Ketamine Assisted emdr therapy™

Reprocessing traumatic memories can feel overwhelming and stressful for many, causing some to steer away from therapy or causing protective mechanisms to activate in therapy, and blocking one’s ability to move beyond the experience.

In Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™, we utilize low doses of sublingual ketamine, creating a calming effect and reducing the activation of the default mode network where those automatic, rigid thought patterns and emotional responses may reside.

This gives clients a chance to work with traumatic memories with less fear, self-judgement, avoidance, shame or emotional numbing that tend to block progress. It also gives the client an opportunity to resource strengths, restore memories in a more adaptive way, emotionally regulate, increase function over time and find more hope for their future.

Ketamine + Emdr

By combining the bi-lateral stimulation of EMDR with the neurobiological and physiological effects of low dose ketamine, it speeds up one’s ability to re-store and modify a traumatic memory through the memory reconsolidation process.

What once felt “intolerable” to think about or process, can be approached with more ease and grace within just a couple of sessions.

“I never thought my depression symptoms would subside after years of battling with it. Ketamine Assisted EMDR changed everything-after just the first session!”

-Sweetgrass client

Who is a good candidate?

This modality may be a good approach for those who may desire to explore their inner world in a new and deeper way. If you find yourself craving a something “more” in your therapy sessions or are continuing to notice psychological defenses arise despite all “the work” you have been doing to soften your protectors, this could be a good fit.

What may disqualify you from receiving this treatment?

Some of the following medical and psychological contraindications may disqualify you from receiving a referral and/or a prescription for ketamine:

  • Cardiac Conditions

  • Uncontrolled hypertension

  • Ketamine allergy

  • Pregnancy/Nursing

  • Severe breathing problems

  • Dissociative disorders

  • Psychotic disorders

  • Bipolar 1 disorder (mania)

  • Unstable/Untreated Substance Use

Please note that we do not prescribe or administer this medication and the final decision will be up to the provider you work with and there may be other reasons you are deemed ineligible after your assessment.

“Before, I felt so hopeless, helpless and incapable, but this treatment has opened my eyes to show me that life can be colorful and worth living. I am forever grateful!”

— Sweetgrass Client

Next steps?

  • Step 1:

    After determining if this modality is a “good fit,” we will work to ensure you are well resourced, and prepared. EMDR is an 8 phase process so we will need to work through phases 1-2, before engaging in the Ketamine portion of this journey.

    This can be done on a weekly, bi-weekly or in an intensive format. “Readiness” varies from client to client.

    This modality can be supplemented with your current therapy/therapist.

    Note: I charge the same fees as regular psychotherapy sessions. I do not raise my rates for this treatment.

  • Step 2:

    You will receive a referral to the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) I partner with. She will engage in you in a medical & psychiatric evaluation. This virtual evaluation costs $350.

    After you have been 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.

  • Step 3:

    At this stage, I request your commitment to at least 6 sessions to ensure we can properly work through all phases and find proper completion of your target.

    Each session in approximately 90 mins long and it is mandatory that you have a ride home from a responsible party.

    Click here to read more details and see the estimated pay schedule.

  • Step 4:

    After you have completed your KA-EMDR sessions, we will have at least two integration sessions to continue supporting you to weave the new information into your daily life and improve long-term impacts.

    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.

About Your Practitioner

Jessica has been an LPC for 10 years, specializing as a trauma-informed somatic practitioner. She has been utilizing EMDR as a primary modality in her practice for 7 years and has been certified as a Psychedelic Assisted Therapist for 2 years through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute.

Jessica has implemented this protocol with both in-person and virtual clients, and has seen profound positive changes. She has personally witnessed this protocol give clients the freedom to safely emote, naturally do parts work, shift their paradigms, change deep seated beliefs/thought patterns and provide love & compassion to their self in a way they have not been able to do in regular therapy.

Jessica creates a safe, warm and nurturing space by interweaving a ceremonial aspect into a modality that can often feel sterile.

Reach out today and schedule a consultation: jessica@sweetgrasstherapeutics.com

Support others to access this treatment

We have teamed up with Thank You Life to make Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy more accessible for our community! Learn More Here.

Donations that come through this form are intended for clients in financial need with Sweetgrass Therapeutics. 90% of the funds go directly to this clinic and 10% goes back to Thank You Life. Thank You Life may redirect the funds to provide assistance to individuals seeking treatment elsewhere, depending on need.