Process of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

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Modern psychotherapeutic approaches are increasingly developing through the interaction of clinical experience and medical-scientific research. This connection becomes especially clear in substance-assisted psychotherapy: an integrative treatment approach in which established psychotherapeutic methods are complemented by the responsible, indication-based use of certain substances—such as ketamine or, within the scope of current research and clinical development, psilocybin.

Internationally, this approach is being studied intensively. Initial studies and clinical experience suggest that substance-assisted psychotherapy may open up new therapeutic possibilities, particularly for depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions—especially in cases where conventional treatment pathways reach their limits.

Ketamine plays a particularly important role in this context: it can have a rapid antidepressant effect, temporarily loosen rigid inner patterns, and improve neurobiological conditions for change. From a medical and neuroscientific perspective, the focus is especially on promoting neuronal plasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections and support psychological adaptation and healing processes.

However, the decisive therapeutic factor always remains professional psychotherapeutic guidance. Within a protected and carefully prepared setting, experiences can not only be facilitated but also processed, understood, and sustainably integrated. In this way, a treatment model emerges that connects biological mechanisms of action with psychotherapeutic processes of change—thereby consistently further developing the bridge between medicine, neuroscience, and psychotherapy.

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1) Medical & psychotherapeutic assessment

In the first sessions, we carefully clarify whether ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is physically and psychologically suitable for you.

Based on this, the treating physician decides whether ketamine treatment is medically indicated, safe to carry out, and meaningful as a supplement to psychotherapy.

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2) Treatment planning

If treatment is recommended, you will receive a treatment agreement and appointment suggestions for typically 6 to 12 ketamine sessions.

An ideal rhythm is every 2 to 4 weeks, so that experience and change do not happen too abruptly—but also do not lose momentum.

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3) Preparation for the substance sessions

Before the first session, we prepare you thoroughly. You will receive information about:

• the effects of ketamine

• the inner attitude during treatment

• helpful behaviors and guidance

This helps you feel oriented, safe, and not overwhelmed.

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4) Substance session (infusion)

The ketamine session takes place in a protected, living-room-like setting—under medical supervision by a physician or appropriately trained assistants.

Many people experience this time as a phase of turning inward:
with eyes closed, optionally accompanied by music, and with space for whatever may arise.

The infusion usually lasts approximately 60 minutes.

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5) Integration into psychotherapy

The real change often does not happen during the ketamine session—but afterwards.

In the following psychotherapy appointments (often about 12 sessions, also at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks), we reflect together on:

• what was experienced

• what has been emotionally set in motion

• which new perspectives have emerged

• and how this can be translated into everyday life

Integration means: insights are not only understood—they become livable.

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Scientific background

One possible mechanism of ketamine-assisted therapies is a temporary increase in neuroplasticity.

In simplified terms: for a certain period of time, the brain may be more open to new connections—like a “critical window” in which psychotherapeutic processes can be particularly effective.