Reasons for ketamine treatments
There are several reasons why people book a ketamine session at Triptherapie. Often, these are people struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD and seeking a different approach than conventional treatments. A ketamine or ketamine-analog session can temporarily alleviate low mood and negative thoughts, creating space to view themselves and their situation differently.
Some people choose ketamine specifically because its dissociative effect helps them distance themselves from ingrained patterns or overwhelming emotions. From this distance, they can view traumas or life questions with greater clarity. It can also be used as a tool for personal growth or spiritual self-exploration, as the experience is often accompanied by a sense of letting go and exploring the subconscious.
Therapeutic session with ketamine analogue
A therapeutic session with a ketamine analog offers a legal way to experience the effects of ketamine. Because the ketamine analog is not covered by the Medicines Act, it is not a medical treatment and is subject to less regulatory pressure. This means it can be administered without a doctor's note and is cheaper than at inpatient clinics. However, you can receive support from our counselors during the ketamine analog sessions. This is a good alternative for people who definitely want to experience the effects of ketamine under supervision.
The benefits of the ketamine analog
Using a ketamine analog offers several significant advantages over medical ketamine. It can be taken orally, resulting in a gradual onset of effects rather than an abrupt one. This allows for a gentler introduction to the experience and allows for adjustments if needed if the effect proves too mild. Furthermore, the effects last considerably longer: a session with the ketamine analog lasts an average of 4 to 6 hours. This means that a single session, in terms of intensity and peak experience, is comparable to approximately four regular ketamine sessions of 1.5 hours each. This longer duration allows more time for deeper processing, integration, and therapeutic work, without the need for multiple short sessions.
The disadvantages
Ketamine analogs are less well-researched than the more common ketamines used in medical settings. Chronic use or long-term effects appear to be similar to those of ketamine, but this requires further investigation. Because sessions with a ketamine analog are not considered medical treatments, there is no medical supervision, and underlying conditions must be carefully considered. Furthermore, reimbursement from health insurers is not available.
Harm reduction
During sessions with ketamine (analogues), our therapists are essentially present during the session itself as trip sitter. They are there for harm reduction and secondarily to help you achieve your (non-medical) goals. We can only facilitate these types of sessions if you consciously choose to use this substance.
From registration to integration
If you'd like to register for a ketamine analog session, the process always begins with an intake form. This form provides insight into your health, medication use, and personal goals. Based on this, we'll determine whether a ketamine analog session is appropriate or if adjustments are necessary. After completing the intake form, one of our therapists will contact you to discuss the options. Together, we'll determine which form and therapist best suits your needs.
Start the online intake without obligation
Preparing for the session
Preparing for a ketamine session includes lifestyle recommendations tailored to the previously completed intake. These recommendations are aimed at improving physical health and restoring neurotransmitter balance. Improved neurotransmitter balance not only supports a more stable mood but also increases the effectiveness and safety of the psychedelic experience.
Moreover, the preparation goes beyond the physical. Personalized consultations also focus on mental preparation. This can be achieved by formulating intentions, practicing relaxation exercises, and reading or watching inspiring information. This way, "seeds" are planted in the subconscious, so to speak, that can blossom during the session.
The goal of this preparation is to ensure that the ketamine analog session not only becomes a special experience but also truly contributes to lasting insights, healing, and personal growth. Everything you do beforehand increases the likelihood of reaching your desired goals during the session and that the integration process will proceed more smoothly afterward.
Preparatory meeting with the chosen therapist
In the week before the actual ketamine analog session, a preparatory consultation will take place with the chosen therapist. This consultation typically takes one hour and takes place by phone or online (in person upon request). This meeting not only serves as a further introduction but also forms an important part of the therapeutic process.
During this session, your goals and intentions will be discussed. The preparatory session is partly therapeutic and partly practical. Together, we'll explore potential blockages, expectations, and ways to best prepare you mentally for the session.
In addition, the supervising therapist may assign additional assignments or exercises, depending on your situation and needs. These can range from writing exercises and breathing techniques to reading or viewing in-depth information.
The preparatory meeting helps build a secure, trusting relationship with the counselor and gives you the opportunity to ask questions or discuss any concerns. This allows you to approach the session with more peace of mind and confidence.
The ketamine session itself
A ketamine analog session doesn't begin immediately with the drug itself. First, you'll spend about half an hour talking with the facilitator. During this time, your intentions will be reviewed, and you'll receive additional explanations about what to expect. This helps you approach the experience with clear focus and confidence.
After taking the medication, it usually takes fifteen to half an hour for the first effects to become noticeable. From that point on, periods of silence and introspection alternate with brief moments of conversation, depending on what arises. The support staff will support this, allowing you to safely surrender to the experience. If there is little effect after an hour to an hour and a half, or if you desire stronger and longer-lasting effects, you may decide to take a booster.
The peak of the session usually lasts 1 to 3 hours, depending on sensitivity and whether a booster was taken. After the peak effects subside, the conversation gradually increases. This helps process the insights gained and forms the first step in integration.
In total, a ketamine analog session often lasts between 4 and 6 hours, with the experience gradually building and then slowly fading. This longer duration allows you to delve deeper into the experience and take more time for reflection and processing.
The integration of the session
Integration begins during the session itself, especially during the coming-down phase. At this stage, conversations gradually increase, and the facilitator helps to explore and make sense of the initial insights together. This is the first step toward healing.
In addition, a one-hour integration session is included as standard, at a time that best suits the participant. For some, this is convenient the next day, while most people prefer to wait about a week to allow the experience to sink in.
It is possible to choose more integration sessions and/or coaching with or without psychedelics outside the standard one-hour integration offer.
For those who want to work more intensively, there are also group integration sessions Based on psychodrama and Internal Family Systems (IFS). These methods ensure that the insights are experienced not only mentally but also physically and emotionally. This can be particularly valuable for themes such as trauma, self-acceptance, and relationship patterns. During these integration days, a low psycholytic dose of psychedelics can even be optionally used, making it easier to connect with the previous psychedelic session without losing touch with reality.
Choose a supervisor
At Triptherapie, we have several therapists and trip-sitters who work with ketamine and its analogues. These are listed below. You can open the profile pages of these Triptherapie staff members by clicking on their image or name. You can also access their LinkedIn page and reviews via the logos below the counter showing the number of psychedelic sessions they have facilitated. You can also check their availability and book a date using the calendar button.
