A New Way to Heal: The Power of Group Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Some of my biggest values as a therapist are thinking outside the box, bringing a spirit of creativity into therapy, and implementing cutting-edge treatments into my practice. I love to stay on top of new developments in the field and find ways to create new opportunities for my clients to grow. One of the ways I have done that over the past several years is by implementing Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) into my practice. I saw first hand the profound changes my clients were making with KAP and wanted to take that a step further this year by creating and facilitating KAP in a group setting. These groups have been powerful, important, and a wonderful container for change for so many participants. I get a lot of questions about how group KAP works, so I thought it would be the perfect topic for a blog post!
Before we talk more about group KAP, I wanted to take a moment to recap what KAP is and why it is beneficial:
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) involves the use of ketamine during a psychotherapy session with a licensed therapist. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is the process of combining the medicine (ketamine) with the work of a trained, psychedelic therapist (psychotherapy). The combination of using the medicine as the tool, along with the relationship and guidance of the therapist is what makes this treatment extremely effective.
Benefits of KAP:
Fast-Track to Feeling Better: Unlike traditional therapeutic methods (talk therapy and/or traditional medications) that often require months to manifest results, KAP offers a unique advantage with its rapid onset of action. Ketamine's ability to swiftly modulate brain chemistry can lead to a reduction in symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions in a matter of hours or days, providing much-needed relief during critical times.
Enhanced Therapeutic Process: The synergy between ketamine and psychotherapy creates a potent environment for self-discovery and healing. Ketamine's capacity to lower defenses and open the mind can facilitate deeper engagement in psychotherapy sessions, allowing individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and traumas with heightened clarity and receptivity.
Neuroplasticity and Growth: Ketamine has been linked to promoting neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to rewire itself. In conjunction with psychotherapy, this can offer individuals an opportunity to break free from entrenched patterns, reframe negative thought processes, and cultivate new, adaptive ways of thinking and behaving.
Introspection and Insight: KAP often facilitates introspective experiences, enabling individuals to access parts of their consciousness that may have been previously inaccessible. This heightened state of awareness can lead to profound insights, a deeper understanding of one's emotional landscape, and the identification of underlying triggers.
With the wonderful benefits and outcomes that KAP brings, I’m sure you can understand why I was so curious about how to translate this type of therapy to a group setting. The results have been astounding - and I’ll let past participants speak for themselves. Here are some words from past participants in our Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy groups:
“I truly felt like I had tried EVERYTHING to address my mental health struggles coming into this, and now I can confidently say that this KAP experience lead me to the missing piece in my healing journey. I never realized what it was like to view myself and my life through this different lens. I never knew what being healed would really look like. This was life changing and you all are so amazing. I can't thank you enough for not only coordinating this KAP experience, but also for caring as much as you do for others.”
“I came into KAP overwhelmed by the intensity of my emotions and frustrated that I had little to no control over my emotional reactions, (regardless of the work I had done all of these years). I realized that I was constantly in fight or flight mode, but nothing I tried would get me out of that mental state. This lead to the question-- what is left for me to heal so I can finally get out of fight or flight mode? The biggest impact I experienced was getting my question answered. I'm at the point where I've stopped blaming and criticizing my emotions. This KAP experience has led me to so much self-acceptance. I've learned that rather than trying to fix my emotions, I can use them for my benefit and use them to check in with myself. Treat it, don't fix it.”
“Group sessions are unique and gave me the push to open up more because others were so open. It’s remarkable how different we learn and heal from each others stories and experiences. I felt others love and support with this group and we will be forever bonded.”
“I don't think I would have had the same revelations without group therapy. There were multiple times where others would share and make connections that never previously occurred to me. Anytime this happened, I was able take those connections, along with my own, and sit with them through integration. Whether it was because they were resonating with my own experience or sharing their own revelations, each person in the group said something at one point or another that helped me progress in my experience.”
Here are some of the benefits of KAP in a group setting (in addition to all of the magical things we’ve already discussed about KAP in general):
Normalization of Experience: Participants in group ketamine therapy often find solace in realizing that they are not alone in their struggles. Hearing others share similar stories can help normalize their own experiences, reducing shame and self-stigma.
Increased Insights and Perspective: Group therapy allows individuals to witness the journeys of others. This exposure can provide fresh perspectives on one's own challenges, inspiring new insights and approaches to healing.
Reduced Social Anxiety: For individuals with social anxiety or attachment concerns, participating in a group setting can offer a controlled way to confront and manage their fears.
Shared Healing Energy: The collective energy and intention of a group engaged in healing can have a positive impact on individual outcomes. The synergy of shared intentions can amplify the therapeutic effects of ketamine.
A Place to Practice New Relational Behaviors: Group ketamine therapy can provide the opportunity to implement and practice new relational patterns in real time, from the open-hearted space that ketamine provides.
Cost-Effectiveness: Group therapy sessions are often more cost-effective than individual sessions, making ketamine therapy more accessible to a wider range of individuals.
You’re probably asking yourself what it looks like to participate in a group KAP experience. I can’t speak for every ketamine therapy group out there, but I can describe the way that myself and my colleagues facilitate the group. All of our group experiences also include preparation and integration sessions - sessions without ketamine - to help clients feel prepared and supported throughout their experience. Ketamine therapy can - and should be - disruptive, and we want to make sure our clients have all of the tools and support needed to make the most out of the experience.
In the medicine sessions themselves, we start the group with open conversations and intention setting exercises to help participants check in with themselves, and each other. From there, we shift to the medicine portion of the group, where the focus is on each participant’s internal experience. Participants get comfortable on their mats, where they lay down with comfy blankets, pillows, and their eye mask. Our medical staff then comes around with the injection of ketamine, and participants feel the medicine within a few minutes. We have curated music playing, and the facilitators begin the guided journey. There are verbal prompts and support throughout the experience, and facilitators also provide individual support, as needed, as well. After about an hour, participants are guided out of the experience and are asked to re-engage with the group, where the group is open for group members to share their experiences, make connections, and discuss themes that have come up.
It’s hard to describe the magic that group therapy, particularly group Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy can create. If you’d like to experience this for yourself, we have two current opportunities for group KAP.
Denver Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Group - This is a 5 week group starting in Denver on October 23, 2023. This group includes a preparation session (no medicine), 3 fully guided psychedelic journeys using IM ketamine injections, as well as a final integration session and closing ceremony (no medicine). If you’re looking to start your process of transformation and create healthy connections with yourself and others, this group is for you. For more details about this offering, click here.
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Retreat - This is a powerful 3 night healing retreat at a beautiful home in Breckenridge, CO taking place this fall (November 2-5, 2023).. This experience will include 3 fully guided psychedelic journeys using IM ketamine, as well as therapeutic groups and workshops to support your process. If you’re looking for a way to create space, disconnect, and turn inward to create deep healing, this may be a great option for you. For more information about this offering, click here.