Before anyone tries something new, especially something as personal as ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, it helps to know what to expect. So I'd like to walk you through it, step by step, the way I would if you were sitting across from me on my orange couch. Whether you join me in person at my office in Nelson County, Virginia, or virtually from your own home anywhere in Virginia or Oregon, here is what your KAP journey with me will look like.
If you're brand new to KAP, you might like to start with my post on what ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is and how it works.
[PHOTO: Bren's office, wide shot of the room]
Step 1: We start with a conversation
Everything begins with a free consultation call. This is a chance for us to meet, for you to share a little about what's bringing you to KAP, and for both of us to get a feel for whether we're a good fit. Some people come to me while grieving a spouse or a parent. Others feel stuck in old patterns and are ready to try something new. Some are simply curious about the mystery. All of it is welcome.
Step 2: A medical evaluation with Journey Clinical
I partner with Journey Clinical, a medical team that handles the medical side of KAP. You'll meet with one of their clinicians for an evaluation, and if ketamine is a safe fit for you, they will prescribe the medicine and stay involved in your care. I take care of the therapy, they take care of the medicine, and we communicate so you're held from both sides.
Step 3: Preparation sessions
Before your first dosing session, we'll meet for one or more 50-minute preparation sessions. This is where we get to know each other more deeply, talk through your hopes and intentions, and go over exactly what the experience might feel like so nothing comes as a surprise. We'll also talk about music, which is one of my very favorite parts of this work. I'll ask what you love, what moves you and what you'd rather not hear, because I'll be building a playlist just for you.
Step 4: Your dosing session
Dosing sessions last about two and a half to three hours. Most of that time is spent resting comfortably with an eye mask and headphones while the medicine does its work and the music carries you. I'm with you the whole time, quietly holding space, checking in when it's helpful, and adjusting the music as your journey unfolds. I really do DJ these sessions, drawing on what you've told me and on my own intuition about what you might need in each moment.
If you join me in person
You'll arrive at my office, a warm space full of plants, art and soft places to land. We'll settle in together, set your intention, and make sure you're cozy with blankets and pillows. Afterward you'll rest until you feel grounded, and you'll need someone to drive you home, since you shouldn't drive for the rest of the day.
[PHOTO: the orange couch with blankets and pillows]
[PHOTO: plants, art and the corner by the window]
If you join me virtually
Virtual KAP happens from the comfort of your own home, with me present by secure video for the whole session. Before your first dosing day, we'll plan together how to create a calm, private space, who will be nearby to support you, and how you'll rest afterward. Many people love being able to journey in their own bed and wake up to their own familiar world.
Step 5: Integration
Integration is where the magic becomes part of your life. In the days after each dosing session, we meet for a 50-minute integration session to explore what came up, the images, feelings, memories and insights, and to gently connect the dots. I love this part of the work. It's often where the awe-ha moments arrive, as you discover the wisdom that was inside you all along.
For my grieving clients, integration can be a tender place to stay connected with the person they've lost and to let the relationship keep growing in new ways. I've watched people come back to meditation, journaling, art, music and even tarot cards as ways of staying close to what they discovered.
Step 6: Carrying it forward
Most people do a short series of dosing sessions, each followed by integration, and we'll plan the pace together. Between sessions, I often invite clients into my Meditation Club, which I first created for my KAP clients. Each week you'll receive a new meditation, my art, coloring pages and a playlist to help you keep integrating in a gentle, playful way.
Frequently asked questions about doing KAP with me
Where do you offer KAP?
I offer KAP in person at my office in Nelson County, Virginia, about forty minutes south of Charlottesville, and virtually to adults anywhere in Virginia and Oregon.
How long is a KAP session?
Dosing sessions last about two and a half to three hours. Preparation and integration sessions are 50 minutes each.
Can I do KAP with a partner or friends?
Yes. I offer KAP for couples and for small groups of close friends who want to journey together, and I can bring KAP to established retreats.
Does insurance help?
Preparation and integration sessions can usually be billed to insurance, along with part of the dosing session. You can find the details on my Services page.
What should I bring to an in-person session?
Comfortable clothes, a water bottle, anything that helps you feel safe and cozy, and a ride home. I'll take care of the rest.
Ready to begin?
If any part of you is curious, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out through my contact page to schedule a free consultation, and we'll take the first step together.
This post is for educational purposes and isn't medical advice. Please talk with a medical provider about whether ketamine is safe for you.