Embarking on your first ketamine therapy session is an experience filled with anticipation and curiosity, mixed with a touch of anxiety—both of which are entirely normal. It’s common to feel a range of emotions as you step into this unique treatment journey, and understanding what to expect can significantly ease any concerns you may have. In this guide, we’ll delve into what you need to know about your first ketamine session, helping you approach it with confidence and clarity.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) can initially feel overwhelming due to the various components involved. Ketamine is a relatively new treatment option, and it’s natural to have many questions. This blog aims to provide insight into your first session and offer guidance on what you can expect.

Preparing for Your First Ketamine Session

When you decide to begin Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, your journey starts with an initial meeting with one of our experienced ketamine therapists. This first session focuses heavily on psychoeducation—where you’ll learn about the treatment process, what to expect, and how it works. During this phase, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss coping strategies, and collaborate with your therapist to design a personalized treatment plan. Our goal is to make you feel secure, well-informed, and confident as you prepare for the treatment process.

We will also discuss the consent process in detail, ensuring you have a thorough understanding of the experience ahead. Another important aspect of this stage is identifying your support system, including coping mechanisms and key people in your life who can provide support during the KAP journey.

Understanding the Two Key Phases of Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy typically consists of two primary types of sessions: ketamine sessions and integration sessions. The ketamine sessions are where you’ll actually receive the treatment, often in the form of lozenges or intravenous infusion. The integration sessions take place between ketamine treatments, where you and your therapist reflect on the experience, process any insights gained, and apply them to your life.

What Happens During a Ketamine Infusion

Once you’re deemed eligible for ketamine infusion therapy, you’ll attend a scheduled treatment session. A small intravenous catheter is inserted into your arm, and the ketamine is gradually infused. You’ll be in a comfortable, reclined position, often in a soothing environment designed to enhance relaxation.

Before starting the infusion, your healthcare provider will likely take your vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, to ensure you’re in a stable condition. This helps guarantee your safety throughout the process. During the infusion, you may experience a mild dissociative state—a feeling of disconnection from your surroundings—or changes in perception. These effects are normal and are closely monitored by the medical team to ensure your well-being.

Many clinics create a serene atmosphere to help ease patients during the infusion. Soft lighting, calming music, or the option to wear headphones and listen to relaxing sounds can enhance the overall experience. These measures are taken to ensure that you remain as comfortable as possible throughout the session.

After the Infusion: Recovery and Follow-Up

Following the ketamine infusion, most patients need some time to rest and recover at the clinic. Once you’ve had a short observation period to ensure everything is stable, you’ll be able to go home, following specific post-treatment instructions provided by your healthcare provider. These may include recommendations like staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities, and getting plenty of rest.

The therapeutic effects of ketamine vary from person to person. Some individuals may feel positive changes immediately after their session, while others may require multiple treatments to see the desired results. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider will be scheduled to monitor your progress, make adjustments to the treatment plan, and discuss any changes in symptoms or well-being. During these appointments, your healthcare provider might use assessment tools like standardized questionnaires to track your progress and ensure the treatment is effective.

It’s important to communicate openly with your provider throughout this journey. If you experience any side effects or have concerns between sessions, bringing them up will help optimize your treatment plan and ensure you are on the right path to healing.

Ketamine’s Proven Safety Record

Ketamine has been widely used since the 1970s, with millions of adults and children receiving the medication safely over the decades. Unlike opioids and benzodiazepines, ketamine doesn’t carry risks of respiratory depression, even at higher doses, making it a safer option for mental health treatments. Over the past 30 years, numerous studies have validated its efficacy in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, reaffirming its safety and therapeutic potential.

The Importance of Starting Slowly

Your ketamine journey will start at a low dose to help your body acclimate to the effects. At these lower doses, many patients describe the sensation as deeply relaxing, comparable to the pleasant feeling of enjoying a glass of wine. As treatment progresses, the dosage may be increased based on your specific needs and treatment goals. Higher doses may lead to dream-like states or altered perceptions, but these experiences are part of the therapeutic process and are carefully managed by your healthcare team.

Easing First-Time Nerves

It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous before your first ketamine session. To help alleviate any apprehension, consider adopting the mantra from the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research: Trust, Let Go, and Be Open (TLO).

1. Trust: Trust in the process and in the medication’s ability to help you. Know that you’re in a safe and controlled environment, with a trained team ready to guide and support you.
2. Let Go: Release any preconceived notions or fears you may have about the experience. The treatment is designed to help, and trusting in that will make the process smoother.
3. Be Open: Stay open to whatever insights the experience may bring. The journey with ketamine can lead to profound realizations that can guide your healing process.

After the Session: What to Expect

After your session, you may still feel some of ketamine’s effects, though these typically subside within 30-45 minutes. Common side effects include mild nausea, dizziness, headache, or grogginess. These effects are usually short-lived, and most patients report feeling well-rested afterward. Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine doesn’t come with significant long-term side effects.

Serious Risks and How They’re Managed

While ketamine is generally safe, there are rare but serious risks, including increased blood pressure, hallucinations, or psychological distress. However, these risks are carefully mitigated by healthcare professionals through proper patient screening, precise dosing, and continuous monitoring throughout the infusion process.

A Final Note

As you prepare to embark on this transformative journey with Ketamine treatment NJ, remember that you are in capable and compassionate hands. Ketamine therapy has the potential to unlock profound healing and self-discovery, and with the right support, you can navigate this experience with confidence. At Neuroplasticity MD, we pride ourselves on having the most experienced team of ketamine physicians, nurses, and therapists in the tri-state area. Our expertise ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of care, empowering you to make informed decisions about your mental health treatment.

Trust in the process, let go of any fears, and remain open to the possibilities—your healing journey with ketamine is just beginning.