Ketamine-Assisted Relationship Therapy at Courageous You
So you’re feeling ready to heal your relationship with ketamine-assisted therapy?
Then you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to the Courageous You Virtual Ketamine-Assisted Relationship Therapy program, which all takes place from the comfort of your own home. Courageous You is founded by me, Sarah Wolfer, LICSW, and Certified Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapist and I am happy to help guide you along this next step of your healing journey.
Courageous You is based in Seattle Washington and is led by me, Sarah Wolfer; a licensed clinical psychotherapist with specialized training and lived experience around working with partner(s), queer folx, and non-monogamous humans. My life’s work is to provide safe and supportive spaces for queer and non-monogamous humans to explore their inner world and find the healing they need to live a fulfilling life. Courageous You is dedicated to realizing this mission by providing trauma-informed ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for those who are part of these communities.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a legal, safe, and effective treatment for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD when used under the guidance of clinicians. Its antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects are rapid, often beginning within 1-2 hours after treatment. Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain and indirectly stimulating AMPA receptors, which helps form new synaptic connections and strengthens neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. This action enhances overall neuroplasticity, leading to lasting improvements in symptoms. Ketamine can be administered in various ways, including IV infusion, intramuscular injection, intranasal spray, and sublingual lozenges. In my work with Journey Clinical, we exclusively use the sublingual lozenge form. This involves dissolving a small tablet in your mouth, swishing it for 12 minutes, and then spitting it out. If eligible for the program, a doctor at Journey Clinical will prescribe the medication, which will be sent to your home by a compounding pharmacy.
Why Ketamine-Assisted Relationship Therapy?
Relationships are at the core of our human experience, shaping how we connect, grow, and heal. However, navigating these relationships—whether they are romantic partnerships, polycules, or even adult-child and parent dynamics—can be complex, especially when unresolved trauma, communication barriers, and emotional wounds are present. In my practice, I incorporate ketamine-assisted therapy to facilitate profound healing in these relationships. By leveraging the unique properties of ketamine, alongside approaches like parts work and the Gottman Method, we can foster deeper understanding, compassion, and connection.
On a neurobiological level, ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, leading to a surge in glutamate, a neurotransmitter associated with neural plasticity and synaptic growth. This process can “reset” certain brain circuits, making it easier to adopt new perspectives and break free from harmful relational patterns.
Physiologically, ketamine also affects the autonomic nervous system, helping to reduce hyperarousal states associated with trauma and anxiety. This calming effect allows individuals to approach difficult conversations and emotions with a sense of safety and openness, creating an environment conducive to healing.
My approach is flexible based on client needs, but most clients start with 4-6 non-medicine relationship therapy sessions (50-minute sessions) and then dosing sessions (typically 2.5-3 hours) every 1-4 weeks, most often alternating the person who is receiving the dose, and the person holding space. We can also do joint dosing sessions if there is an adult chaperone available at the home in the event of an emergency. Each dosing session will be followed by an integration session (50 minutes) the next day. Most clients start with 4-6 dosing sessions, but the program is flexible based on clinical need and financial considerations.
While ketamine facilitates emotional exploration, it is essential to ground these experiences in practical relationship skills.
In my practice, I integrate:
- Parts Work: We will explore the different parts of each person that may be contributing to relational difficulties. For example, a protective part might be driving anger or withdrawal, while a wounded part might be hiding vulnerability. Ketamine can help bring these parts into clearer focus, allowing for healing and integration.
- Gottman Method: The Gottman Method provides a framework for building strong relationships through improving communication, deepening emotional intimacy, and resolving conflicts. During ketamine sessions, couples or partners can practice these skills in a state of openness and presence, making it easier to internalize and apply them in everyday life.
Preparation and Integration sessions can be covered by insurance during 2024 (if I am paneled with your provider). I can also provide you with a superbill for plans I am not in network with, and you can use your HSA card to pay for all KAP sessions. My current private pay rate is $165/ 50-minute session. Dosing sessions unfortunately are not currently covered by insurance, and my current rate is $495 for the 2.5-3 hour session.
I provide the therapy side, and I coordinate with Journey Clinical for the medical side. They handle the screening and eligibility to ensure you are a good fit for ketamine treatment and if deemed eligible they will send the ketamine prescription to your home.
To discuss all your KAP options, you can schedule a free consult with me, Sarah, by email at info@courageousyou.us!