What is psycholytic ketamine dosing and how is psycholytic dosing different from standard ketamine dosing?
Psycholytic therapy uses low doses of ketamine to support psychotherapy. Unlike high-dose psychedelic experiences, psycholytic therapy gently softens the rigid structures of normal consciousness, making it easier to access and process emotions and memories that might otherwise be difficult to reach.
While standard ketamine doses typically facilitate a quiet, inward experience, psycholytic doses enable you to continue conversing with your therapist throughout the dosing session.
How can psycholytic dosing reduce the overall cost of KAP?
Because the duration of a psycholytic therapy session is typically shorter (about 1.5-2 hours) compared to a standard dissociative dosing session (about 2-3 hours), the overall out-of-pocket cost is reduced. Additionally, since psycholytic dosing allows therapists and clients to remain engaged and conversing throughout the session, integration sessions may require less time and can occur same-day, after dosing.
While standard dissociative dosing is typically recommended by our Medical Team, psycholytic sessions can be a promising therapeutic and cost-effective option for some patients.
Please note that not all therapists offer psycholytic dosing sessions. Talk to your therapist if you’re interested in psycholytic dosing
What are the therapeutic benefits of psycholytic dosing?
Psycholytic sessions can offer many potential therapeutic benefits. Many of our patients notice:
- Enhanced emotional processing: Unlock and release suppressed feelings with clarity and compassion.
- Improved self-awareness: Gain deeper insights into your inner world and engage with different parts of your psyche.
- Breakthrough insights: View personal challenges from new perspectives, opening the door to lasting growth.
- Symptom relief: Alleviate obsessive thoughts, mood disturbances, and emotional distress.
- Empathy and connection: Build a deeper connection to yourself and others in a nurturing therapeutic environment.
By gently softening rigid mental patterns, psycholytic therapy can help you experience meaningful therapeutic progress and lasting change.
Psycholytic Dosing Modalities
Journey Clinical supports both in-person and virtual psycholytic sessions with our member therapists, so you can choose the format that best suits your preferences and needs. Unlike our standard Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) protocol, self-guided psycholytic sessions are not supported.
Integration therapy sessions are still required after a psycholytic dosing session.
How do I know what type of dosing is right for me?
Both your therapist and your Journey Clinical Medical Provider are here to support you in determining whether to start with, or transition to, standard ketamine dosing or psycholytic dosing.
Your Journey Clinical Medical Provider will work with you during your 1-hour intake evaluation to determine your initial medication dosing.
Can I switch between psycholytic and standard psychedelic dosing?
Yes, it is possible to switch between psycholytic and standard psychedelic dosing based on your therapeutic goals and preferences. If you're transitioning from psycholytic dosing to standard psychedelic dosing (or vice versa), the Journey Clinical Medical Team will work with you to determine the best approach. This might include adjusting the dose and frequency to suit your needs.
- Switching to a higher dose: If you're looking for a more immersive, psychedelic experience, the Medical Team may recommend increasing your dosage to facilitate a deeper experience.
- Switching to psycholytic dosing: If you prefer a more interactive, grounded experience, you and your therapist can decrease the dose for a more conversational dosing session.
This flexibility allows for a personalized treatment plan, helping you achieve your therapeutic goals in a way that feels most supportive and effective for you.
Think psycholytic could be a good fit for you? Get started here.