapy’s effectiveness with other issues including anxiety, OCD, addiction, PTSD/trauma and spiritual concerns.
New modalities of healing come with many questions, and I’m happy to help answer any questions about ketamine assisted psychotherapy. I offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in my Denver, CO and Summit County, CO offices.