Ketamine was first developed in the 1960s and is officially classified as a prescription “dissociative” drug used for general anesthesia. In the 1990s it was discovered that subanesthetic doses administered in certain settings could induce profound psychedelic experiences and evoke a gentle lifting of existential burdens. When people enter the dreamlike state ketamine offers, it can free them from their anchors to physical reality. Some say it produces an awareness of a more whole self.
The transformative force of ketamine comes from its ability to help you to open up, giving you the capacity to see the world differently and to think more nimbly. This is why ketamine seems to help with ruminations and other forms of psychological suffering that have a habitual or repetitive element—experiences traditional mental health professionals might diagnose as depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and addiction. It’s also why ketamine can help people look beyond their suffering, leading them into a deeper form of contemplation. As the ancient Buddhists and Ayurvedics knew—and modern research bears this out—becoming unstuck from stubborn thought patterns or reaching moments of awakening happens most readily during states of contemplation.
The Human Element is Everything
At Cardea we bring a diverse group of experts together aligned around the common principle that transformation and expansiveness happen more quickly and effectively within the care of compassionate people trained to provide the right space for growth. Research consistently shows that the human element is always the most powerful force in change.
Whether you are coming for an individual session, a series of sessions, a group session, or for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, our team will work with you using our Lascaux Method, a form of care that synthesizes certain elements of psychotherapy, art therapy and vibrational sound work. We also offer creative activities, acupuncture, and bodywork.