Ketamine in Psilocybin Therapy
Ketamine in Psilocybin Therapy: A Gentle First Step
Psilocybin therapy offers deep emotional healing, but for some, the experience can feel overwhelming. Ketamine therapy provides a gentler entry point, helping to disarm trauma and ease anxiety.
Dr. Kathryn Kloos, a psilocybin facilitator and naturopathic physician, believes ketamine is a great first step. She describes it as “training wheels for psilocybin,” making the psychedelic experience more approachable.
How Ketamine Helps with Trauma and Anxiety
Ketamine is known for its ability to relax the mind while reducing distress. Dr. Kloos often recommends starting with a few ketamine sessions. This allows clients to:
- Build trust in the facilitator and the space.
- Experience a mild psychedelic state before trying psilocybin.
- Process emotions in a controlled and supportive setting.
Dr. Seth Mehr, a former emergency medicine physician and psilocybin facilitator, also highlights ketamine’s benefits. Unlike psilocybin, which lasts four to six hours, ketamine sessions are shorter and adjustable. If a client feels overwhelmed, the dose can be lowered in real-time, making it a flexible and controlled option.
Ketamine vs. Psilocybin: Key Differences
While ketamine can ease the transition into psychedelic therapy, it doesn’t replace psilocybin. Instead, it complements it. Here are some key differences:
Psilocybin allows for a deeper exploration of emotions and past experiences. Once clients feel comfortable with ketamine, they may transition to psilocybin for more profound healing.
Healing in a Supportive Community
Both Dr. Kloos and Dr. Mehr emphasize the importance of group settings in psychedelic therapy. Many clients, particularly women, find comfort in shared experiences. Group sessions provide support, validation, and a sense of connection throughout the healing process.
Additionally, organizations like MAPS advocate for safe and effective psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’re considering ketamine or psilocybin therapy, finding the right facilitator is crucial. Dr. Kloos and Dr. Mehr offer a personalized approach, ensuring safety and support.
To explore legal psychedelic therapy options, visit Trellia. If you want to learn more about psychedelic healing, check out this article on psilocybin’s benefits. For a directory of trained facilitators, visit the Psychedelic Support Network.
By starting with ketamine, you can gently introduce yourself to the world of psychedelics. When you’re ready, psilocybin therapy can take you even deeper into self-discovery and healing.