Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, often referred to as KAP, is the combination of traditional talk therapy and the psychedelic properties of ketamine used as a catalyst for deeper therapeutic work. KAP is part of a larger umbrella term of emerging therapies referred to as Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy (PAT). Psychedelic therapy is the combination of traditional talk therapy that most people are familiar with, and the use of a psychedelic substance. Recent years have seen increased research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Research into psychedelic therapy has shown great promise in treating a variety of mental health disorders when traditional treatment options have left individuals feeling stuck. Ketamine is currently the only legal psychedelic used in clinical settings outside of research facilities.

 

How is KAP different from traditional talk therapy?

 

The core difference between KAP/psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and traditional talk therapy is the aid of a psychedelic substance to produce non-ordinary states of consciousness.

The psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy process is a similar process to talk therapy in the following ways:

     -identifying issues individuals are struggling with

      -collaboratively creating a treatment plan

      -assisting/supporting individuals in the process of change

      -creating a trusting relationship

Another key difference between talk therapy and KAP is working in coordination with a medical professional for the administration and monitoring the use psychedelic substances.

 

Set and setting, and Helpful Terms to be Knowledgeable About

 

Below are brief explanations for two terms: set and setting, and non-ordinary state of consciousness.

 

The context in which psychedelic therapy is done is crucially important. The context refers to a term called set and setting. Set refers to the mindset the individual has while going into a psychedelic experience. Given how powerful these medicines can be, it is necessary to help create sense of safety and security between therapist and individual receiving psychedelics. Set also refers to a person’s mood, expectations, and intentions they have for engaging in psychedelic therapy.

 

Setting refers to the physical environment that psychedelic therapy takes place in as well as how that environment affects the five senses, which shape our perception. Psychedelics tend to enhance a person’s experience. At Intero we believe that our environment should enhance the healing process individuals are seeking in their experiences. Our setting was created with intent to assist in enhancing psychedelic experiences.

 

 

What are Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness?

 

A non-ordinary state of consciousness is a state of mind that is perceptually different from our normal waking consciousness. Non-ordinary states of consciousness are often associated with psychedelics, meditation, personal growth, and healing as it allows individuals alternative viewpoints and understandings. In the context of KAP non-ordinary states of consciousness are profoundly useful to produce new insights and access memories - even unconscious or suppressed memories. These new understandings about oneself can lead to changes in thoughts, perception, and emotions.

 

For anyone who has been following the renaissance of psychedelic medicine it is likely you have come across terms you may be unfamiliar within articles, documentaries, and new stories. If you are exploring psychedelic therapy as an option, these terms may be useful for you to become familiar with, default mode network, ego death, mythical experience, and perceptual changes. Each of these terms deserve robust explanations that the Intero team will continue to write additional articles about.

 

Please stay tuned for additional posts to explore each of these terms and concepts more in depth from practicing clinicians within the psychedelic medicine space at Intero Psychedelic Therapy.

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