Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy FAQ
Do I have to attend every session or activity? We think that all 4 ketamine journeys should be considered mandatory but beyond that missing other activities is ok. However, the program is constructed to be a cohesive unit where every activity reinforces lessons from prior activities. We therefore recommend you make your best effort to attend all events.
What if I'm not comfortable with group work? Yes. 1 on 1 sessions can be arranged with our clinical team if you meet our safety criteria. However, we strongly recommend experiencing the group program. This model offers a unique setting and context, ideally suited to deep inner work. Group works helps us build close relationships and accelerate understanding of insights. The program also offers integrated wellness experiences including yoga, meditation, breathwork, strength sessions and more.
What is your cancellation policy? We will offer a full refund with 30 days notice. Within 30 days we will happily rebook your spot in an upcoming program.
Are your clinicians licensed? Yes, all of our clinicians are board certified psychologists with extensive training and experience in psychedelic assisted therapy.
I'm not in Boston or LA, can I still participate? You're welcome to fly to Boston of LA for our program, we'd be thrilled to have you. Please note, this is not a retreat so any flights and accomodations will be at your own expense. We will be launching in more cities soon. Please join our waitlist.
What is ketamine-assisted therapy? Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) is a therapeutic approach that uses the anesthetic drug ketamine to help people with a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.
Is ketamine-assisted therapy legal? Yes, ketamine-assisted therapy is legal in many countries, including the United States. However, it is important to note that ketamine is a controlled substance and can only be administered by licensed medical professionals.
What are the potential benefits of ketamine-assisted therapy? Ketamine-assisted therapy has been shown to have a range of potential benefits, including relief from depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. It can also help with addiction recovery and PTSD symptoms.
What is a ketamine-assisted therapy session like? Ketamine-assisted therapy sessions involve receiving a sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine through an intramuscular injection. Clients are thoroughly prepared for the experience using a range of techniques to ensure you area relaxed, comfortable state and are able to explore your thoughts and emotions with the support of a highly trained therapeutic team. In our program ketamine is administered in a group setting. Eye masks and headphones are worn. A carefully curated playlist is played. It is designed to amplify the effects of the medicine but choosing melodies that follow the arch of the ketamine experience.
How long does a ketamine-assisted therapy session last? The actual Ketamine journey only lasts about 45 - 60 minutes. However, the preparation and integration work includes many of hours of education and activities. Please see the itinerary on our site for a detailed timeline of events.
What does the ketamine journey feel like? The subjective experience effects of ketamine can vary quite widely between individuals but generally speaking one can expect to experience feelings of euphoria, visual and auditory hallucinations, dissociation (which often provides value perspective into our inner worlds that are ordinarily hidden from our conscious minds, connectednes with oneself and other fellow human beings.) As well as changes in perception of time and space.
How will I feel the day after? You should have no problem resuming normal activities the next day. This is one of the main benefits of using ketamine for psychedelic therapy. The journey and program as a whole can be done without the need to take any time off work. You should notice elevated mood within a few hours after the journey but most benefits are reported within 24 - 48 hours after the journey takes place. We do insist that you do not drive yourself after the journey however and rather have a loved one pick you up or take an uber home.
Is ketamine safe? An abundance of recent scientific literature suggests that psychedelic plant medicines are safe - far safer than alcohol, nicotine and even cannabis. Plant medicines used by Eqnmt are non-addictive, non-toxic, and when taken under the guidance of a trained professional within the correct set and setting, pose virtually no risks.
How does ketamine work? Ketamine works by blocking the NMDA receptor in the brain, which can help increase levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate. This, in turn, can lead to changes in brain connectivity and increased plasticity, which can help with emotional regulation, pain relief, and other therapeutic benefits.
How is the ketamine administered? Ketamine is administered via intramuscular injection by our team of medical doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
What are the potential side effects of ketamine-assisted therapy? Although ketamine has an incredibly strong saftey profile, like with all drugs it does have side effects. However, these side effects are typically mild and short-lived. -Nausea and vomiting -Dizziness or lightheadedness -Changes in vision or hearing -Loss of coordination or muscle control -Changes in blood pressure or heart rate -Increased salivation or drooling -Mild to moderate dissociation or hallucinations -Sedation or sleepiness -Headache -Injection site reactions or irritation Our onsite medical team will be there for your every step of the way if you experience any of these side effects.
Are there any medications I should avoid during ketamine treatment? Our medical team will advise you on all proper prepartaion procedures prior to each ketamine journey. However we do recommend you avoid stimulant medications and supplements on the day of the ketamine journey, prior to the infusion. We also recommend you stop taking benzodiazepines prior to your ketamine journey as use of these has been shown to mute the effect of ketamine. However, abruptly stopping this type of medication can product serious side effects so please consult your doctor prior to a change in any of your medication protocol.
Can I eat or drink before my experience? Please don’t eat within 3 hours prior to treatment to mitigate the slight risk of nausea (note: we have fast-acting anti-nausea medication available if needed). We also ask that you don’t drink in the hour before your session to avoid bathroom breaks that interrupt your treatment.
Who is a good candidate for ketamine-assisted therapy? Ketamine-assisted therapy may be a good option for people who have not seen improvement with other forms of treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
What if I have a bad trip? Our program focuses heavily on preparation work done prior to the ketamine journey. The purpose of this is two fold. The first is to ensure you have the very best mindset going into the experience. That you feel safe and calm and have a clear intention of what you are looking to explore during your experience. The second is that through the various other activities and practices we teach you how to self-regulate if the experience becomes at all difficult. We dont like to think there is such things as a bad trip. Rather that the medicine wants your to confront something you have been avoiding and the goal is to learn how to maintain ‘equanimity’ during a potentially challenging experience so you can move through it and uncover the potential gems that lie on the side of it. We also place a huge emphasis on the setting in which the experience takes place. You will be in a warm beautiful environment supported by leading clinical psychologists and medical doctors as well as your other program participants. We will ensure you feel safe and ready to confront anything that may come up with grace and equanimity.
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