EMDR and Ketamine
We’ve been getting a lot of questions about ketamine lately, and it’s no surprise given the buzz around its effectiveness in treating persistent depression and anxiety, especially for those who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments. So, let’s dive into what ketamine is, how it works, and why combining it with therapy can be a game-changer.
What is Ketamine and How Does It Work?
Ketamine is a medication originally developed as an anesthetic. However, in recent years, it has gained attention for its rapid and significant effects on reducing symptoms of treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Patients receiving ketamine often report a noticeable reduction in the intensity of their symptoms.
The Sweet Spot: Combining Ketamine with Therapy
While ketamine alone can be incredibly effective, the real magic happens when it’s combined with therapy. This combination can help patients achieve deeper, more lasting healing.
I’ve worked with several clients who receive ketamine injections. What I’ve found is that pairing these treatments with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, particularly in an intensive format, yields remarkable results.
Why EMDR Intensives?
Going Slow to Go Fast
EMDR intensives involve longer sessions that allow us to take our time addressing deep-seated issues. The principle of “going slow to go fast” means we carefully navigate through the emotional landscape, enabling profound healing to occur more quickly in the long run.
Lower Emotional Intensity
Ketamine helps lower the emotional intensity of painful memories and feelings. This makes it easier for clients to engage in EMDR therapy, as they’re not as overwhelmed by their emotions. It’s like the ketamine creates a smoother path for the therapeutic work to be more effective and tolerable.
Healing Deep Wounds
Stabilization and Skills Building
For some clients, the combination of ketamine and EMDR helps build a foundation of trust and stability. This is crucial for developing the skills needed to manage daily life and maintain mental health.
Addressing Old Hurts
For others, it’s about healing old wounds and letting go of painful memories that have been too intense to process before. With ketamine reducing the emotional charge, we can safely work through these hot spots and come out on the other side with a sense of relief and resolution.
Practical Application: How We Do It
While we don’t administer ketamine ourselves, we work closely with clients who receive ketamine treatments elsewhere. After their injections, they come in for EMDR sessions or intensives.
This integrated approach is showing a lot of promise, with clients reporting significant improvements in their mental health.
Share Your Thoughts!
We’re excited about the potential of ketamine combined with therapy to help those who haven’t had success with other treatments. If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, we’d love to hear from you! This is an evolving field, and your input is valuable as we continue to explore and refine these methods.
Thanks for reading, and let’s keep the conversation going!
If you are needing assistance with your healing journey, reach out to us….we are here to HELP.
Our team of caring therapists are ready to help you navigate the waters of your mental health journey in your difficult times. Our highly skilled clinicians will welcome you with warmth and understanding. To start therapy with Hope For the Journey, please follow these simple steps:
- Contact Hope for the Journey
- Meet with acaring therapist
- Begin to Feel, Heal & Thrive!
Other Services Offered At Hope For The Journey
Our team is happy to offer a number of services from our Round Rock and Austin therapy offices. Mental health services include therapy for anxiety and depression, domestic violence, sexual assault, PTSD, and EMDR. Our team also provides support for family members of all ages with counseling for teens and young adults, children and tweens, couples, men, and parents/partners. Contact us today to learn more about our team and community involvement!
