Polaris Insight: Module 8, Advanced Workshop III on Ketamine-Assisted and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapies

In this advanced workshop, a variety of seasoned KAP psychotherapists with a diverse array of backgrounds and approaches share clinical experiences, protocol innovations, and theoretical understandings. We discuss the strategic use of low-dose/psycholytic sessions; innovations in set/setting and preparatory processes; the use of a client’s “language of self” as a vehicle for maximizing and improving clinical process, outcome and durability of positive effects of KAP; expectation management and screening; and the range of psychological experiences clients may have in KAP. We offer a follow-up presentation (from Module 7) on therapeutic work with symbols, images and imagination processes in a relational context as integral elements of effective treatment, and we explore potential pitfalls of treatment, including psychological dependence and wishful projections within altered states of consciousness. Throughout the workshop, we use case examples to illustrate important points and perspectives.