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What is the Difference Between Psycholytic and Psychedelic Ketamine?

Updated: Oct 7




What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy?

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an innovative therapeutic approach that combines the use of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, with traditional psychotherapy techniques. This cutting-edge treatment has gained attention for its potential to treat a wide range of issues; from general anxiety to complex trauma.


Potential Benefits

KAP offers several advantages over traditional psychotherapy:

  1. Rapid relief: Many patients report significant improvement in symptoms after just a few sessions.

  2. Enhanced neuroplasticity: Ketamine may promote the formation of new neural connections, facilitating lasting change.

  3. Breakthrough potential: The altered state can help a client overcome barriers that have resisted other forms of therapy.


Psycholytic vs. Psychedelic Ketamine Therapy

Dosage and Duration

Psycholytic ketamine assisted therapy refers to the use of a lower dose of ketamine during the session. These treatments aim to enhance traditional psychotherapy by lowering defenses and facilitating emotional processing. Psychedelic ketamine assisted therapy utilizes higher doses to facilitate a dissociative experience to be processed in an integration therapy session a day or two after the experience.


Therapeutic Approach

The psycholytic approach gives clients an opportunity to explore their thoughts and feelings while experiencing the effects of the low-dose of ketamine. Therapists guide clients through this process, helping them uncover and work through underlying issues. Psychedelic ketamine assisted therapy experiences usually need to be processed 1-3 days after the self-administration of the higher dose of ketamine. Clients often report mystical or transcendent states that can lead to significant shifts in perspective.


How Ketamine Dosage Impacts the Experience

Low-Dose Effects

When self-administered in lower doses, ketamine typically produces a psycholytic effect. This means you'll experience a subtle alteration in consciousness without a complete disconnection from reality. At this level you might notice mild changes in perception, enhanced introspection, and a loosening of mental defenses. These effects can facilitate therapeutic discussions and emotional processing during psychotherapy sessions.


High-Dose Effects

In contrast, higher doses of ketamine usually lead to dissociative or psychedelic experiences. You may encounter intense visual and auditory distortions, a sense of ego dissolution, and feelings of transcendence or cosmic unity. This state can be both awe-inspiring and potentially disorienting.


Preparation and Integration

For both types of sessions, proper preparation is crucial. This typically involves setting intentions, discussing your concerns with your therapist, and creating a safe, comfortable environment. Post-session integration is equally important, allowing you to process and make meaning of your experiences. This may involve journaling, artwork, and follow-up therapy sessions to incorporate insights gained during the ketamine experience into your daily life.


Interested in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy? Schedule a free discovery call here.


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