PSYCHEDELIC-ASSISTED THERAPY

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

At Head and Heart Collective, we offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in our Fort Lauderdale, Florida office, as well as virtually for clients throughout Florida.

KAP is a form of psychedelic assisted therapy using ketamine - a legal and safe psychedelic medicine. This treatment modality can be helpful for clients that are experiencing depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and symptoms related to trauma. Clients often report that ketamine assisted psychotherapy has helped them to deepen their healing process by catalyzing important breakthroughs within the therapy process. EMDR therapy and somatic psychotherapy models we practice complement ketamine treatment and integration.

The Science & Safety of KAP

Ketamine offers both antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, making it a valuable treatment for various mental health conditions. By blocking NMDA receptors and stimulating AMPA receptors, ketamine is thought to promote the formation of new synaptic connections in the brain. This enhancement of neuroplasticity can help individuals break free from rigid, unhelpful patterns, allowing for greater mental flexibility and emotional healing.

As a medicine, ketamine is very safe. The effects vary based on the dose, often creating sensations of being "disconnected" from the body, which can lead to shifts in perception that feel expansive and transformative. On average, the effects last for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, which makes it a great tool for psychotherapy sessions as compared to other psychedelic medicines that last for much longer (such as psilocybin or MDMA).

We offer two distinct methods of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): the psychedelic method and the psycholytic method. Both methods aim to enhance neuroplasticity and facilitate emotional healing, and we work with each client to determine which method is most appropriate based on their therapeutic goals and personal preferences.

Psycholytic Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

The psycholytic method of KAP involves a relatively lower dose of ketamine, which induces a mild to moderate alteration in consciousness. In this approach, the effects are more subtle, allowing clients to remain more connected to their emotions and thoughts while still benefiting from ketamine’s ability to reduce defenses and enhance therapeutic exploration. The psycholytic state facilitates deeper emotional processing and can accelerate breakthroughs in therapy without the intensity of a full psychedelic experience. This method allows for more interaction and dialogue during the session, blending the benefits of ketamine with the psychotherapeutic process of EMDR. Psycholytic EMDR KAP sessions typically last between 75 to 90 minutes. We offer these sessions both in office and virtually to clients residing in Florida. Learn more about our Ketamine-Assisted EMDR approach here.

Psychedelic Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

In the psychedelic method, a relatively higher dose of ketamine is administered, leading to a profound, altered state of consciousness. This experience often includes vivid imagery, deep emotional exploration, and a sense of being disconnected from the body. These expansive, non-ordinary states can offer powerful insights and help clients access unconscious material that may be difficult to reach through traditional talk therapy alone. Clients are encouraged to explore and reflect on their inner experience, followed by an integration process to make sense of the insights gained. Psychedelic KAP sessions typically last between 2 1/2 to 3 hours. We offer these sessions both in office and virtually.

Psychedelic Preparation & Integration Sessions

In addition to offering Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), we also extend our services to provide psychedelic preparation and integration sessions. These sessions are tailored to support clients who are considering or have experienced psychedelic journeys outside of our practice. Prior to their psychedelic journey, we collaborate with clients to cultivate a mindset conducive to healing and growth. Afterward, in integration sessions, we work together to process and integrate insights gained, empowering clients to incorporate their experiences into their personal journey of self-discovery and healing. Our goal is to provide comprehensive support, ensuring clients feel equipped to navigate their psychedelic experiences with understanding and resilience.

Further Reading/Listening on KAP and Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

Your KAP Path

  • Phase 1: Preparation

    Before your Ketamine dosing session, we’ll have 2-4 sessions to get to know each other, set your goals and intentions, and prepare you for what’s ahead.

  • Phase 2: Medicine Sessions

    During this phase, you’ll embark on your ketamine journey, guided by Rachel. In this space you’ll receive the right amount of support you need in a safe and supportive setting. Depending on if you are exploring using psychedelic or psycholytic dosing with EMDR, the session length may range from 75 minutes to 3 hours. This can be done in person at our Plantation, FL office or virtually in the comfort of your own home.

  • Phase 3: Integration

    The journey doesn’t stop at the dosing session and integration is the most important step in KAP. In the next 2-4 sessions, you’ll talk through your experience, uncover new insights, and figure out how to weave them into your daily life. Additional/supplemental EMDR sessions may help with further resourcing and integration. Together, we will build strategies for a more authentic you.

PARTNERSHIPS

We deliver Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) at Head and Heart Collective in partnership with an organization Journey Clinical, a specialized medical team which determines eligibility for KAP, prescribes sublingual ketamine, and supports us in monitoring outcomes. If you are interested in learning more about eligibility and next steps, book a consult today or check out this brochure.

We also have partnerships with local Ketamine prescribers in Florida. Rachel will discuss with you the best option for a prescriber based on your treatment goals.

FAQ

  • Usually, our program follows this structure, although it can be adjusted based on the individual needs of each client:

    • An initial series of 2-4 preparation sessions. For existing clients, 1-2 sessions may be needed.

    • A single 3-hour dosing session

    • A series of 2-4 integration sessions

      The necessity for additional dosing sessions will be determined through discussions between the client and their medical professional at Journey Clinical.

  • Your therapist can provide more details on this. For KAP dosing sessions, it's necessary to have a chaperone present, and a consent form must be signed for the chaperone.

  • Our Fort Lauderdale, Florida office provides in-person KAP sessions. Your therapist will make sure you're fully equipped with everything necessary, like a comfortable space to lie down, headphones, weighted blankets, and any other essentials, creating a serene environment for your dosing session. Please be aware that you must arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.

  • We do not accept insurance for psychotherapy services. Our private pay rate is $225 per hour.

  • When scheduling a 3-hour KAP dosing session, a deposit of 50% is necessary. We have a one-week cancellation policy for these sessions since we allocate this time exclusively for you. If a cancellation occurs within one week of the scheduled dosing session, the 50% deposit will be forfeited.