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KETAMINE-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY

Ketamine is the only nation-wide legal psychedelic at this time and has helped many people with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, among other mental health concerns. It can often be a catalyst when traditional therapies and medications have not helped you get “unstuck.”

What Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) looks like

Below is an outline of the way I work with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) so you can have a general idea of the time and financial commitment required for this work. If we decide to work together, we will have plenty of time to delve further into the process. I offer a free 20-minute consultation to get to know you, and for you to ask questions about ketamine treatment. Preparation and integration sessions are available virtually or in person. The KAP sessions are held in person, though after a series of KAP sessions, you may be able to have sessions at home with me coming in for a portion of the session virtually.
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What is ketamine and how does it work therapeutically?

Ketamine is the only nation-wide legal psychedelic at this time. At high doses, it is used as an anesthetic, and at low to mid-range doses, it is used therapeutically in what is called “off-label” use. It is considered to be extremely safe when worked with in a therapeutic setting, with only a few exceptions (see below about your medical evaluation).

Through KAP, many people have been helped with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, among other mental health concerns. Ketamine can help increase self-compassion and compassion for others, and help you see things from a new perspective.

Ketamine is anxiolytic. It quiets the part of our central nervous system that worries and frets. Because of this, most people do not experience anxiety during the KAP sessions, like one might with other psychedelic medicines. Many, but not all, experience a relaxed and pleasant state, an open field of awareness that is unique and awe-inspiring.

Reboot Your Brain, Reboot Your Life!

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.

Integrating Your Experience

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.

What you experience during the medicine sessions may be potent and meaningful for you, and, it is not these experiences alone that bring about change. My approach holds that how you take these experiences and integrate them into yourself and your life are possibly the most important part of the treatment. The ketamine is not a magic bullet that will change you, it is a catalyst that can help you find new pathways to transformation. Part of the process of working together is me helping you connect with resources outside of our relationship that will continue to support you in your integration of what emerges in the KAP sessions; these can include (but are not limited to) somatic and expressive arts practices, journaling practices, support groups, ongoing therapy with a therapist who can help you with your integration, classes, books, podcasts, etc.
Jessica Mangano

How is this way of working different than many ketamine clinics and online ketamine treatment companies?

Many ketamine clinics, including ones that administer intravenous (IV) ketamine, do not have a therapist with you as a guide during the session. You may or may not spend time setting intentions before your ketamine journey. The bigger online ketamine companies probably cost less, but there is not the individualized support of a trained and licensed therapist during every step of the way. KAP with me is highly personalized, and I am with you every step of the way. I believe that our relationship is part of the healing itself. I consider it a collaborative process where I want to truly understand you, what holds you back from living the life you want to live, and help you grow new ways of feeling and living through a variety of ways which might include somatic (body-oriented) practices, support groups, expressive arts, and daily living opportunities to practice the new ways of being you will discover. I consider it a true honor to be an ally to you and your deepest Self.

One of the nice things about KAP is that its duration is only about 60-90 minutes at its full effect, and we can begin with a very low dose and add more during the session if you choose, so that you can ease into the experience if it is new for you.

We will use sublingual (under the tongue) rapid dissolve lozenges.

It was nothing short of a miracle -- it (Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy) drastically changed my life and put me on a life-long inner healing journey ever since.

- RZ

My Qualifications

In addition to my experience as a psychotherapist for over twenty-five years, and fifteen years previously as a bodyworker, I have completed an 8-module training program for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Polaris Insight Center, advanced training at Healing Realms Center for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, and training in leading ketamine therapy groups with Katja Kahoon. I have also been trained and certified by MAPS — the The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies — as an MDMA therapist. I am the co-founder for GoldenWeave Collective for Ethical Psychedelic Practices, a network of ketamine-assisted psychotherapists, social workers, medical doctors, psychiatrists, and trainers, who consult with each other to continue to further our education and ongoing training in this pioneering field so that we may bring the most cutting edge services to our clients, in a safe, ethical, and friendly environment.
Initial consultation

Complimentary 20-Minute Consultation

A session for me to learn about you and what you are seeking, and assess whether ketamine therapy may be a good fit for you and that we are a good fit to work together. You can ask me any questions you have about ketamine treatment.

Pre-KAP and Preparation Sessions

We will have a series of at least 3 pre-KAP sessions and one preparation session to make sure you are ready for your journey. Adequate preparation and integration are an integral part of the success of your ketamine treatment. During these sessions, we will hone in on the core issues you are working with, and I will help you set intentions for the medicine sessions.

Cost: $220 per session (50 minutes, and one $300 75- minute session to include scheduling)

Medical evaluation and prescription from our MD

This will be a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation with a medical doctor to make sure you are a good candidate for this work and to make sure it is safe for you to use ketamine. Once you do the evaluation you will get a prescription sent to your home from the pharmacy.

Cost: $450/50 min. This is paid directly to the doctor and does not include the lozenges, which will cost about $50-120

KAP Sessions

Usually clients will begin with a series of 3 KAP sessions. Each KAP session ranges from 3-4 hours.

Cost: 3 hour KAP $950

Integration Sessions

Each KAP session will be followed by an integration session the following week, followed by a preparation session for the next KAP session. These sessions will help you reflect on and anchor the material that emerges during your sessions and help you support the positive changes that are wanting to blossom. Integration sessions can expand into however many we feel would be necessary- this is a collaborative process between my clinical experience and what feels right for you.

If you have experienced trauma in your life, particularly repeated childhood trauma, you may need more sessions to feel the benefits of treatment. I highly recommend at minimum a series of three. Some people find that after a series of KAP work, they like to return for a “booster” session at some point in the future, or repeatedly over time, such as every 3-6 months to deepen and continue the work they have been consolidating in their lives; we will work to find a maintenance plan that works for you and your needs. I also hold “booster” groups, which you may be eligible for after a series of KAPs, which help lower the cost of treatment, and also provide community and support within a group of people working with this medicine.

Cost: $220 per session/ 50 minutes

Preparation and integration sessions are available virtually or in person. The KAP sessions are held in person, though after a series of KAP sessions, you may be able to have sessions at home with me coming in for a portion of the session virtually.

KAP Groups

I offer KAP groups for those who have completed a series with me. You may become eligible for these groups, which foster a sense of community and connection with others who are exploring this path, as well as make the work more affordable.

Insurance

I am not on any insurance panels so do not do any insurance billing, but if you have a PPO, I can give you a superbill for the services. A portion of these sessions may be covered if your plan covers out of network therapy, but I cannot guarantee that your insurance will cover any of it. If you have an FSA, it may cover some or all of these services.

I look forward to embarking on this journey with you should it feel like a good fit!

Estimated Cost of KAP Series

A 3 KAP session series would be:

TOTAL: $4,910

Commitment to and investment in the process:
I always recommend that people commit to the full three KAP series as it is a cumulative experience that works as a whole. That said, you are not required to pay the full fee up front; I ask people to pay at the time of each session, so if for some reason you decide to end your treatment, you are able to at any time and will just pay for sessions received.

Are you ready to Reboot Your Life?

Contact me for a complimentary 20 minute consultation.

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Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, #MFC39321
Registered with the CA BBS as Carrie Elizabeth Katz

2915 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94703

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