In part one of this two-part blog series, we talked about the rare occurrences of "bad trips" among those who receive ketamine therapy, plus some initial tips for how to avoid them. While bad trips are not common in this form of treatment, and are typically nowhere near as intense or long-lasting as some people might think, it's true that they may occasionally take place - but there are also simple steps you can take to limit their likelihood even further than normal.
At A Mind's Journey, we're happy to provide caring ketamine therapy services for PTSD, anxiety, depression and more. While we left off in part one of our series with setting an intention for your treatment, today's part two will pick up right from there and look at some simple tips for minimizing the risks of bad trips during your ketamine therapy.
While there are certain forms of treatment that may involve "surrendering" or "letting go" and allowing the treatment to take its course, ketamine therapy is typicaly not one of them. It's important to remember that you are in control of your own experience throughout the entire process. You should be able to trust yourself and your body - if anything feels wrong or uncomfortable during a session, it's okay to stop, or adjust as needed.
You also have significant control over the direction of your ketamine experience. This is why we talked so much in part one about setting an intention for your treatment before it begins. Having a clear idea of what you'd like to get out of the session will help keep you on track and focused throughout the entire experience.
The environment in which your ketamine therapy takes place can have a huge impact on how you feel during and after the session. It's important to choose a setting that's comfortable for you, and free of any potential distractions. While your therapist may be present in the room with you to monitor your progress, it's important to make sure that the area is peaceful and calming - this may include dimmed lights, background music or certain scents. These elements can help create an atmosphere of relaxation and focus, which can in turn reduce the likelihood of a bad trip.
The importance of being mentally prepared for your ketamine therapy cannot be overstated. Taking some time before your session to do some deep breathing and meditation can help clear your mind, relax your body and give you an overall sense of calm. This will not only make your ketamine experience more enjoyable, but it can also help protect against potential bad trips by allowing you to focus on the positive aspects of the treatment and keep your emotions in check.
With the right mindset and preparation, you can be confident that your ketamine therapy will be a safe and effective experience. While bad trips are rare, it's important to know what steps you can take to reduce the odds of them occurring even further. At A Mind's Journey, we're dedicated to providing caring ketamine therapy services with your best interest in mind - contact us today to learn more.
