Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™
Reprocessing traumatic memories can feel overwhelming and stressful for many of our Nervous Systems. This causes some to steer away from therapy all together or while in the process, causes protective mechanisms to activate and block one’s ability to move beyond the experience.
In Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™, we utilize low dose sublingual Ketamine, creating a calming effect and reducing the activation of the default mode network where those automatic, rigid thought patterns and emotional responses may reside.
This gives one a chance to work with traumatic memories with less fear, self-judgement, avoidance, shame or emotional numbing that tend to block progress. It also gives opportunity to resource strengths, restore memories in a more adaptive way, emotionally regulate, increase function over time and find more hope for the future.
Ketamine + EMDR
By combining the bi-lateral stimulation mechanism of EMDR with the neurobiological and physiological effects of low dose ketamine, it speeds up one’s ability to re-store and modify a traumatic memory through the memory reconsolidation process.
What once felt “intolerable” to think about or process, can be approached with more ease and grace within just a couple of sessions.
“I never thought my depression symptoms would subside after years of battling with it. Ketamine Assisted EMDR changed everything-after just the first session!”
-Sweetgrass client
Who is a Good Candidate?
If you are feeling:
A craving for something “more” in your therapy sessions
“Stuck” in a loop, pattern or process that you can’t seem to shift with regular EMDR or talk therapy
A desire to explore your inner world in a new and deeper way
Your psychological defenses keep arising despite all “the work” you have been doing
What may disqualify you?
Some of the following medical and psychological contraindications may disqualify you from receiving a referral and/or a prescription for ketamine:
Cardiac Conditions
Uncontrolled hypertension
Ketamine allergy
Pregnancy/Nursing
Severe breathing problems
Dissociative disorders
Psychotic disorders
Bipolar I disorder (mania)
Unstable/Untreated Substance Use
*Please note that we do not prescribe or administer this medication and the final decision will be up to the provider you work with and there may be other reasons you are deemed ineligible after your assessment.
“Before, I felt so hopeless, helpless and incapable, but this treatment has opened my eyes to show me that life can be colorful and worth living. I am forever grateful!”
— Sweetgrass Client
Next Steps?
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Step 1:
After determining if this modality is a “good fit,” we will work to ensure you are well resourced, and prepared. EMDR is an 8 phase process so we will need to work through phases 1-2, before engaging in the Ketamine portion of this journey.
This can be done on a weekly, bi-weekly or in an intensive format. “Readiness” varies from client to client.
This modality can be supplemented with your current therapy/therapist.
Note: I charge the same fees as regular psychotherapy sessions. I do not raise my rates for this treatment. There is also an option to save money by investing in a package, more details shared in consult.
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Step 2:
You will receive a referral to the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) I partner with. She will engage in you in a medical & psychiatric evaluation. This virtual evaluation costs $350 & she does take some insurances.
After you have been cleared in your evaluation, your PMHNP will prescribe the appropriate dosage and provide a treatment plan.
Your prescription is not covered by insurance, and can range from $50-$75.
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Step 3:
At this stage, I request your commitment to at least 6 sessions to ensure we can properly work through all phases and find proper completion of your target.
Each session in approximately 90 mins long and it is mandatory that you have a ride home from a responsible party.
Click here to read more details and see the estimated pay schedule.
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Step 4:
After you have completed your KA-EMDR sessions, we will have at least two integration sessions to continue supporting you to weave the new information into your daily life and improve long-term impacts.
With your new, reconsolidated memories, and your improved mood, the hope is your quality of life will be renewed-bringing more ease and grace into your daily living.
About Your Practitioner
Jessica Chacón is the founder and owner of Sweetgrass Therapeutics. She has been a licensed professional counselor in the State of Colorado for 10 years, specializing as an integrative, trauma-informed somatic practitioner. She has been utilizing EMDR as a primary modality in her practice for 7 years and has completed training and consultation through the Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute who discovered this modality. Additionally, Jessica completed a year long fellowship with the Integrative Psychiatry Institute and has been a certified Psychedelic Assisted Therapist for 2 years.
Jessica has implemented this protocol with both in-person and virtual clients, and has seen profound changes in those who have engaged in this treatment. She has personally witnessed this protocol give clients the freedom to safely emote, reduce suicide ideation, naturally do parts work, shift their paradigms, change deep seated beliefs/thought patterns and provide love & compassion to their self in a way they have not been able to do in regular therapy.
Jessica creates a safe, warm and nurturing space by interweaving a ceremonial aspect into a modality that can often feel sterile. Jessica’s counseling space feels like a living room, allowing your body to soften and drop-in the moment you walk in.
Reach out today and schedule a consultation: jessica@sweetgrasstherapeutics.com
Support others to access this treatment
We have teamed up with Thank You Life to make Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy more accessible for our community!
Donations that come through this form are intended for clients in financial need with Sweetgrass Therapeutics.
90% of the funds go directly to this clinic and 10% goes back to Thank You Life.
Thank You Life may redirect the funds to provide assistance to individuals seeking treatment elsewhere, depending on need.