Offerings
Ketamine-assisted somatic therapy
Ketamine is a useful medicine to use in somatic therapy as it allows one to contact their painful parts with confidence. I describe ketamine as like putting a soft, warm blanket around trauma. In ketamine therapy, clients will take a prescribed sublingual dose of ketamine on their own, while a therapist remains present throughout the session.
$150 per hour
Cannabis-assisted Somatic therapy
Cannabis is a powerful medicine that can cut through dissociation. Dissociation is a symptom of trauma, which is often a calm and resourceful state. Although, one who experiences more dissociation may find it more challenging to process their trauma.
$150 per hour
More about Ketamine
What is ketamine?
Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment in the field of mental health. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to become effective, ketamine often works within hours, making it a valuable option for those struggling with severe depression and other mental health conditions.
Beyond its role in mental health, ketamine has been widely used in medical settings around the world. It is listed on the World Health Organization's (WHO) and the United Nations' List of Essential Medicines, a collection of the most important medications needed in a basic health system. This recognition highlights ketamine's importance, not only as an anesthetic but also for its versatility and safety in emergency medicine, surgeries, and trauma care. Its ability to provide effective pain relief without significantly affecting breathing has made it indispensable in both developed and developing countries, further solidifying its status as a vital drug in modern medicine.
How Does Ketamine Work in the Brain?
Ketamine operates differently from conventional antidepressants. It primarily acts on the brain's glutamate system, a neurotransmitter involved in memory, learning, and mood regulation. Specifically, ketamine blocks the NMDA receptor, a subtype of glutamate receptor, leading to an increase in glutamate release. This process triggers a cascade of events that promote the growth of new neural connections, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity.
This rapid formation of new synaptic connections is believed to restore neural circuitry in areas of the brain that are impaired in people with depression. This mechanism helps explain why ketamine can have such a swift and profound impact on mood, often lifting depressive symptoms within hours of administration.
Research on Ketamine's Effectiveness
Over the past two decades, a growing body of research has highlighted ketamine's effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions:
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Studies have shown that ketamine can provide rapid relief for individuals with TRD, often within a few hours of treatment. A 2017 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that ketamine significantly reduced depressive symptoms in patients who had not responded to traditional antidepressants.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Research indicates that ketamine may be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD. A 2014 study found that ketamine infusions led to significant improvements in PTSD symptoms compared to a placebo.
Anxiety Disorders: Preliminary research suggests that ketamine may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). A 2018 study reported that ketamine reduced anxiety symptoms within hours, with effects lasting for several days.
Suicidal Ideation: Ketamine has also been found to reduce suicidal thoughts rapidly. A 2015 study revealed that a single infusion of ketamine significantly reduced suicidal ideation in patients with severe depression.
More about Cannabis
In somatic therapy, we utilize cannabis as a powerful tool to enhance your therapeutic journey. When integrated into our sessions, cannabis can help you connect more deeply with your body’s sensations and emotional experiences.
With the use of cannabis, you’ll find it easier to tune into your physical sensations, emotions, and memories. This heightened awareness can amplify your body’s natural signals, such as muscle tension, changes in breathing, or emotional waves. During your session, you’ll be guided to fully experience these sensations, enabling you to work through trauma on a physical level rather than relying solely on words.
With my support, you’ll navigate these bodily responses, unlocking your body’s inherent ability to heal and regulate itself. This approach fosters a profound connection between your mind and body, paving the way for deeper healing and personal growth.
“Psychedelics show you what’s in and on your mind, those subconscious thoughts and feelings that are hidden, covered up, forgotten, out of sight, maybe even completely unexpected, but nevertheless imminently present.”
Rick Strassman