Ketamine Assisted Pychotherapy (KAP)

Ketamine is a safe, FDA-approved medicine that has powerful biological and cognitive effects. Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP) is a unique therapeutic method used to address a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, addiction, and some forms of anxiety. It involves the use of ketamine to enhance and deepen the therapeutic process, and the use of psychotherapy and other integrative forms of treatment to amplify and prolong the curative effects of ketamine.

In low doses, ketamine can serve as a supportive adjunct to psychotherapy, as it provides an opportunity for the temporary softening of the psychological defenses, allowing for deeper self reflection and psychotherapeutic processing.

In moderate doses, ketamine has psychedelic effects, which have been shown to facilitate profound transpersonal experiences. These types of experiences can help people in a variety of ways, offering important clarity and insight into one’s struggles, adding a spiritual dimension to ongoing therapeutic work, and facilitating a sense of meaning and interconnectedness. Find out more here

Somatic Experiencing (SE)

Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented approach to the healing of trauma and other stress disorders. It was developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine, resulting from his multidisciplinary study of stress physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience, indigenous healing practices, and medical biophysics, together with over 45 years of successful clinical application. The SE™ approach releases traumatic shock, which is key to transforming PTSD and the wounds of emotional and early developmental attachment trauma. The Somatic Experiencing Approach offers a framework to assess where a person is “stuck” in the fight, flight, or freeze responses and provides clinical tools to resolve these fixated physiological states. Find out more here.

Compassionate Inquiry (CI)

Compassionate Inquiry is a trauma-based psychotherapeutic method developed by Dr. Gabor Mate that reveals what lies beneath the appearance we present to the world. Dr. Mate’s view is that trauma is at the root of all human dysfunction, addiction, affliction, disease, confusion, and separation from the self. The goal of a CI session is to help the client re-connect with their authentic self. The process is an uncovering through inquiry and curiosity of what may be arising in the present moment. In this process, the story is not more important than getting to the truth because it is the truth that will liberate the client. It may bring up some painful emotions, and my role is to help guide the client through the experience in the present moment through a mind-body connection within a safe container. Find out more here.

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR therapy facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories and other adverse life experience to bring these to an adaptive resolution.

After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is reduced. During EMDR therapy the client attends to emotionally disturbing material in brief sequential doses while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus. Therapist directed lateral eye movements are the most commonly used external stimulus but a variety of other stimuli including hand-tapping and audio stimulation are often used (Shapiro, 1991). Find out more here.

Psychedelic Integration Therapy (PIT)

As a psychedelic integration therapist, I utilize a harm reduction model, providing a non-judgmental confidential space for clients to prepare for and process their non-ordinary state of consciousness. After a psychedelic journey, it can be difficult for many people to make sense of their experience, whether it be magical, healing, or one of confusion, and integrate it into their daily lives. Psychedelic Integration Therapy is a critical piece of the healing journey that is far too often overlooked or ignored. Gaining awareness without moving it into action or change, is merely awareness that quickly submerges back into the subconscious mind. Psychedelic Integration does not include the administration of psychedelic medicines but I can help you make sense of the experience. There are significant legal and medical risks associated with casual use of psychedelics. These risks are amplified for people who are already experiencing mental health difficulties. While I do not advocate or advise the use of illegal substances, I understand that psychedelic medicines have been an impactful component of the human experience for thousands of years. Psychedelic Integration should not be viewed as an endorsement of using such substances, but rather a way to help clients through experiences that have left them with more questions than answers. Find out more here.