On Setting Intentions and Acceptance

Patients often ask what to do during Ketamine treatment , most common suggestion is to have an intention - e.g a thought or a mental goal that is the focus of contemplation during the treatment. It is important to note that intention is not a rigid goal like “I must fix my self-esteem” . Ketamine experiences can be unpredictable, and rigid expectation can cause anxiety if the session goes in a different direction. Instead, it is better to think of intention as a gentle anchor. For example, for self-esteem - “ I am open to experiencing myself without the filter of my inner critic” , or for feeling stuck - “ I am willing to see things from a slightly different perspective , even if I don’t have the answers yet”.

Here is a sample pre-treatment Preparation and Setting Intentions for one of our patients ( customized specifically for this patient , e.g this may not apply to you but rather gives a general idea what this might look like )

Pre-Treatment: Preparation & Setting Intentions

Ketamine works partly by temporarily altering your neural connectivity, which can create a "malleable" state of mind. Preparing your environment and mind ensures you enter that state smoothly.

Physical and Environmental Preparation

• The Comfort Kit: Bring a comfortable eye mask (essential for blocking out visual distractions) and noise-canceling headphones ( we can provide both in clinic )

• The Soundtrack: Prepare a playlist of instrumental, ambient, or calming music. Avoid songs with lyrics, familiar melodies that trigger intense specific memories, or abrupt rhythm changes. ( we have a curated Ketamine Playlist )

• The Buffer Zone: Ensure you have reliable transportation home and plan a completely open schedule for the rest of the day. You will need a quiet space to rest without professional or caregiving demands.

Cultivating Mindset and Intentions

An intention is not a strict goal or a demand on the experience; rather, it is a gentle anchor or a theme to lean into. Because of your history of trauma and chronic stress, highly rigid intentions can sometimes feel frustrating if the session goes a different way. Instead, focus on open, self-compassionate themes.

Examples of Intentions for Your Session:

• "I am willing to let go of the weight I carry, even just for today."

• "May I find a safe space within myself to experience peace."

• "I open myself to healing the pain of my past without judgment."

• "Let me explore what it feels like to rest from being a caretaker."

The "Radical Acceptance" Rule: Ketamine experiences can range from deeply symbolic and emotional to purely abstract or physical. If uncomfortable thoughts or memories arise, practice saying to yourself, "I am safe right now, and I can just observe this."

Post-Treatment: Self-Reflection Questions

The real lasting power of ketamine therapy often happens after the infusion, during the window of neuroplasticity (when the brain is more adaptable to forming new pathways). Journaling or discussing these questions with us within 24 to 48 hours could be helpful.

Ask yourself these questions as you process the session:

• "What did peace or relief feel like during the session, and how can I invite a small piece of that feeling into my evening tonight?"

• "Did any specific memories, symbols, or emotions stand out to me? If they were difficult, what do they need from me right now (e.g., boundaries, grief, self-compassion)?"

• "What is one tiny, manageable act of self-care I can do today that is purely for me, separate from my roles as a daughter, mother, or job-seeker?"

• "In what moments during the session did I feel a sense of safety, and how can I anchor myself back to that feeling when current stressors (like my mother's health or financial worries) peak?"