Olivia Clear, LPCC

Before your first Ketamine Assisted Therapy session, we'll meet 2-3 times and discuss your hopes, plans, and how I can best support you in this work. I'll teach you how to prepare your mind, body, and setting and create an intention for your Ketamine Assisted Therapy session.

We'll also discuss choosing a support person who will remain nearby (but not in the same room) throughout your Ketamine Session. I'll have their phone number and ask your permission to contact them if you need physical support during the session.

I'll refer you to a medical doctor who will meet with you for an online medical assessment and, barring medical contraindications, will prescribe Ketamine. During this meeting, the doctor will also discuss the dose of Ketamine you will take.

After you meet with the doctor, they will send a prescription to the pharmacy. Your prescription consists of sublingual lozenges (tablets) that you will dissolve in your mouth and hold for about 15 minutes. Then, the pharmacy will send the Ketamine prescription to your home for you to self-administer during your Ketamine Therapy session.

As we prepare for your first Ketamine Therapy session, we'll talk about music for your journey. Music is an excellent support in helping the session unfold. I can provide you with several options for playlists or offer guidance about considerations for creating a playlist.

On the day of your Ketamine session, we'll check in about your feelings surrounding the journey and your intention. We'll also ensure your setting is ready and your support person is available.

When you're ready to take the Ketamine, I'll guide you in a meditation to help you settle in. You will hold the Ketamine in your mouth for 15 minutes, and I'll let you know when that time passes.

It's my job to support you, honor your experience, and help you explore during the therapy session. I may suggest you return to your intention and help you stay present with what arises. I'll remain with you during the session and check in throughout your journey.

As a therapist trained in working with trauma, I can assure all parts of you and your experience are welcome to be explored! We'll discuss what you notice as you feel called to speak. Some common topics in Ketamine therapy sessions are images, metaphors, childhood memories, history of depression or anxiety, your relationship to your body, and patterns in your life or thinking you'd like to change. However, everyone's journey is different.

I will take notes for you throughout your session and, if desired, share them with you afterward. We will meet 2-3 more times after your Ketamine session for integration therapy, and we will use the notes from your Ketamine session to help us explore themes that arose in your journey.

Due to the antidepressant effects of Ketamine, increased neural plasticity in your brain, and a sense of openness that arises from work with Ketamine Therapy, integration is an ideal time to explore and engage in new habits and shift thought patterns. We may use art therapy to help you deepen your understanding and insights surrounding your Ketamine session.

I recommend that you undergo a minimum of three Ketamine-Assisted Therapy sessions as the effects of working with Ketamine and depth of exploration often increase as you gain familiarity with your process and develop your integration practices.