Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™

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Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy is an integrative approach that combines EMDR therapy—a well-established method for processing trauma—with a very low dose of ketamine, prescribed by a licensed medical provider.

This is not the same as psychedelic therapy. 

This low-dose approach (called psycholytic, not psychedelic) allows you to remain present, aware, and actively engaged in therapy, while gently supporting emotional openness and nervous system flexibility.

This supports the capacity to process and integrate difficult experiences in a way that feels more accessible and less overwhelming.

This model was developed by Danielle Ciccone and Michelle Topel, and the Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute. 

EMDR supports the brain’s natural ability to reprocess and integrate difficult, traumatic or “stuck” experiences.

Ketamine may offer an additional layer of support by:

• Enhancing neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change and adapt) 
• Reducing rigid or self-critical thinking patterns 
• Supporting a more open and flexible emotional state 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-established therapy that helps the brain process and integrate distressing or overwhelming experiences.

Rather than talking about a memory over and over, EMDR supports your brain’s natural ability to “digest” what has felt stuck—so it can be stored in a way that feels less intense, less triggering, and more resolved. 

Often the result is the person feels like the event is over, and has more spaciousness to go forward in their life, have new perspectives and see new possibilities for themselves. 

Sometimes people describe feeling like their life energy is flowing more freely. 

Ketamine is a medication that has been used and studied for over 50 years, in anesthesia (commonly used in pediatric surgeries) and, more recently, in mental health treatment. There is a growing body of research supporting ketamine's effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety and PTSD. 

In Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy, a low, psycholytic dose is used—meaning:

• you remain awake and aware 
• you can think, feel, and communicate clearly 
• you are able to actively participate in therapy 

This low dose may support:

• feeling less guarded or anxious 
• feeling more relaxed
• more capacity to update your brain towards adaptation

Ketamine is prescribed by a licensed medical provider and self administered according to the prescription; it is not provided or administered by the therapist

A low dose of Ketamine with EMDR Therapy can support your ability to stay present while working through difficult material in therapy.

In this approach:

• You continue to engage in EMDR therapy with me 
• A medical provider evaluates and prescribes ketamine, if appropriate 
• The ketamine is self-administered (typically as a lozenge) as directed by the prescribing provider 
• The dose is low enough that you remain conscious, connected, and able to participate fully in therapy 

Some clients notice:

• Increased emotional openness 
• Reduced fear or resistance when approaching difficult material 
• Greater ability to stay present during processing 

If you're interested in some details, read the peer reviewed study on Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy for PTSD below. The authors are my teachers and trainers, and who I continue to meet with for professional consultation. 

This approach may be helpful if you:

• Feel stuck in EMDR or traditional talk therapy or have been hesitant to try EMDR
• Experience anxiety, overwhelm, or shutdown when approaching difficult material 
• Notice patterns of avoidance or strong protective responses 
• Are wanting additional support in working through trauma in a contained and intentional way 
• Want to explore a deeper layer of trauma healing and resilience than you have reached before 

• This is a low-dose, non-psychedelic approach 
• You remain awake, aware, and in control during sessions 
• Ketamine is prescribed and managed by a licensed medical provider 
• I do not prescribe, supply, or administer ketamine 
• Medical clearance is required; I can provide a referral and that doctor meets with you in person and determines if you are medically cleared or safe for ketamine medicine. 

This is an emerging approach. While early research and clinical experience are promising, it is not appropriate for everyone, and outcomes can vary.

I offer this work because I have experienced the benefits myself and have witnessed its positive impact with others. 

In my experience, this approach can create a unique window where clients feel more supported in staying with what might otherwise feel like too much. 

I completed my training through the Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute and continue in professional consultation to provide the best care and stay updated on emerging research and best practice.  

In my EMDR career, over a decade, I have seen some people unable to receive the benefits of EMDR and trauma resolution because it was too overwhelming to do EMDR. This may help resolve that block, while still respecting the natural protections of the mind and body. It's also not mandatory in order to experience healing. 

If you are curious about this approach, we can talk together about whether it may be a good fit for you.

There is no pressure to pursue this—it is simply one option among many ways we can support your healing.