Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a powerful treatment that can offer profound growth and healing for those struggling with mental health issues. If you have been considering this as a treatment option, there are a few things you can do to optimize this potentially life-changing experience.
Just as you would prepare for any other important event, taking the time to mentally and physically prepare for your ketamine-assisted psychotherapy sessions can make a big difference in how successful and beneficial they are. Here are a few things we recommend to help you feel comfortable and ready for the journey ahead.
Music (Binaural Beats):
Listening to calm-inducing music and sounds such as binaural beats before your ketamine-assisted psychotherapy session can help you feel relaxed and more prepared for the experience.. It can also help improve your mindset, setting the tone for the positive mood elevation and therapeutic insights that can occur during ketamine treatment.
Remember that the right physical space for your ketamine treatment is important. We work hard to ensure that you come into a comfortable atmosphere with calming music and no distractions to support your inward journey.
Meditation:
Meditation is a practice that can help you focus and quiet your mind, both of which can be helpful before ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. By taking some time to meditate before your session, you can help clear your mind and prepare yourself to receive the benefits of ketamine treatment.
There are many different ways to meditate, so know that there is no wrong way to do this. If you’re new to meditation practice, there are plenty of helpful resources online, or you can even download a meditation app on your phone.
Comfortable Clothing:
You want to be as comfortable as possible during your ketamine-assisted psychotherapy session, so make sure to wear clothing that you can relax in. This may mean loose-fitting clothes made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen. You might also consider wearing socks and comfortable footwear.
Eating Clean & Fasting:
Eating a clean, healthy diet and avoiding processed foods can help improve your overall health and well-being, making ketamine treatment more effective. We will ask you to fast 4-6 hours before your KAP session and limit your water intake. Note that water is still encouraged in this time window; however, you should avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee on the day of your session.
Medications:
Talk to your doctor and therapist about your medications before your ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to learn which ones to keep taking and which ones to abstain from. When you get these vital details squared away ahead of time, you can avoid any potential complications or interactions and focus on being present for your sessions.
Connect to the “why” you are here:
Take some time leading up to your ketamine-assisted psychotherapy session to drop into your intentions for why you signed up to do this work. What are your hopes for this important work? What does your heart say? You may spend some time journaling your thoughts or creating a list to help you get more clarity. You may also wish to speak with a trusted loved one or your KAP therapist to support your process. Research has found that creating an intention before a psychedelic journey can help “set” the mind and prime the psyche.
Preparing for a Happier, Healthier You!
Ketamine-assisted therapy is an opportunity to renew and enhance your life through exploring your thoughts and feelings in a safe, supportive environment. As a significant step toward a renewed sense of self, remember that taking care of yourself beforehand is integral to your experience, growth, and healing.
As you follow these tips, think of this process as a time to clean the slate because a new you awaits you at New U Therapy Center & Family Services.
If you have any questions about how to prepare for your treatment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more specific guidance based on your unique needs and situation.