A new path to healing, grounded in science and guided by compassionate care.
At A Healing Path Counseling, we offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in partnership with Journey Clinical, combining intentional therapy with innovative medical support to help eligible clients find lasting relief from symptoms like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
KAP is a holistic modality in which ketamine, a legal and research-supported medicine, is used alongside psychotherapy to support emotional insight, nervous system reset, and lasting symptom relief.
We collaborate closely with Journey Clinical, who oversees the medical components, screening for eligibility, prescribing ketamine lozenges, and monitoring outcomes, while our licensed clinicians provide the therapy, emotional support, and safe container for your healing journey.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication known for its rapid antidepressant effects. It works by:
Blocking NMDA receptors and stimulating AMPA receptors, which can help form new synaptic connections
Boosting neuroplasticity: your brain’s ability to change and adapt
Supporting nervous system regulation and emotional flexibility
Many people begin to feel a shift in mood or perspective within hours, with benefits often lasting up to two weeks after each session.
What Does It Feel Like?
The effects of ketamine typically last about 45–60 minutes. Most clients describe the experience as gentle, introspective, and expansive:
A sense of being “far from” the body or usual thought patterns
Reduced physical movement or speaking during the session
Unique inner visuals, memories, or emotional insights may arise
A calm and open state that allows for deep self-reflection
After the experience, you may not have words right away—but the clarity often builds over time, supported by intentional integration.
Benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Rapid Relief
Many clients feel emotional or cognitive shifts within hours of their first session.
Long-Lasting Change
With consistent integration, clients often report sustained improvement across mood, stress levels, and relationships.
Low Risk of Addiction
When used in a clinical setting, ketamine has a low risk of dependency.
Supports Processing & Insight
By quieting mental noise and opening inner awareness, ketamine can deepen therapy and bring clarity to stuck emotional patterns.
What to Expect: A KAP Session Overview
1. Preparation Session
Before your first dosing session, you’ll meet with your therapist for a traditional talk therapy session. This is where you’ll:
Set intentions for your experience
Discuss expectations and emotions
Ground into safety, clarity, and consent
2. Dosing Session
You will self-administer a ketamine lozenge (prescribed by Journey Clinical). Afterward:
Recline in a peaceful, private room
Wear an eye mask and listen to music
Your therapist will be present throughout to hold space and offer support
The medicine experience lasts about 45–60 minutes.
3. Initial Integration
Right after your session, you’ll begin reflecting on anything that came up: memories, imagery, sensations, or shifts in awareness. There’s no pressure to “figure it all out”; this is just the beginning of your integration.
4. Follow-Up Integration (24–48 Hours Later)
Within a day or two, you’ll return for a dedicated integration session. Here you’ll:
Explore insights and emotions that surfaced
Begin applying shifts to your daily life
Deepen your ongoing therapeutic work
Meet Our KAP Clinicians
Our clinicians are trained in KAP and create a safe, grounded space for your journey:
Dayna Gurley
LCSW
Dana Smith
PhD, LMSW
Our Medical Partner: Journey Clinical
We work in partnership with Journey Clinical, a medical team that supports the safety and structure of your ketamine journey:
Evaluates your eligibility
Prescribes and manages ketamine lozenges
Conducts medical follow-ups (typically quarterly) to track progress
This collaborative model ensures you receive the best of both worlds: compassionate therapy and evidence-based medical care.
Ready to Learn More?
If you're curious whether Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is right for you, we invite you to reach out. We’re here to answer your questions, walk you through next steps, and support you in discovering a new path forward, one step at a time.