If you’re considering ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP), you might be curious, or even a little nervous, about what actually happens during a session.
While every clinic and therapist may have slightly different approaches, the core structure of KAP is designed to be safe, supportive, and deeply therapeutic. Knowing what to expect can help ease uncertainty and enable you to approach the process with greater confidence.
So, what can you expect during a KAP session?
Setting the Stage
Before your first KAP session, you’ll typically have one or more preparation meetings with your therapist. These conversations provide you with an opportunity to share your history, goals, and any concerns you may have. Together, you’ll set intentions for the work ahead.
On the day of your session, you’ll arrive at a space that’s intentionally designed to feel calming and comfortable. Some people describe it as less like a medical office and more like a quiet retreat. Lighting, music, and seating are often carefully chosen to create a sense of safety, allowing you to focus inward without distraction.
The Ketamine Experience
During the session, ketamine is administered in a carefully measured dose, often as a lozenge, nasal spray, or intramuscular injection, depending on the clinic. The intention is not to sedate but to create a temporary shift in consciousness.
As the effects begin, you may notice sensations of lightness, relaxation, or a dreamlike quality. Some people describe feeling as though they are observing their thoughts from a new perspective. Others experience vivid imagery or deep emotional insights. Not everyone’s experience looks the same, and that’s okay. Your therapist will remain nearby throughout, ensuring your safety and support.
Therapeutic Support
The real heart of KAP is how therapy and ketamine work together. Some sessions may involve your therapist talking with you during the experience, helping you process what arises in the moment. In other cases, the session is quieter, with space for inner exploration, followed by a guided conversation afterward.
This flexibility allows the process to adapt to your needs. What matters most is that you’re not alone. Your therapist is present to hold space, offer reassurance, and guide you when needed.
The Integration Phase
After the ketamine effects wear off, the focus shifts to integration and recovery. This is when you and your therapist work together to make sense of the experience. You might discuss insights that came up, emotions that surfaced, or new perspectives you noticed.
Integration is where the breakthroughs become meaningful. Ketamine helps open the door by loosening rigid patterns in the brain, but therapy helps you walk through it, turning insights into practical steps and lasting change in your daily life.
How You Might Feel Afterward
Most people leave a ketamine assisted psychotherapy session feeling reflective, calm, or even lighter emotionally. It’s not uncommon to feel a bit tired or sensitive, so giving yourself space afterward is encouraged. Over the following days, many notice shifts in mood, perspective, or a renewed sense of clarity.
KAP is typically conducted in a series of sessions, with integration conversations interspersed, allowing the benefits to accumulate over time.
A KAP session is more than just an appointment—it’s an experience that combines science and therapy in a unique, supportive way. You can expect a calming environment, careful guidance, and a process that helps you explore your inner world with compassion and curiosity.
If you’ve felt stuck in old patterns or struggled to find relief through other approaches, KAP offers a chance to see things differently and to begin healing in a new way. If you’re ready to take that step or you have any more questions about what to expect, don’t hesitate to reach out today.