Demystifying Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

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Chantelle Thomas, PhD Related seminars and products

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Dr. Chantelle Thomas is a clinical psychologist and executive clinical director of Windrose Recovery – a multi-level residential addiction treatment program offering detoxification, intensive outpatient programming, and integrated ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Dr. Thomas has been directly involved in clinical research trials at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health investigating the clinical use of psychedelics for over nine years. Current trials include the study of psilocybin for addiction and depression and MDMA for PTSD. She currently serves as a supervisor and trainer on the MAPS sponsored clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD for US and European clinical trials and Expanded Access Program. Dr. Thomas completed a postdoctoral fellowship in health psychology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and is a certified biofeedback practitioner. Her areas of specialization include chronic pain, trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, and psychedelic integration.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Chantelle Thomas has employment relationships with Integrata Healing, Windrose Recovery, The Manor, Dane County, and the University of Wisconsin. She receives a consulting fee from Usona Institute, Lykos, Polaris Institute, and MindMed. Dr. Thomas is a trainer with Fluence Training and a podcast host of Blind Spots. She is a therapist who is working on a clinical trial sponsored by Revive Therapeutics and Beckley Ltd. Dr. Thomas receives a speaking honorarium from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. All relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations have been mitigated.
Non-financial: Dr. Chantelle Thomas has no relevant non-financial relationships.

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Objectives

1. Describe ketamine's pharmacology and its relevance to trauma by identifying key mechanisms of action and addressing common clinical misconceptions.
2. Differentiate appropriate from inappropriate applications of KAP by evaluating key patient factors, including history, goals, and contraindications for trauma reprocessing and integrated self-discovery.
3. Analyze the clinical components of a trauma-informed KAP model (preparation, dosing, integration) by evaluating the evidence-based rationale for each phase in supporting patient safety, autonomy, and choice.
4. Identify core clinical and ethical considerations in KAP, including how experiential methods inform treatment planning and client safety.

Outline

• Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action: Explore the neurobiological effects (e.g., NMDA receptor antagonism, neuroplasticity) relevant to trauma recovery.
• Clinical Applications and Misconceptions: Review evidence-based uses of ketamine, distinguishing therapeutic utility from the "silver-bullet" myth.
• Limitations of the research and potential risks: Acknowledging the current scope of evidence and associated adverse effects (e.g., dissociation, transient blood pressure changes).

• Differentiating Treatment Goals: Learn to select patients based on goals: trauma reprocessing versus integrated self-discovery.
• Key Patient Factors: Identify contraindications, history, and resourcing needs essential for safe and appropriate use.
• Relational Techniques: Understand how ketamine can unlock relational healing through internal resourcing and enhanced connectivity.

• Preparation and Setting the Container: Mastering trauma-sensitive techniques for maximizing patient safety and therapeutic depth before dosing.
• Dosing and Experiential Insights: Review appropriate dosing strategies and clinical monitoring during the acute experience.
• Integration and Meaning Making: Techniques for processing ketamine experiences, turning insights into lasting change, and fostering connection.

• Clinical and Ethical Considerations: Strategies for navigating boundaries, informed consent, and therapeutic scope in KAP.
• Interprofessional Collaboration: Guidelines for working safely and effectively with medical providers and other KAP clinicians.
• Practice Exercises: Experiential opportunities to understand the role of the therapist and the dynamics of the KAP session.

Target Audience

• Counselors
• Social Workers
• Psychologists
• Psychotherapists
• Therapists
• Marriage & Family Therapists
• Addiction Counselors
• Case Managers
• Physicians
• Nurses
• Other Mental Health Professionals

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