Flourish Mindset, Marriage & Family Therapy

View Original

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD: How this Method can Help Veterans and Other Trauma Survivors Heal

Impact of Trauma

Trauma impacts millions of people each year with veterans being some of the most deeply affected. Until recently, with the advancement of trauma research and treatment methods such as EMDR therapy, trauma survivors did not have many options for treatment. Post-traumatic stress disorder can leave a person feeling like a shell of their former self, unable to function, hold a job or maintain relationships. In this blog post, we will explain how Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy can benefit trauma survivors and help veterans get effective trauma treatment. 

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. This condition affects millions of people around the world, including veterans and other trauma survivors. PTSD can lead to a range of symptoms, including nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance behavior. These symptoms can interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being.

PTSD Treatment

There are several treatment options available for PTSD, including therapy and medication. However, these treatments are not always effective, and some people may not respond to them at all. This is where Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) comes in. KAP is a relatively new approach to treating PTSD that has shown promising results in helping veterans and other trauma survivors heal.

Ketamine Treatment for PTSD

Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic drug that has been used for decades in surgical settings. In recent years, researchers have discovered that ketamine can also have a profound effect on mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. KAP involves the use of ketamine to facilitate psychotherapy sessions, with the aim of helping patients process and heal from their traumatic experiences.

The use of ketamine in psychotherapy is not new, but the concept of KAP is still relatively new. The therapy involves a series of sessions in which the patient is given a low dose of ketamine under the supervision of a trained therapist. The ketamine helps to relax the patient and open them up to the therapeutic process, making it easier to access and process difficult emotions and memories.

How Does Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work

During a KAP session, the therapist at Flourish Mindset works with the patient to explore their traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Ketamine helps to reduce anxiety and fear, allowing the patient to feel more comfortable discussing their trauma. The therapist helps the patient to reframe their experiences and develop new coping mechanisms that can help them better manage their symptoms.

Benefits of KAP for Trauma

One of the key benefits of KAP is its rapid onset of action. Unlike traditional therapies that can take weeks or even months to show results, KAP can produce significant improvements in just a few sessions. This is particularly important for trauma survivors who may be experiencing severe symptoms and need relief as quickly as possible.

Another benefit of KAP is its long-lasting effects. Unlike traditional therapies that may require ongoing sessions to maintain their benefits, KAP can produce lasting improvements in just a few sessions. This means that patients can experience long-term relief from their symptoms without the need for ongoing treatment.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy For Veterans

KAP has been shown to be particularly effective for veterans and other trauma survivors who have not responded to traditional treatments. Many veterans experience PTSD as a result of their service, and traditional therapies may not be effective in addressing their specific needs. KAP offers a new approach to treating PTSD that can be tailored to the unique needs of each patient.

Research on the Effectiveness of Ketamine Treatment

Research into the effectiveness of Ketamine treatment is still ongoing, but early results have been very promising. One study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that repeated ketamine administration was effective in reducing symptom severity in people with chronic PTSD (Feder et. al, 2021).

KAP Shows Great Promise in Helping People with PTSD Heal

While KAP is still a relatively new approach to treating PTSD, it shows great promise in helping veterans and other trauma survivors heal. The therapy offers a new approach to treating PTSD that can produce rapid and long-lasting improvements in symptoms. With ongoing research and development, KAP has the potential to become a standard treatment option for PTSD and other mental health conditions.

The Need to Work with a Trained Professional

It is important to note that KAP is not a cure for PTSD, and it may not be appropriate for everyone. Like all treatments, KAP has potential risks and side effects, and it should only be administered by a trained professional. Patients considering KAP should discuss the potential benefits and risks with their healthcare provider and a qualified KAP practitioner.

KAP Offers Long-Lasting Improvements in Symptoms

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is a promising new approach to treating PTSD that offers rapid and long-lasting improvements in symptoms. This therapy can be particularly effective for veterans and other trauma survivors who have not responded to traditional treatments. As more research is conducted on KAP, it has the potential to become a standard treatment option for PTSD and other mental health conditions. With the support of qualified healthcare professionals, KAP can provide hope and healing for those struggling with PTSD.

Begin Ketamine therapy in Los Angeles Today

If you are struggling with PTSD or trauma related concerns you are in the right place. Flourish Mindset takes a holistic approach to trauma and offers cutting edge therapies to provide relief to our clients. If you are ready to take the next steps in your treatment with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy follow the simple steps below!

  • Book a Free 15 Minute Consultation

  • Begin your new and exciting journey to healing


    Sources: Feder, A., Costi, S., Rutter, S. B., Collins, A. B., Govindarajulu, U., Jha, M. K., Horn, S. R., Kautz, M., Corniquel, M., Collins, K. A., Bevilacqua, L., Glasgow, A. M., Brallier, J., Pietrzak, R. H., Murrough, J. W., & Charney, D. S. (2021). A Randomized Controlled Trial of Repeated Ketamine Administration for Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The American journal of psychiatry, 178(2), 193–202. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20050596