Welcome to "Talking Ketamine, episode 14 of the deep dive"! This episode dives into the real experiences and personal stories of individuals who have undergone ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT), exploring how this approach might differ from using ketamine alone. The discussion is based on a phenomenological study that conducted in-depth interviews with 10 people six or more months after they completed ketamine assisted psychotherapy (PAT/KAT/PAP).

Participants shared their motivations for seeking KAT, often after traditional therapies felt ineffective or insufficient for their deep-seated issues, sometimes complicated by physical health problems. The study sought the "real lived story" of what happens when ketamine is combined with therapy, what shifts occur, and if they are lasting.

Key insights from their experiences during KAT sessions included profound emotional release and catharsis. Sessions were varied and deeply personal. A significant focus was working on core negative beliefs like "I'm not good enough" and finding self-acceptance, potentially aided by the altered state and the therapeutic relationship.

Looking back months later, participants reported significant, lasting improvements in emotional regulation and coping with stress. They described healthier relationships with self and others, including setting boundaries, and engaged in self-care practices. These changes were consistently described as a "turning point," "catalyst," or "profound transformation".

These accounts offer a sense of hope and provide compelling insights about the value and impact of combining ketamine with dedicated therapy.

Bricker, M. K. (2025). Understanding Change Following Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: A Phenomenological Study. (Doctoral dissertation, Liberty University). https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=7899&context=doctoral