Embarking on the path of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) often raises a multitude of questions. As the pioneering provider of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy in Thunder Bay since 2019, the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Healing has crafted a thoughtful overview of the treatment to provide a better understanding of how psychedelics are being used to improve our mental health.
KAP: A Transformative Approach
In low doses, ketamine induces a psychedelic state, and when paired with psychotherapy, it creates a powerful synergy for healing. The rapid alleviation of depressive symptoms is a unique characteristic of ketamine. Acting on specific receptors in the brain, it swiftly improves mood and reduces emotional barriers.
Clients often experience remarkable improvements after their first session in heightened mood, reduced anxiety, and an increased sense of calmness. This immediate lift sets the stage for effective psychotherapy by enhancing receptivity and emotional openness.
"Ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects create a conducive environment for therapy. Clients find it easier to articulate their thoughts and feelings, allowing therapists to delve swiftly into the root causes of trauma and emotional distress," said Dr. Mario Nucci, Founder of the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Healing.
KAP for a Range of Conditions
Supported by experienced registered psychotherapists, KAP proves effective for various conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, OCD, addiction, stimulant-use disorder, chronic pain, and eating disorders. It is particularly suited for those who have tried at least two medications or therapies without satisfactory relief.
Personal Transformation Over Time
Over successive KAP sessions, new connections form in the brain, a process called neurogenesis, reinforcing positive outlooks and aiding in the reprocessing of past traumatic events. Clients often undergo a rapid transformation from self-criticism and negative thought patterns to connecting to their true selves in clarity, generating a sense of fulfilment, community, compassing, and belonging.
Cost of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Unfortunately, KAP is not yet covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) though the majority of the cost consists of therapies which are typically eligible under most insurance benefits plans.
“We also work with third party financing partners which allows clients to spread payments out over a period of time,” said registered psychotherapist Erin Pomanti. “And now is a great time to try, especially if you haven’t used all of your health benefits for the 2023 year.”
Your Journey Starts Here
A popular approach to start your KAP journey is with a regular psychotherapy session. Meet Jordan Gross and Pomanti, our registered psychotherapists at the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Healing, who together have helped hundreds of clients in the community over the past four years.
Gross, a Registered Psychotherapist and Nurse, brings four years of KAP experience. Gross has trained extensively in KAP, MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy, and Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy. Gross' expertise in Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness aids in optimizing therapeutic change.
Pomanti, with three years of KAP experience, blends her nursing background with holistic approaches. Her diverse training in KAP, Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy, and various therapeutic models enriches her person-centred, intuitive and empowering approach. She is inspired by the healing potential of psychedelic therapy and feels honoured to share this with our community.
When asked about the distinctiveness of KAP compared to other therapies, Pomanti said, 'KAP is genuinely person-centred. The core principle is to tap into your inner wisdom and reconnect with your true Self. Ketamine becomes your ally, a tool to delve into your subconscious space, unlocking a sense of knowing, or what we term ‘Inner Healing Intelligence’.
"Clients are encouraged to explore their inner world with curiosity and compassion. Our goal is to co-create a secure space, allowing each person to navigate their emotions, process, release, reflect, re-frame, reconnect, and move toward deeper meaning."
Holiday Promotion: Love Yourself
As a special holiday offering, the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Healing presents a 10% discount on KAP programs completed between Nov. 20 and Dec. 22. To qualify for the discount, send an email to admin@ccfph.com with the promotion code "LOVEYOURSELFTBAY" in the subject line.
For more information about KAP, book a free 15-minute discovery call with one of the nurses at Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Healing. Book online or call (807) 345-4400.
Disclaimer: Obtaining ketamine outside of a medical setting carries serious risks. Contact us for a safe and supervised approach with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
