Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Philadelphia & Bryn Mawr, PA

Delve deeper. Heal further.

You've Done the Work—But You're Ready to Go Deeper

Therapy has helped you grow, but something still feels out of reach. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) offers a new way to access healing, break through emotional barriers, and reconnect with yourself in ways traditional therapy can't always reach.

When traditional therapy isn’t enough—you’re ready for more

You’ve done the work. You’ve spent time in therapy, developed self-awareness, and built tools to manage life’s challenges. You know how to reflect, process, and grow. But despite everything, there are still places within yourself you can’t seem to reach.

Maybe certain patterns keep repeating, emotional blocks feel impossible to move past, or deep wounds remain untouched—no matter how much insight you gain. You’ve hit a wall, and traditional therapy alone isn’t getting you where you want to be.

If you’re feeling stuck, it doesn’t mean therapy isn’t working—it means you’re ready for a new approach.

You’re here because you want more from therapy

You want more than just coping skills—you want transformation. You’re searching for something that allows you to go deeper, uncover what’s been holding you back, and finally experience the breakthroughs you’ve been working toward.

At Spilove Psychotherapy, we understand that healing isn’t linear, and sometimes, new tools are needed to access the deeper layers of your mind and emotions. If you’re looking for an approach that goes beyond talking about your struggles and actually reshapes the way you experience them, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) may be the next step in your journey.

You’re in the right place.

What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)?

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a powerful, science-backed approach that deepens the therapeutic process by combining ketamine with guided therapy sessions. Unlike traditional therapy, where mental defenses and trauma responses may limit progress, KAP allows for a more fluid, open exploration of deep-seated emotional wounds and unconscious patterns.

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that induces an altered state of consciousness, temporarily quieting the inner critic, reducing fear-based responses, and allowing for greater emotional flexibility. This shift in awareness creates a unique therapeutic window, making it possible to:

  • Access and reprocess trauma with reduced emotional distress

  • Uncover subconscious patterns and break free from stuck cycles

  • Gain insight into long-standing emotional wounds

  • Experience profound healing at a level that feels unreachable in traditional therapy

At Spilove Psychotherapy, we specialize in psychedelic-assisted therapy to help clients effectively resolve trauma and accelerate their healing journey. KAP is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing:

  • Treatment-resistant depression

  • PTSD and complex trauma

  • Emotional numbness or dissociation

  • Chronic anxiety and OCD

  • A deep desire to heal but feel stuck in traditional therapy

Why KAP works for Trauma Healing

When trauma is unresolved, defense mechanisms can make it difficult to access and process painful emotions. Even with years of therapy, certain wounds remain buried and inaccessible—creating emotional blocks, repeating patterns, and a sense of being “stuck.”

With KAP, these barriers soften. The dissociative effect of ketamine allows you to:

  • Detach from emotional overwhelm, making deep work feel more approachable

  • Revisit traumatic memories with a new perspective and greater self-compassion

  • Explore unresolved emotions without being controlled by fear or anxiety

This lowered defense mechanism makes KAP especially effective for trauma work, providing a pathway to healing that traditional therapy alone may not be able to unlock.

See yourself clearly again—move past emotional barriers

Trauma can leave you feeling disconnected—from yourself, your emotions, and even your sense of purpose. It can feel as if you're watching your life unfold from the outside rather than fully experiencing it.

With Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), you have the opportunity to quiet the mental noise, lower your defenses, and access a deeper sense of clarity. Unlike traditional therapy, where emotional barriers may keep you from fully engaging, KAP creates a state of openness—allowing you to explore your inner world without fear or resistance.

Rather than just easing symptoms, KAP offers a shift in perspective, helping you step outside of limiting thought patterns and see your experiences in a new way. Many people find relief from long-standing trauma responses, gaining insight into their emotions and relationships with greater clarity and self-compassion. Instead of feeling trapped in survival mode, KAP allows you to move toward a more grounded, peaceful, and connected way of being.

Why Ketamine? Why Now?

When you've experienced trauma, your mind learns to protect itself—keeping you stuck in survival mode, replaying old wounds, and avoiding deep emotional processing. Even when you're ready to heal, fear, shame, and emotional blocks can make it feel impossible to access the parts of yourself that need attention.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) offers a way through. By temporarily reducing mental rigidity and quieting the defense mechanisms that make trauma feel overwhelming, KAP allows you to engage in deeper healing without the usual emotional barriers. Rather than getting stuck in painful loops, you can approach your experiences with new clarity, self-compassion, and the freedom to process what once felt unreachable.

This is why KAP is so effective for trauma, PTSD, and treatment-resistant depression—it creates the space you need to truly heal. If you've done the work but still feel held back, this may be the next step in your journey.

What to Expect in a KAP Session

Preparation

  • Before beginning, you'll have an in-depth consultation with a therapist to discuss your mental health history, goals, and intentions for treatment.

  • Together, you’ll determine the best protocol, whether for trauma processing, depression, anxiety, or personal growth.

  • You’ll engage in preparatory sessions to establish trust and intention-setting before experiencing ketamine.

During the Session

  • Ketamine is administered in a safe, controlled setting with one of our trained therapists guiding you.

  • You'll be encouraged to let go, explore, and observe thoughts, emotions, and memories from a new perspective.

  • Sessions may include EMDR, mindfulness, or somatic processing, depending on your therapeutic goals.

Post-Session Integration

  • Aftercare is key. The insights gained during KAP are processed in integration sessions with your therapist.

  • You’ll discuss how to apply these insights to your daily life, ensuring lasting transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Ketamine mainly targets the brain's NMDA receptors, which play a role in regulating glutamate, a crucial neurotransmitter related to learning and memory. By tweaking glutamate, ketamine helps form new neural pathways and boosts neuroplasticity, making it possible to "retrain" negative thought habits. This can be especially beneficial in breaking free from the cycles of depression or trauma.

    Furthermore, the unique action of ketamine provides a rapid onset of symptom relief, distinguishing it from traditional antidepressants. Researchers are continually exploring its potential in treating a variety of mood disorders, highlighting its innovative role in mental health care. The clinical application of ketamine represents a promising frontier in psychiatry, offering hope for those who have not responded to conventional treatments.

  • At therapeutic doses, ketamine is generally considered safe and non-addictive. However, if miss used in a recreational setting, ketamine can lead to dependency. In Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, the controlled and occasional use of ketamine, combined with therapy, is unlikely to result in addiction. Therapists and medical professionals closely monitor dosage and frequency. They focus on therapeutic outcomes and minimizing the risk of dependency.

    At Spilove Psychotherapy, our team is trained and experienced in guiding clients through ketamine-assisted psychotherapy safely and responsibly. We prioritize your well-being and will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Our goal is to help you heal and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Ketamine is typically safe when used under professional supervision, but there might be some side effects. These can include:

    • Nausea. Common but usually mild; often managed with anti-nausea medication.

    • Dizziness or Lightheadedness. Ketamine can make individuals feel unsteady, though these effects pass quickly.

    • Dissociation & Symbolic Visuals. While some describe a floating sensation, others experience vivid imagery or dreamlike visions. These are not side effects but an intended effect of ketamine, allowing deep psychological exploration.

    • Mood Changes. Some clients may feel emotional or introspective following a session. It’s helpful to have a trusted support person nearby or arrange post-session integration.

    At Spilove Psychotherapy, we closely prepare clients for their experience and create a safe environment for exploration. We guide clients in working with the symbolic material that emerges—whether in visuals, emotions, or insights—to better understand their psyche and what it’s communicating. Rather than passively experiencing these effects, we help clients engage with them intentionally, using them as a gateway to self-discovery, emotional processing, and lasting transformation.

    Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Bryn Mawr, PA is a powerful tool that can help individuals find relief from trauma, depression, and other mental health concerns. Our team of compassionate professionals understands the complexities of these conditions and is dedicated to providing personalized care through KAP. If you're interested in learning more about this groundbreaking treatment, please reach out for support and guidance on your journey toward healing.

  • At Spilove Psychotherapy, we use a carefully guided approach to Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) to ensure a safe and effective experience. The method of administration and dosage are personalized based on your unique needs, history, and therapeutic goals.

    Administration Methods:

    • Oral (Lozenge or Tablet) – This is the primary method we use in our practice. It allows for a gradual onset of effects, making it a flexible and accessible option for therapeutic work.

    • Intramuscular Injection (IM) – While not currently offered in our office, IM administration may be an option in the future. This method provides a more immersive experience with a rapid onset.

    • Intravenous (IV) Infusion – Typically used in medical settings, IV ketamine is administered in controlled doses for rapid symptom relief. This method is not used for KAP at Spilove Psychotherapy.

    Dosage Considerations:

    Ketamine dosing varies depending on the individual and the intended depth of the experience. We may use low-dose (sub-anesthetic) sessions for gentle exploration or psychedelic-dose sessions for deeper therapeutic processing when clinically appropriate.

    Our team ensures that each client is fully prepared before their session, helping them understand what to expect and creating a structured plan for integration afterward. Whether your journey requires a mild dissociative experience or a more immersive therapeutic process, we work closely with you to tailor the dosage and approach to your healing goals.

  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is considered safe when administered in a controlled setting with professional oversight. At Spilove Psychotherapy, we follow strict safety protocols to ensure a secure, supportive experience tailored to each individual.

    Before beginning treatment, we conduct thorough medical and psychological screenings in collaboration with medical professionals to assess potential risks or contraindications, such as heart conditions or certain medications. Clients self-administer their prescribed doses under supervision, ensuring a structured and intentional experience.

    While Ketamine can have side effects such as dizziness, nausea, or dissociation, these are typically mild and temporary. Dissociation and hallucinations, often misunderstood as side effects, are actually an expected part of the process. We help clients prepare for and navigate these experiences, working with the symbolic material that arises to support deeper self-exploration.

    Beyond the session itself, integration is a crucial part of the healing process. We provide post-session support to help clients process insights, regulate emotions, and apply their experiences in meaningful ways. With careful preparation, professional guidance, and a personalized approach, KAP can be a safe and transformative tool for healing.

  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is showing encouraging results in addressing several mental health challenges:

    • Depression, including Treatment-Resistant Depression: KAP has proven effective for individuals who do not find relief from traditional treatments.

    • Anxiety: Those with severe or treatment-resistant anxiety may experience relief through ketamine’s calming effects.

    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): KAP provides a safe, controlled setting to help individuals process traumatic memories.

    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): By interrupting entrenched thought patterns, KAP offers potential relief for individuals with OCD.

    • Chronic Pain and Related Conditions: Ketamine’s ability to reduce pain perception and enhance mental clarity makes it a valuable option in chronic pain management.

    At Spilove Psychotherapy, our team is trained and experienced in administering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy safely and responsibly. We prioritize your well-being and will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Our goal is to help you heal and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

  • KAP presents a transformative opportunity for individuals who have not found relief through conventional therapies. Ideal candidates are those who:

    • Have explored various treatment methods, such as medication and talk therapy, without adequate results.

    • Are receptive to experiencing altered states of consciousness.

    • Do not have a history of psychosis or specific medical conditions that could adversely interact with ketamine.

    • Aim to address conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety, or chronic pain through a structured, therapy-supported approach.

    All candidates undergo a comprehensive screening process to ensure KAP is a safe and appropriate choice for them. At Spilove Psychotherapy, we take great care in providing personalized evaluations and treatment plans for our clients, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout their Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy in Bryn Mawr, PA journey. If you're interested in learning more or exploring whether KAP is right for you, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you on your path towards healing and growth.

  • The timeline for experiencing the benefits of ketamine varies between individuals, with symptom improvements often noticeable within the first few sessions. How many sessions are needed depends on the presenting problem and the client's goals or expectations. While 8 sessions can be a good starting point, especially for conditions like depression or anxiety, trauma may require more sessions to achieve desired outcomes.

    Ketamine's antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects tend to occur quickly, often within the initial treatments. The effects usually last from several days to weeks, influenced by factors like metabolism, treatment frequency, and overall mental health. Some patients might benefit from maintenance sessions to sustain these effects, while others could experience longer-lasting relief after an initial series of treatments.

    • Oral (lozenge or tablet): Common oral doses range from 100 to 300 mg. This form suits low to moderate-intensity sessions due to its gradual onset, reducing the likelihood of strong dissociative effects. This is the method of administration that we will be using in our Spilove Psychotherapy offices.

    • Intramuscular injection (IM): IM dosing for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) typically falls between 0.5 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg of body weight, with adjustments for individual needs. This method provides a more immersive experience, often producing dissociative effects at higher doses, facilitating deeper therapeutic exploration.

    • Intravenous infusion (IV): IV doses are measured in a controlled, gradual manner through titration, typically ranging from 0.5 mg/kg to 0.75 mg/kg. While more common in medical treatments, IV ketamine can be part of KAP when clinically appropriate.

When healing feels stuck, it’s time for a new approach

Traditional therapy has given you tools and awareness—but if you’re still searching for breakthroughs that feel out of reach, KAP may be the next step in your healing journey. By quieting the mental barriers that keep trauma locked in place, KAP opens the door to deeper processing, fresh insights, and healing in ways that traditional therapy alone may not provide.

Schedule a free consultation today to learn how KAP can help you move beyond survival mode and into lasting healing.