I have been struggling with depression for over 10 years and have been in therapy for most of this period. As well, I have been recently dealing with the suicide of my brother. I am currently working with an IFS therapist who mentioned Ketamine and how it could possibly help me, so I decided to try it out. I had seven ketamine infusion sessions with Dr. Julia over the span of approximately 2 months, and can honestly say that it has been life changing in the most amazing way! Being under the influence of Ketamine is like nothing I have ever experienced. Because of its dissociative effects, there is a feeling of being disconnected from reality and an altered perception. I experienced distortions in my perception of space, and felt as if I was floating through different dimensions. I had feelings of connecting with the universe, a deep knowing that I am ok and just an overall sense of peace and contentment. It is hard to describe it all, and this is just a small iota of what I experienced. At times I tried to go into a session with some intention in order to tap into a part that I may have been focused on in therapy, but for the most part I saw that letting go and just flowing worked best for me. In each session we increased the dosage a little, which deepened the effect.
I can honestly report that within just a few sessions I was able to see a change in myself. I found myself more joyful and present – this is something that I yearned for and tried to achieve but was never able to do so. It is as if something opened up and it is simply a wonderful feeling. I have a more relaxed sense in my day to day, things are more beautiful, colorful and lighter.
My close circle knows that I have undergone this treatment and have all reported a difference in me. And even some friends who I have not seen in a while, and did not know about the treatment, noted that something was different about me, as if I looked lighter.
I highly recommend integrating Ketamine treatment with IFS therapy – specifically IFS. I have worked with other modalities but IFS is different and really works for me. It is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on understanding and harmonizing the various parts of a person’s internal system – the parts that hold different emotions, beliefs or protective mechanisms. Ketamine can provide additional space making it easier to access and engage with these different parts. I scheduled my Ketamine treatments for the same day or the day before my therapy sessions and believe that this really facilitated my treatment.
Dr. Julia is just so special and I am so grateful to have found her, and am grateful that she has been part of my journey. She is genuinely compassionate and thoughtful and I felt like I was in the best hands possible.