Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Psychedelic Integration

 
 

photo credit Workplay Branding

photo credit Workplay Branding

Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside; awakens.

C.G. Jung

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Ketamine is an experience that allows people to move outside of their existing framework; a chance to encounter life’s joys, sufferings, and meanings from a new perspective. By learning from and integrating these new perspectives into your life, a fuller and richer way of being with all of yourself becomes available. The sense of wholeness that being with all of yourself offers is a gateway to healing the wounds of the past and developing the courage to step into the future. I assist people with all phases of this healing process which typically includes: Preparatory meetings where we will answer any questions you have about ketamine therapy and set intentions for your healing process. Guided medicine sessions where we work one on one. As well as integration meetings where we will process and integrate the experiences and insights from your medicine sessions.

I collaborate with select medical providers to offer ketamine assisted psychotherapy, please feel free to contact me for more information.

Psychedelic Integration

Integration of a psychedelic experience is a vital component to utilizing these substance for growth and healing. This process is unique for everyone and often starts by resembling talk therapy. As we develop an understanding of the psychedelic experience and what it means in your life we will learn how to bring the lessons and insights into your daily life.

Unfortunately, not everyone has a healing or enjoyable psychedelic experience. Some people when in unsupportive environments or perhaps without proper psychological preparation have challenging or ‘bad’ psychedelic experiences. Integration of these ‘bad trips’ helps reduce the trauma related symptoms of flashbacks, intrusive thoughts and anxiety. I have conduced extensive academic research into the treatment of these symptoms and integration of challenging psychedelic experiences; and have experience helping people who have had challenging experiences with all manner of substances also including challenges related high dose marijuana.

Trainings related to Psychedelic and Ketamine Assisted Therapies

  • Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research, 1 year certificate issued by California Institute of Integral Studies

  • MDMA Therapist training parts A-D (100 hours), issued by Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)

  • Understanding Ketamine, issued by Fluence

  • Core-Competencies in Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, issued by Telos

  • Navigating Psychedelics for Clinicians, issued by Psychedelics Today

  • Certificate in Jungian Studies, Jung Centre Ireland

  • Certification in Jungian Psychotherapy, Zur Institute

Publications and Presentations

  • An Existential Approach to Integrating Challenging Psychedelic Experiences; Journal of Existential Analysis Jan 2023 Edition.

  • A Conversation With Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Practitioners panel discussion, WAMFT Ethics & Integrity Series 2023

  • New Frontiers in Consciousness Studies and Psychedelic Assisted Therapy panel discussion; Seattle University 40th Anniversary MA in psychology Celebration 2022.

  • Hermeneutic Depth, Unconscious Cultural and Historical Meanings; Depth Insights 2017 Fall Edition.

DISCLAIMER: I do not provide psychoactive or illicit substances. I do not conduct or promote psychedelic psychotherapy outside of approved clinical trials.

About Me

My name is Andrew Carnahan, M.A. LMHC SUDP. My style of therapy is insight-oriented, non-judgmental, and centered on the belief that happiness and healing is unique to each of us. I enjoy working with people of all genders and presentations on overcoming, anxiety, depression, difficulties related to trauma and substance abuse. I am supportive of clients who engage in all relationship styles (ENM, polyamory and monogamy) and work to be a supportive ally of LGBTQ+ communities and individuals.

I have over a decade of experience helping people, either with substance use or mental health disorders. My master’s degree is from Seattle Universities psychology program focused on existential approaches to psychotherapy. I also have a two-year technical degree in alcoholism and chemical dependency counseling from Edmonds College. In addition, I have certifications in Jungian psychotherapy and studies, as well as a certification in Psychedelic- Assisted Therapies and Research granted by California Institute of Integral Studies. 

Contact

Call or email today to set up a free 30 minute consultation appointment.

Phone: (425) 659-3390

Email: andrew@northseattlepsychotherapy.com