Here are some essentials to consider that can really enhance your Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Experiences:
Set & Setting
Enveloping yourself in soothing textures and softness can foster a deep sense of relaxation during your ketamine journey. A cozy blanket or weighted blanket can provide a sense of security and warmth. Noise-canceling headphones allow you to fully immerse yourself in the experience without outside distractions.
Creating a tranquil atmosphere sets the tone for an undisturbed inner exploration. Dim the lighting or use blackout curtains to eliminate harsh brightness. An eye mask blocks out light for an enhanced inner journey.
While ketamine can induce profound internal experiences, having tactile objects nearby provides grounding anchors. Textured fabrics, soft stuffed animals, or smooth stones offer a gentle return to the physical realm if needed.
A blood pressure cuff enables monitoring of vital signs before and after a session to ensure you are in a safe range. Your personalized safe range will be provided to you by your prescriber.
Integration Tools
Having tools on hand for self-reflection can facilitate integration after your session. The act of creating can quiet the mind and provide a meditative focus; enabling you to stay present with any emerging thoughts, emotions, or visions. Stock up on art supplies like high quality markers, a coloring pad, and color by numbers. I personally love color by numbers because I don't have to make decisions about what colors to use (decision fatigue, anyone?).
Consider keeping a "journey journal" specifically for capturing fleeting impressions from your ketamine experiences. Journals are great for writing down insights during and after sessions. If old school pen and paper doesn't do it for you, you can always use a journaling or voice recording app instead. Speaking your insights aloud can help embed them more deeply. Revisiting the recordings later provides opportunities for further contemplation and meaning-making. The Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Companion provide prompts for preparation and integration work.
Nausea Prevention
Ketamine can sometimes cause nausea or a feeling like motion sickness. Wearing a SeaBand wristband, which uses acupressure to alleviate nausea, may prevent or reduce these unpleasant side effects during your session.
Immersive Soundscapes
Not all playlists are created equal. Listening to carefully curated music can profoundly enhance your ketamine experience. Explore playlists or albums specifically designed for ketamine journeys that gently guide your inner voyage.
Here are a few of my favorites:
I also use a platform called WavePaths when a client does not have access to a music app without ads.
Whether through words, art, or audio, having tools at hand to capture and process your ketamine experience can amplify its therapeutic potential. Take time to mindfully prepare, be present during the journey, and honor the integration process afterward.
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