Group Ketamine-Assisted Therapy From The Perspective Of A Therapist

 

When I first started bringing up the idea of group ketamine therapy to my patients as a potential option, I did so somewhat timidly, often prefacing the conversation with “ok, now hear me out” or “I know it sounds strange…group therapy but with ketamine”. This was in part because the idea and execution of it was new to me, my hopes for positive outcomes were still a hypothesis and in part, because the patients I spoke with about it were immediately incredulous and skeptical, not only of group therapy work, but also of throwing a consciousness-altering medicine into the mix. After seeing firsthand the positive outcomes of group sessions that my co-facilitator and I have led, and working closely with facilitators of other groups with similarly outstanding results, I approach the group ketamine conversation differently: with confidence and earnest convictions of the benefits for those who bravely enter this space.

I will say here what I say to my patients who I think are a good fit but who are skeptical of this model: healing happens in groups. Yes, individual work is important, and for some people that individual work needs to happen first before entering a group space, but for generations across time, across cultures, and across the world, healing has happened in communities, when we witness and are witnessed in this process and we begin to embody the sense that we are all connected in more ways than we ever dreamed.  

During the medicine sessions, this is not group talk therapy, although we are together in the same room each person is having their own experience with the medicine. Typically, everyone is wearing eyeshades and music is playing while at least two facilitators carefully watch over the group, providing support when needed, but mostly leaving participants to explore their own innate ability to heal themselves, with support from others. All are welcome in this room, laughing, crying, and complete silence, it is all ok and requires no explanation.  

When we have shared experiences of transcendence, of entering the depths of sorrow, of embodying joy and playfulness, of connecting deeply with those around us, we find that we are better able to do those things in our everyday lives: with our families, our friends, and our community. We are able to bring these learnings back to those we love, facilitating a deeper connection with others, and ourselves.  And for those who feel they lack those relationships in their lives currently, practicing this kind of vulnerability opens the door of possibility that community is not only possible but accessible. Connection often doesn’t just happen in the culture we currently live in, it’s not a given – it must be sought out and practiced. Coming together in a group with a shared purpose gives each of us the opportunity to practice vulnerability and connection with others in ways we are not often afforded in our everyday lives.  

I know I keep referring to “we” and “us”.  I have done this because we come into this group together. The group is not a service we as therapists and medical providers are giving to you. We are in this place together, learning and growing along with you, and for that we thank you for taking this leap.  

 

—

 

If you’re interested in learning more about our Group Ketamine-Assisted Therapy sessions, visit our webpage. 

If you’re in the Utah area, we are leading Group Ketamine-Assisted Therapy sessions focused on chronic and serious illness at our Murray Clinic starting October 9th. One-on-one intake visits are currently open until October 4th. To learn more or to book your spot email INFO-UTAH@NUMINUS.COM or call 1 (801) 369-8989.