What low-dose Ketamine is...
Ketamine is a safe, legal, FDA-approved medication effectively used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. It works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors as well as by stimulating AMPA receptors, which help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. Ketamine also enhances overall neuroplasticity in the brain for lasting symptom improvement.
Most people that have heard of ketamine are referring to KAP or Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy which is very different than KA-EMDR®. KAP uses a high dose of ketamine and with the assistance of a trained therapist you experience a ketamine journey where you intentionally dissociate from your body for internal healing purposes. This is not the treatment I offer.
The KA-EMDR® protocol was pioneered and tested in 2024 by Danielle Ciccone and Michele Topel which led to the first scientific publication bringing together two evidence-informed approaches into a single carefully structured treatment protocol. The key being the administration of low-dose ketamine at the precise point of an EMDR session.
- This isn’t about losing control.
- And it’s not a psychedelic journey.
It’s a measured, intentional dose that gently quiets your body’s fear responses so you can do the work without feeling overwhelmed.
You’ll have my support, clarity, and structure every step of the way.
How it works~
It may take time, but for many people, this is where something finally begins to shift...
1
Preparation with me
We talk through your goals and what you’ve been carrying. I’ll help you understand what the process feels like so nothing is surprising or rushed.
After determining if this modality is a “good fit,” we will work to ensure you are well resourced, grounded, and experience regular EMDR without ketamine. “Readiness” varies from client to client.
2
Consultation with a Medical Provider
You will receive a referral to the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) I collaborate with. She will conduct a medical and psychiatric evaluation. If you are cleared in your evaluation, your PMHNP will prescribe the appropriate dosage and provide a treatment plan.
*Your prescription is not covered by insurance, and can range from $50-$75.
3
KA-EMDR® Sessions
At this stage, I request your commitment to at least 4 sessions to ensure we can properly work through all phases and find proper completion of your target.
Each session is approximately 90 mins long and with Telehealth you get to stay in the comfort of your home.
You are aware and connected the whole time.
I'll be providing a safe and supportive space for you to explore, express, and ultimately transform your pain into healing and growth.
4
Integration Sessions
After you have completed your KA-EMDR® sessions, we will have an integration session to continue supporting the new information. With your new, reconsolidated memories, and your improved mood, the hope is your quality of life will be renewed-bringing more ease and grace into your daily living.
Move towards feeling...
- More present and engaged — rather than spending so much of your time caught up in your thoughts.
- More at ease in your body — with less tension, hypervigilance, or feeling like you always have to be on guard.
- Less pulled into the past — so old memories and experiences don’t have to take up so much space in your life today.
- More connected to yourself — and more available for your relationships.
- More grounded and confident — with greater freedom from patterns that have kept you feeling stuck.
Healing doesn’t have to feel like another battle.