Group Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
In this post, you’ll find all the info about my upcoming ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) group that I’m offering with my colleague Sonia Albin.
Overview of Group Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an emergent modality that uses an altered state induced by ketamine to help patients deepen their work in psychotherapy. KAP is often done one-on-one with a therapist, but in that format, patients do not have a community of peers to rely on for support. Group KAP can be an opportunity to do so, while also advancing individual goals. Group KAP is not a replacement for individual KAP; it is a different modality with its own unique benefits. All group members will need to be connected to another mental health resource (ex: therapist, psychiatrist, coach, group therapy etc). The group facilitators will speak with you individually to make sure this modality is appropriate.
About Your Facilitator
If you’re here, you might already know me, Lauren. And if not, here’s a bit about me and my practice. I’m a licensed psychotherapist with a virtual practice. I’m licensed in both Texas and Washington, so I’m able to see clients who live in those states. I offer ketamine assisted psychotherapy rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS). IFS is a powerful modality to develop a secure relationship with yourself. The relationship you build with your parts lays the foundation for trauma reprocessing. You can learn more about IFS here. In addition to group KAP, I help clients with preparation, journeying, and integration of psychedelic experiences. I partner with Journey Clinical, an organization which provides medical support for KAP.
When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my partner and my border collie. I love cooking and baking sourdough (I’m a Taurus moon and it shows). I’m queer, poly affirming, and Jewish. I’m happy to share anything else you want to know.
Ketamine Assisted Therapy Group Size and Format
Each group will be a closed cohort of 6 participants. This is a closed group, meaning that the same members will participate each time and it will not be open to any new members for the duration of the series. Group participants will need to commit to and pay for the entire series. While conflicts may arise, the group cannot run without this full commitment. I cannot offer any refunds for missed sessions for any reason, including illness. If you miss a preparation or integration session, you have the option of scheduling an individual session with me at my normal clinical hourly rate ($220). There are no makeups or rescheduling for dosing sessions.
Each series will include two preparation sessions, two dosing sessions, and three integration sessions. Preparation and integration sessions will run for 75 minutes each via Zoom. Dosing sessions will be 3.5 hours each via zoom.
During preparation, participants will get to know one another and discuss their goals and intentions for working with ketamine. They may choose to discuss their previous work with ketamine or other psychedelic substances or non-substance-induced altered states, either recreational or therapeutic (or both). We will invite conversation about expectations, desires, anxieties, and fears about the dosing session. As the facilitator, I will provide information about the ketamine experience and answer questions about the process.
The dosing sessions will include a group discussion, mindfulness exercise, co-creating a sacred space, an inward-facing ketamine journey, and group processing. Participants will receive specific instructions on supplies to bring prior to this session.
Dosing sessions will be followed by integration sessions where participants can process insights from the journey, make meaning of their experience, and –most importantly– strategize about how to build practices in their life that will support these insights. The group will serve as both a supportive community and provide a level of accountability to following through on commitments to integration.
As the group facilitator, my role is to cultivate a safe environment and encourage deeper intimacy in conversation, which will enhance the therapeutic component of the group. Each participant will be screened in advance for appropriateness for the group and goodness of fit within the group.
Preparation for Group Ketamine
Group participants are encouraged to prepare for the group by clarifying their intentions and desires for participating. This may involve processes like journaling, meditation or other contemplative practices or embodiment practices such as yoga or dance. During the group, facilitators and other group members can provide feedback on these practices, and the group may serve as a means of accountability. As the group progresses, participants will be encouraged to maintain these practices in between sessions as a means of preparing for and integrating the experiences from the medicine work. Both research and anecdotal evidence demonstrate that engagement in these practices will create better outcomes.
Pricing
The cost for the group sessions is $1,050 to be paid via credit card. The group is priced at $150 per session, and there are 7 sessions (2 preparation, 2 dosing, and three integration). Installments are available if needed.
If you have out of network benefits, you may be able to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. I can provide you with documentation; however reimbursement is not guaranteed and payment will still be expected even if you are not reimbursed.
In addition, clients will be referred to Journey Clinical for a consultation with a nurse practitioner or psychiatrist who will prescribe ketamine lozenges to participants if it is determined to be clinically appropriate. I cannot guarantee that participants will receive a prescription but can discuss counter indications on a general level to help determine if there are any obvious rule-outs.
The fee for Journey Clinical is $250.00 for an initial consult. If you are deemed not eligible by Journey, the fee is refundable. Participants will be prescribed enough sub-lingual ketamine lozenges for the two dosing sessions. The cost of the medication is $85.
Other Questions About Group KAP
What if I have a bad experience?
I cannot guarantee what sort of experience you will have during the ketamine session. Some people do have challenging experiences. I will be present to support you through the dosing session. Even though the experience may be challenging, it may also bring to light important issues to address during integration.
What additional support options might be available?
For those who wish to continue working after the group is over, I will work with you to ensure that you are connected to another psychotherapist, or with me if you wish and I have availability.
Are people required to be in therapy for this experience?
It is strongly recommended you have an existing relationship with a psychotherapist, but it is not required. However, it is required that all participants to be connected with some mental health resources that they can access for support after the completion of the program. This can include an individual therapist, group therapy, psychiatrist, coach, etc. since after the group, I cannot guarantee ongoing clinical support unless you are already an established client. I can offer referral resources for people who are interested in additional treatment.
Can I join with a friend?
I will evaluate friends who wish to join on a case-by-case basis. While this may work, issues may arise in group cohesion.
What kinds of indications would make me a good fit for the group?
You might be a fit for the group if you are working through depression, anxiety, PTSD, an eating disorder, OCD, and other clinical diagnoses. You may also be a good fit if you’re wanting to explore a new healing modality. Maybe you’re feeling stuck in your current therapy work and want to see how ketamine could help. This could be right for you if you want to deepen your connection to yourself and/or your spirituality.
If you are interested in joining the next group, please review the schedule below and then contact Lauren@laurendonelsontherapy. The first step will be to schedule a 30 minute screening call to determine preliminary eligibility.
Spring Schedule:
Preparation: Monday, March 25th at 5pm pacific (1.5 hours)
Preparation: Monday, April 1st at 5pm pacific (1.5 hours)
Dosing 1: Friday, April 5th at 5pm pacific (3.5 hours)
Integration: Monday, April 15th at 5pm pacific (1.5 hours)
Dosing 2: Friday, April 19th at 5pm pacific (3.5 hours)
Integration: Monday, April 22th at 5pm pacific (1.5 hours)
Final Integration: Monday, April 29th at 5pm pacific (1.5 hours)
I look forward to hearing from you!