Combining Two Powerful Modalities for Accelerated Healing
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy
Revolutionary Trauma Treatment
A Breakthrough Approach to Trauma Therapy
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy combines the proven effectiveness of EMDR in processing trauma with the increased neuroplasticity of ketamine.
In this approach, a low dose of ketamine, prescribed by a medical provider, is used during an EMDR session. This low dose of ketamine provides a state that allows clients to more easily access and release unresolved trauma while remaining alert, grounded and able to engage in EMDR work.
This innovative approach often allows clients to experience accelerated healing, making previously intolerable memories more approachable. New understandings and experiences are then possible as trauma-related thoughts and feelings are more effectively explored and released.
How It Works
The Science Behind Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy
Preparation
A small amount of sublingual ketamine is self-administered by the client during an EMDR therapy reprocessing session to facilitate the adaptive resolution of traumatic memories.
Enhanced Safety
Ketamine, at a low dose, has a calming effect that can reduce emotional overwhelm. During EMDR therapy reprocessing, clients revisit distressing memories, which can feel somewhat intense. Ketamine helps create a sense of emotional safety, allowing clients to approach these memories with less fear and avoidance.
Increased Flexibility
Trauma can create rigid thought patterns and emotional responses that keep individuals stuck. Ketamine enhances neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to form new connections – helping clients become more open to new perspectives. This flexibility allows for deeper cognitive and emotional shifts during EMDR therapy reprocessing.
Why Combine Ketamine with EMDR?
Reduces Protective Barriers
In EMDR therapy, protective mechanisms like avoidance or emotional numbing can sometimes block progress. Ketamine can quiet these defenses, making it easier for clients to access and process the root causes of their distress.
Enhances Therapeutic State
Ketamine often brings clients into a state of curiosity, compassion, and clarity. This state is ideal for EMDR therapy reprocessing, as it allows clients to approach traumatic memories with kindness and openness, rather than fear or self-criticism.
Accelerates Results
By combining the proven effectiveness of EMDR with the neurobiological and psychological effects of ketamine, clients often experience accelerated healing. Memories that once felt intolerable become approachable.
Is Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy if you:
Experience intense emotional reactions that make trauma processing difficult
Find it challenging to stay present while working with traumatic memories
Want to explore an innovative approach that may enhance your EMDR work
The ketamine helps create a sense of emotional safety and openness, which can allow EMDR processing to happen with less distress.
These sessions can be conducted virtually for clients throughout California and Utah, and in-person as available. The treatment follows all safety protocols for both EMDR therapy and ketamine administration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy
How is this different from regular EMDR or regular ketamine therapy?
The use of low-dose ketamine in an EMDR session can increase emotional flexibility and reduce avoidance of difficult memories and emotions. The addition of low-dose ketamine can accelerate progress on EMDR work that has been particularly difficult to approach or deepen. Unlike ketamine-assisted psychotherapy with higher doses of ketamine, the client remains grounded in the session, benefiting from the increased flexibility and neuroplasticity while remaining active in the therapeutic process.
Do I need previous EMDR experience?
No, you don't need prior EMDR experience. Like all EMDR work, preparation and resource-building will be the first steps. Before combining both modalities we will then have some EMDR-only sessions to acclimate you to the process. Then we will discuss the addition of low-dose ketamine to see if it seems like a beneficial next step.
What should I expect during a Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy session?
The session will begin as a typical EMDR session, choosing a memory to address and deepening the memory. After ketamine administration, we'll wait for the optimal therapeutic window, then move forward with gentle EMDR processing.
How many sessions does Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy take?
Because this approach can accelerate processing, you may need fewer sessions than traditional EMDR alone. We'll assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Is Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy more intense than regular therapy?
While the processing can be deeper, many clients find it less emotionally overwhelming than traditional EMDR when dealing with especially difficult memories because ketamine creates a sense of safety and emotional distance from traumatic memories.
Who shouldn't try Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy?
This approach isn't suitable for everyone. Contraindications include certain medical conditions, some medications, active substance abuse, or severe dissociative disorders. Medical clearance is required before beginning treatment.
How much does Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy cost?
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy sessions are 75 minutes in length. Each session costs $345.
Ready to Explore This Innovative Approach?
If you're interested in this breakthrough combination of EMDR and ketamine therapy, I'd be happy to discuss whether this approach could be beneficial for your specific situation.