Self-Guided (Therapist Supported) Ketamine-Assisted Therapy at Courageous You
So you’re feeling ready to start ketamine-assisted therapy?
Then you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to the Courageous You “Self-Guided” Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy 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 relationships, queer folx, neurodivergence, 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 Therapy?
While research into ketamine treatment is ongoing, it is known that ketamine works primarily on the GABA receptor, indirectly influencing the neurotransmitter glutamate, often referred to as the brain’s “fertilizer.” This process leads to the production of a critical growth factor that aids in the repair of neurons damaged by stress and mental illness. After a ketamine treatment, this mechanism creates a “neuroplastic window,” a period during which the brain is particularly receptive to change. This window provides an opportunity for individuals to make shifts in internal patterns and behaviors that previously felt difficult or stuck. Ketamine treatment can improve mood within hours to days and support the regeneration of nerve cells over time. I often discuss with clients the importance of “seizing the neuroplastic window” after a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) session. The changes made during this period are more likely to become lasting, helping the brain and body establish new, more adaptive patterns.
Key Aspects of self-Guided Ketamine-Assisted Therapy
1. Preparation: Before your first self-guided session, you’ll complete two preparation sessions with Sarah to ensure you feel confident and ready. You will also need to choose a trusted chaperone who will be present during your dosing sessions for safety and support. More on that below.
2. Dosing Sessions: During your session, you’ll be in the comfort of your home, guided by the tools and instructions provided. Your therapist will check in before and after to review your vitals, ensure your chaperone is present, and answer any immediate questions you might have.
3. Integration: After each session, it’s essential to have an integration session within 48-72 hours. This allows you to process your experience, draw insights from the session, and work with Sarah to apply those insights into your life and relationships.
Safety is Paramount
• Chaperone Requirement: For all self-guided sessions, a chaperone must be present. This person should be someone you trust who can provide support and ensure your safety during the session.
• Vital Monitoring: Your therapist will guide you through checking your vitals before and after each session to ensure the session is proceeding safely.
• Clear Guidelines: You’ll follow set safety protocols, including ensuring you have a quiet, private space for the session and avoiding any dangerous activities (like driving) during and after the experience.
When the Chaperone May Need to Assist
• Physical Support: Ketamine can cause disorientation. The chaperone may need to help the client if they become unsteady on their feet, especially if navigating stairs or moving to another room.
• Technical Issues: The chaperone may be asked to resolve any technical problems with devices like laptops, headphones, or speakers during the session.
• Environmental Management: In case of disturbances, the chaperone can step in to help manage noise or interruptions, ensuring a peaceful environment.
• Emergency Support: In case of an emergency, the chaperone should follow the outlined safety procedures, including contacting emergency services if necessary and informing the therapist.
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!