Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy combines the use of the anesthetic drug ketamine with traditional talk therapy to treat mental health conditions. The ketamine is administered in controlled doses with your therapist to induce a state of altered consciousness, which can facilitate deeper emotional processing and insight during therapy sessions. This approach is particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders, offering rapid symptom relief and long-lasting benefits. The therapeutic process is closely monitored by medical professionals to ensure safety and maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.
Why choose Ketamine Assisted Therapy?
Many choose ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for its potential to provide rapid relief from severe and treatment-resistant depression and chronic anxiety, often within hours or days. It can help break through entrenched negative thought patterns and facilitate profound emotional and psychological insights that are difficult to achieve with traditional therapies alone. It can be an alternative when conventional treatments have not been effective. Additionally, the supportive and controlled environment provided by medical professionals during ketamine sessions ensures safety and enhances the therapeutic benefits.
Ketamine therapy can make your brain more receptive to learning and change, helping to establish new, healthier patterns. This unique window of neuroplasticity allows for the development of new habits and responses, increasing the likelihood that they will stick.
How does ketamine work?
Ketamine works via neuroplasticity by rapidly increasing the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses. It enhances synaptic connections in the prefrontal cortex, which is often impaired in individuals with depression and anxiety. By blocking NMDA receptors, ketamine promotes the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in synaptic plasticity and neural communication. This cascade of neurochemical changes helps to rewire neural pathways, leading to improved mood, cognitive flexibility, and emotional resilience. Ketamine assisted psychotherapy can make your brain more receptive to learning and change during the therapeutic process. This unique window of neuroplasticity allows for the development of new habits and responses, increasing the likelihood that they will stick. In other words, it helps make therapy more effective.
Is it safe; how do I trust the process?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is generally considered safe when administered under the supervision of qualified medical professionals. While ketamine-assisted therapy can be safe and effective, it is essential to seek treatment from providers with specific training and experience to maximize safety and therapeutic benefits. A controlled environment ensures proper dosing and monitoring of patients, minimizing risks associated with ketamine use. While there can be side effects such as dissociation, nausea, and increased blood pressure, these are typically short-lived and manageable. Long-term safety studies are still ongoing, but current evidence suggests that with appropriate screening and monitoring, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy can be a safe and effective treatment for certain mental health conditions.
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Dr. Lori Eickleberry’s double board certification is a testament to her extensive training and expertise. She has completed extensive formal training in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
Why choose Dr. Lori Eickleberry and her team?
Regardless of whom you choose as your provider, ensuring they have proper formal training and experience are paramount for not only an effective, but safe experience with ketamine. With 25 years of experience in psychology, Dr. Eickleberry is one of the few professionals in the country who is double board-certified. This distinction, combined with her PhD in clinical psychology, sets her apart from those with a PsyD or Master’s degree, ensuring you receive the highest level of care.
Renovation of Life: As a premier Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Ft Lauderdale, Renovation of Life is dedicated to providing comprehensive, top-tier mental health services. Our reputation for excellence makes us a trusted choice for those seeking transformative care. Her expertise in both addiction psychology and evidenced-based treatments make her an excellent match for the process. Her ability to mold each therapy experience focuses on safety, efficacy, and a highly personalized approach. Research shows that the environment in which therapy takes place plays a crucial role in its success. Our facility provides a safe, aesthetic, and comfortable space where trust is paramount, and you can fully engage with the process without distractions.
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Given Dr. Eickleberrys’s specialization and extensive training in ketamine-assisted therapy, here are several reasons why she might be a better choice than another provider:
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Comprehensive Expertise: Combining her expertise in Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies with ketamine-assisted therapy allows for a holistic treatment approach that addresses both the psychological and neurochemical aspects of mental health.
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Integration of Techniques: Her background in evidence-based practices like DBT and Motivational Interviewing can enhance the therapeutic process, providing comprehensive support alongside the ketamine sessions.
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Experience and Training: Extensive training and experience in ketamine-assisted therapy ensure she is well-equipped to manage the nuances and complexities of this treatment, including dosage, administration, and integration.
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Specialized Programs: The Intensive Outpatient treatment Program and multi-specialty practice developed by Dr. Eickleberrys can offer a structured and supportive environment for ketamine-assisted therapy, ensuring continuity of care and a multidisciplinary approach.
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Educational Role: Her role as a faculty member at Nova Southeastern University and Florida Continuing Education Provider of training and supervision underscores her commitment to high standards of practice and continuous learning, which are crucial for maintaining the efficacy and safety of ketamine-assisted therapy.
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Recognition and Leadership: Being a recognized leader in the field, with board certifications and active involvement in professional organizations, adds an extra layer of credibility and trustworthiness to her practice.​
What does the process look like?
Initial Blueprint Assessment: Meet with Dr. Lori Eickleberry in a comprehensive assessment where she will carefully assess your history and needs. She will then provide detailed feedback regarding recommendations for your care, including whether or not ketamine is an appropriate option for you and why. There are typically up to 8 ketamine sessions, with process sessions in between.
Pre-Appointment:
- Initial Consultation: Meet with our prescriber to discuss needs and schedule sessions.
During the Ketamine Session:
- Stay for the entire session and commit to the process.
- Preparation: Arrive on an empty stomach and stay hydrated.
- Intake Process: Keep ketamine in your mouth, then spit it out after the prescribed time to reduce nausea.
- Focused Time: Spend 60 minutes focusing inward with deep relaxation and music, then 60 minutes processing with our support.
Post-Session:
- Relaxation: Take time to relax after the session; avoid returning to work immediately. Effects will unfold over the coming days and weeks.
- Follow-Up: Schedule a follow-up session the next morning.
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Between-Session Psychotherapy Process Session:
- Return the next day to therapeutically process using the therapeutic modality designed specifically for your goals and needs.
Why Trust Renovation of Life?
Comprehensive Care: Integrates ketamine-assisted therapy with other therapeutic modalities in a supportive environment.
Exceptional Credentials: Led by Dr. Lori Eickleberry, our highly qualified team provides the highest standard of care.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Experience the benefits of ketamine-assisted therapy at Renovation of Life. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your initial assessment.
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