KETAMINE-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY

In our everyday lives, we are guided by what is known as the default mode network (DNM) of the brain. This network is made up of neural pathways that have been repeated and solidified over time, helping us make sense of the world, including guiding our perception of our relationship to ourselves, to others, and the social world in general. We need it to survive, to make meaning of all the information that comes from inside of us and around us. Said in another way, it runs all the stories we have about ourselves and the world. These stories become problematic when they become limiting to who we want to be, and we can’t seem to step out of what feels like reality. Some examples of limiting stories are: I’m unlovable; I’m worthy if I am productive and achieve things; the way to keep a connection with someone is to not have my own needs; I need to intimidate others to get what I need; I must keep myself small in order to be loved; I am all alone; I am not important to anyone; I’m a bad person; I don’t know how to take care of myself; I don’t need anyone.

The way that I describe this work is that ketamine lifts “the veil” of the DNM, giving a person access to themselves in a new way, unbound by our usual stories. The usual connections in the DNM very rapidly dissolve and your brain becomes free of the control of the DNM. One client who had been suffering from depression for many years described it as “letting go of the leash of the mind.” While the medicine is in your system, it is likely you will experience new ways of being; some are able to witness their usual stories with a clarity and with a detachment, seeing how they are separate from their stories, and how there are other ways to experience themselves and life. Some people are able to return to memories and experiences that have been too painful or overwhelming to be with, or even buried, and can return to these while the “fear center” (the amygdala) of the brain is turned down with the ketamine, with compassion for themselves, without feeling overwhelmed, and with a new experience that allows for healing of those experiences. I have had many clients tell me that through our sessions, they have been able to go to places in themselves and come out with a new experience after feeling stuck for many years, or decades, even with years of good psychotherapy.

Ketamine has been shown to increase brain plasticity, meaning, there is great potential for new neural networks to be formed, including those that help you reorganize your DMN stories and beliefs. Once the medicine wears off, there is possibly the most important work to be done: the keeping of the thread to the new insights and experiences gained during the ketamine session; this is called the “integration” phase. This is a ripe period where new neural networks can be cultivated and supported, making new realities possible. This is where a highly trained therapist and guide can help the most.