A Different Kind of Doorway
Some people come to therapy with their hearts in their hands. Others arrive unsure of what they’re even holding—just knowing something doesn’t feel right. Some have been in therapy for years—talking, analyzing, doing “the work”—but still feel like something’s off. Something’s missing. That deep exhale. That click of knowing. That shift in the body that says, yes-here I am.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) can offer another way in. A different kind of doorway. One that can allow our usual defenses to take a rest and bring us into direct relationship with our inner landscape—beyond story, beyond logic, beyond the surface.
At Somatic Psychotherapy, KAP isn’t a quick fix. It’s a sacred, spacious process. One that unfolds in relationship, over time, and with deep respect for each person’s readiness and rhythm.
Why Ketamine? Why Now?
Ketamine is a legal, fast-acting psychedelic medicine that’s been used safely for decades—and research has shown it to be highly effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. But what makes it truly unique is the way it seems to open up a world of possibilities that had long felt out of reach. It quiets the inner critic. It loosens the grip of long-held beliefs (e.g. “I’m unloveable.” / “I’m a bad person.” / “The world isn’t a safe place for me.”). It lets us see ourselves—not from the lens of pathology or problem-solving, but from a place of openness and compassion.
People often turn to KAP when everything else has fallen short. When the insight is there, but the shift still hasn’t come. When the words have been spoken, but the body hasn’t caught up. Ketamine doesn’t just help manage symptoms—it can help you meet the root.
And while Ketamine alone can be powerful, it’s the therapeutic relationship that makes the difference. Medicine without integration is like a seed without soil. At Somatic Psychotherapy, we’re here to hold the whole process.
What Makes Our KAP Work Different
You may have heard of clinics offering Ketamine sessions that last less than an hour—IV infusions in sterile rooms, with minimal preparation and no real follow-up. People are left to figure out what just happened—often alone, often confused, often disappointed.
We do things differently.
• We take our time. Preparation isn’t a box to check. It’s where we build safety, trust, and a shared language that lets your system soften and open.
• We hold the whole arc. From the moment you walk in through the final integration session, you’re not alone. Every part matters. Every part is welcomed.
• We honor the body. Our approach draws from somatic and mindfulness-based modalities like Hakomi, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Experiencing. These tools help you stay connected to yourself before, during, and after the journey.
• Most importantly, we don’t treat KAP as a miracle cure or a one-and-done fix. We see it as one beautiful thread in a larger tapestry—ideally woven together with other supports like depth therapy, body-based practices, nourishing relationships, and whatever else brings color and texture to a more vibrant, integrated life.
A typical KAP process includes several prep sessions, a series of in-person dosing sessions (spacious and unrushed), and several integration sessions. At your dosing sessions, you’ll lie back, wear an eye mask, listen to curated music, and allow the medicine to take you inward. And we’ll be there with you—literally, on the floor—holding space with presence, care, and a steady hand.
What Might a Session Feel Like?
Sometimes people cry. Sometimes they laugh. Sometimes they lie in stillness for what feels like hours. The experience can be colorful, mystical, disorienting, peaceful, or intense. Sometimes it’s all of those things in one.
And sometimes… it’s quiet. Subtle. A barely perceptible shift. But then, days later, something clicks. A reaction that used to flood you doesn’t. You say no without guilt. You notice a little more space between stimulus and response.
KAP doesn’t give you the answers. It helps you remember you already have them.
A New Path Forward
One of our favorite metaphors is this: Imagine you’re standing on top of a snowy mountain. The ground beneath you is packed with familiar footprints—old paths, well-worn and automatic. Ketamine is like a fresh coat of snow. You can still see the outlines of your old paths, but now… you get to choose. Your sense of agency feels more real, enhanced. You can forge a new way down. One that feels more honest. More alive. More you.
Not Just a Trip—A Turning Point
KAP isn’t about escaping. It’s not about bypassing pain or chasing bliss. It’s about making contact—with what’s real, what’s ready, and what’s been waiting for you beneath all the noise. If you’ve been feeling stuck, disconnected, or curious about what lies just beyond your familiar edges—this may be a beautiful new tool in the therapeutic toolbox.
At Somatic Psychotherapy, we’ll go slow. We’ll go deep. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll take that first step into the fresh snow—together.
FAQs
Is KAP legal in New York?
Yes. Ketamine is legal and FDA-approved for medical use. We work with licensed prescribers who evaluate your eligibility and provide the medicine. All sessions are conducted legally and ethically, under close care.
Do I need to have tried therapy before?
No. Some clients are new to therapy, while others have done years of talk therapy or trauma work and still feel stuck. KAP can support both beginners and experienced clients alike.
Can I combine KAP with other therapies?
Absolutely. We often blend KAP with IFS, EMDR, or somatic approaches. We’ll collaborate to find the right rhythm and structure for you.We also have Group KAP Sessions available.
Ready to Explore What’s Possible?
If you’re feeling stuck—or just curious about what lies beyond the usual edges—we’d be honored to support you.
Our KAP team works with clients in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and virtually across New York.
