Ketamine-assisted couple therapy: a dosing approach

Ketamine– Assist Psychotherapy (KAP) is rapidly emerging as a transformative tool in mental health treatment, offering great benefits to situations like this depression, anxietyand PTSD. As a dissociative anesthetic with unique psychological properties, ketamine promotes neuroplasticity. neural Connectivity – also reduces emotional rigidity and avoidance.

In the field of couple therapy, the effects of ketamine can enhance the emotional Opennesscognitive flexibility, and Changes in behavior. This allows couples to access deeper relational healing and growth, especially when used as part of couple therapy. the goal Couple therapy:

• Increased emotional accessibility: Your partner is no longer emotionally defensive, creating space for vulnerability and connection.
• Improved cognitive flexibility: Ketamine disrupts rigid thinking patterns and negative attributions, allowing new ways to perceive relationship dynamics.
• Encourage behavioral change: Ketamine helps couples break the cycle of dysfunction and develop healthier interaction patterns by reducing avoidance and emotional reactivity.

Ketamine is a prescription medicine It should only be used under the care and supervision of a licensed provider. Like all prescription drugs, ketamine has potential side effects and risks, and it is important for consumers to recognize it. Before engaged in ketamine-assisted couple therapy, it is important for couples to review all medical contraindications and risks with the prescriber, obtain ketamine prescriptions only from a licensed physician and/or pharmacy, and take the medication only as directed. We recommend that couples (and their therapists) discuss these administration approaches with the prescriber and develop the best treatment plan for them.

Dosing approaches for ketamine-assisted couple therapy

When ketamine is incorporated into couples therapy, different dosage strategies can be used depending on the partner’s treatment goals, relationship dynamics, and comfort. Below we outline four main dosing approaches couples can use when engaging in ketamine-assisted couple therapy. These administration approaches can be self-directed at the therapist or at home, depending on the orientation of the therapist and prescribing physician.

1. Solo administration: 1 partner at a time

In this approach, one partner takes the prescribed ketamine dose and the other partner remains calm. Doshing Non-Partners can actively support the partner’s experience (sitting) or can be used (chaperones) if necessary.

useful:

• My first experience with ketamine
• Couples who want to explore individual healing before engaged in a sharing session
• Individuals who like safety concerns and the presence of a calm partner
• Couples with only one partner having a prescription for ketamine

How to approach it:

• Determine in advance what role the non-administration partner will play. A sense of security through words, holding hands, simply being there.
• Remember: The non-administration partner is not a therapist. Their role is to preserve space rather than guiding or interpreting experience.
• After the session, we will look back on our insights and emotions together.
• If both partners have a prescription for ketamine, schedule another session in the reverse role.

2. Dual Psychedelic Dosing: Both partners have a full dose

In this model, both partners take the full dose of ketamine, leading to an introspective and introverted experience. Interactions are usually minimal during sessions, and the most important relationship work occurs in subsequent integrations.

useful:

• A partner seeking deep healing in a relationship
• Experienced Ketamine or Psychedelic Users
• Comfortable couples on separate internal journeys that contribute to sharing growth
• Couples ready for important relational shifts

How to approach it:

• Establish relational intent ahead of time: What themes and patterns do you want to explore?
• Prepare for an inward journey – consider eye shades and headphones.
• After the session, engage in gentle integration and focus on emotional insights rather than immediate problem-solving.
• Continuous discussion and integration plans for the next day.

3. Dual psychological dosing: both partners are half partners

Both partners typically take approximately half the prescribed ketamine at lower doses, with approval from the prescription provider. This allows them to continue to engage with each other, benefiting from the effects of ketamine on emotional openness and cognitive flexibility.

useful:

• Partners looking for deeper emotional expression and communication
• Couples trying to reduce defense and address challenges in connected ways
• Those who prefer a calm and shared experience rather than an introspective journey
• Couples that are grounded and can remain vulnerable, not defensive or conflicted

How to approach it:

• Create a private and comfortable setting for open conversations.
• Not only is it available to use music, headphones and eye shades, but it also allows for space for interaction.
• Use preparation questions as discussion prompts.
• Use the “i” statement to encourage intentional, slow conversations.
• Prioritize non-judgmental listening and emotional presence.
• Schedule the consolidation time for the next day.

4. Extended Discussion Session: Ketamine + Focus Couple Discussion

Both partners take very small doses of ketamine (usually about 1/4 of a standard formulation) and engage in planned discussions about their relationship or planned couples therapy sessions with therapists. This method utilizes the effects of ketamine to enhance openness, emotional connection and defensiveness, but unlike psychological dosing sessions, couples enter the session with a specific agenda and conversational plan.

useful:

• Couples looking for a deeper, more open conversation about their relationship
• Partners who want to improve communication and emotions bonding
• Couple feeling stuck in a pattern and hoping to be more vulnerable and softened in the discussion

How to approach it:

• Start with silent reflection meditation 10-15 minutes.
• Use the given discussion topic.
• Maintain an attitude of curiosity rather than criticism. This is about exploration, not problem solving.
• The next day, plan on continuous integration and reflection.

Conclusion

Ketamine-assisted couple therapy offers a variety of dosage strategies each with distinct benefits. By tailoring dosing approaches to each couple’s needs, couples and therapists can take advantage of the therapeutic potential of ketamines that promote emotional openness, cognitive flexibility, and permanent behavioral change. Ketamine can revolutionize the way couples heal and grow together through individual sessions, inward journeys of full doses, or connected experiences of low doses.