For individuals undergoing ketamine therapy, the journey toward healing is often perceived as a solitary experience (especially when you’re entering a clinic, sitting in a chair with headphones and an eye mask alone). However, research and clinical observations increasingly highlight community and social support’s significant role in enhancing treatment outcomes.
A strong support system can contribute to the success of ketamine therapy – and is a form of “setting” (of set and setting) in its own right. Community provides everything from practical assistance to emotional reinforcement, as well as accountability after treatment.
The Foundation of Support in Ketamine Treatment
A support network forms the bedrock of successful ketamine treatment – the network does not need to be large in size, as long as the connections can establish a feeling of safety. This network typically includes:
- Family members and close friends
- Therapists, coaches, and mental health professionals
- Support groups or fellow patients
- Trusted colleagues or mentors
Each of these connections offers unique benefits that can positively influence the treatment process and long-term recovery. We recommend having at least 2 people who you know, trust, and feel comfortable sharing about your experience with ketamine. If you don’t have this, we are happy to match you with a personal coach or therapist at Nushama, and we also invite you to join our weekly integration and support groups (free of charge and included with treatment).
Practical Support from Community During Ketamine Treatment
One of the most immediate forms of community support comes in the practical aspects of undergoing ketamine therapy:
- Transportation Assistance: Having a designated person to drive you to and from ketamine sessions is mandatroy. Ketamine can impair motor skills and cognitive function for several hours post-treatment, making it unsafe to operate a vehicle1. A reliable transportation plan ensures you can focus on your therapy without worrying about logistics.
- Post-Session Care: The hours following a ketamine session can be sensitive and introspective. Having a trusted individual present to provide comfort, ensure hydration, and assist with basic needs can both support and enhance the integration process.
Emotional Support and Understanding during Ketamine Treatment
The emotional dimension of community support is equally vital:
- Shared Knowledge: When friends and family understand the basics of ketamine therapy, they can offer more informed and empathetic support. This helps reduce stigma and fear, and also creates a more supportive environment for the patient.
- Validation and Encouragement: The journey through ketamine therapy can be emotionally challenging. Having individuals who validate your experiences and encourage your progress can provide the motivation needed to persist through difficult phases of integration, which can often include processing past traumas or perceived mistakes and/or letdowns in life.
The Power of Group Integration
Group integration sessions are a powerful tool in ketamine therapy that afford many benefits:
- Shared Experiences: Participating in group integration allows patients to connect with others who have undergone similar experiences. This shared context can provide unique insights and perspectives that individual therapy might not offer.
- Collective Wisdom: Groups often generate diverse strategies for integrating ketamine experiences into daily life that each individual otherwise would not have come up with on his/her own. Patients can learn from each other’s successes and challenges, broadening their toolkit for personal growth without having to experience each thing directly themselves.
- Reduced Isolation: Mental health challenges often come with feelings of isolation. Group settings remind patients they are not alone in their struggles, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Building Your Support Network
How do you go about building a community to support you when you are entering your ketamine journey?
- Identify Key Supporters: Choose individuals who are reliable, empathetic, and open-minded about your treatment choice.
- Educate Your Circle: Provide trusted supporters with reputable information about ketamine therapy to foster understanding if they haven’t already experienced, or know about, keatmine therapy.
- Set Boundaries: Clearly communicate your needs and limitations to your support network to ensure respectful and helpful interactions.
- Engage in Group Activities: Consider joining ketamine therapy support groups or integration circles to expand your community.
- Communicate: Regularly update your support network on your progress and changing needs throughout the treatment process.
Your Professional Support Network for Ketamine Treatment
While personal connections are invaluable, professional support remains critical, as it’s often the most reliable form of support in the context of day-to-day life. For a professional support network, turn to:
- Therapists and Coaches: A therapist or coach experienced in ketamine therapy can guide you in leveraging your support network effectively. They can also help you process and integrate insights gained from your community experiences.
- Clinic Resources: Many ketamine clinics offer resources for building and maintaining support networks. These may include family education sessions, partner support groups, or referrals to community organizations. Nushama offers weekly group sessions, alternating online and in person for your convenience.
The power of community support in ketamine treatment success cannot be overstated. From practical assistance to emotional reinforcement and shared wisdom, a strong support network can significantly enhance the therapeutic experience, success, and long-term outcomes of ketamine treatment.
As you embark on or continue your ketamine therapy journey, remember that you don’t have to walk this path alone – we are, as Rumi says, “all walking each other home.”
