What is ketamine and how will it be used in this retreat?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug which, in sub-anesthetic doses, creates an altered state of consciousness which can vary from a mild state of relaxation and openness at a low dose, to a profoundly psychedelic or mystical state at a higher dose. Ketamine is used off-label in the treatment of depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions. Ketamine is known for its ability to engender neuroplasticity and facilitate increased cognitive flexibility. In this retreat, participants will receive training in the use of this altered state to facilitate easier access to Self energy and to parts, thus enhancing the practice of IFS therapy. Each participant will have the opportunity to have two facilitated ketamine experiences themselves, with the option for different dosing (low and high) and different route of administration (sublingual and intramuscular) also available.

Do I need to have previous psychedelic or ketamine experience to participate?

Not at all! Everyone facilitating this retreat has extensive experience assisting people in engaging in altered state work for the first time. In fact, the first time can often be the most transformative, if carefully facilitated, and this training retreat is designed to maximize benefit in a fully supported, safe environment. Many therapists find that after a single supported ketamine session, they intuitively understand the purpose and process of KAP in a way they could not through reading and didactics alone.

What should I expect during the ketamine sessions?

You will be paired with a dyad partner for the duration of this retreat, who will work with you on exercises both in and out of medicine. During each ketamine session, one partner will take the medicine, and one will act as facilitator/therapist, giving hands on experience to each with this modality. Each dyad will be supervised and assisted one on one by a member of our training staff.

Is ketamine addictive?

When used in a therapeutic, controlled environment, ketamine is not addictive. While ketamine addiction does occur, this is generally in the setting of street ketamine use. Unlike opiates or stimulants, ketamine does not tend to rewire the dopamine reward system in such a way as to cause craving or compulsive use. Ketamine use in this context is done responsibly and within a therapeutic setting, which poses no risk of craving or dysfunctional relationship to the medicine later.

What if I have a major mental health diagnosis like PTSD?

If you have a mental health diagnosis like PTSD, it's important to let us know in advance, so we can assess whether ketamine-assisted meditation is appropriate for you. In many cases, ketamine has been shown to be helpful for individuals with PTSD, but it’s essential that our facilitators are aware of your history to ensure a safe and supportive experience. You will be asked to complete a medical/psychological intake screening form and intake zoom session with Dr. Scott prior to final acceptance, and your honest answers will allow us to create a safe and supportive experience for you.

Are there medical conditions that are contraindicated?

Yes, there are certain medical conditions that may contraindicate ketamine use, such as:

• Severe heart conditions or high blood pressure

• History of psychosis or schizophrenia

• Active substance abuse disorder

• Certain neurological disorders

If you have any concerns or significant medical conditions, please share them with us beforehand so we can determine whether this retreat is right for you.

How can I continue to deepen my personal inner work after the retreat?

Profound experiences can bring joy and delight, or uncertainty and change, or both. Our team is experienced in the full spectrum of possible post-retreat effects and will offer teaching on a variety of integration practices. We strongly encourage all participants to attend the post-retreat integration zoom session. Our facilitators are available for additional guidance as needed to help you integrate your experiences. Sapience offers low cost ongoing integration sessions if needed as well as resources for finding a therapist.

How can I integrate ketamine assisted psychotherapy into my practice after this retreat?

While there is currently no legally recognized certification standard for KAP therapists, there is a growing consensus among practitioners and professional bodies that sufficient training and experience is necessary for a therapist to ethically and safely offer ketamine assisted psychotherapy. After completing this week-long immersive training experience, you will have a solid foundation in the theory and practice of KAP, including the very important realm of experiential knowledge. Most practitioners find that they feel ready to begin offering this modality to selected clients in their own practice after taking this training. Many choose to gain additional experience by volunteering to sit for clients in group KAP experiences such as those offered by Sapience Therapy. Many former trainees maintain a collaborative relationship with Sapience in which we prescribe for their KAP clients. Details about these ongoing opportunities for collaboration and support will be provided at the end of the retreat.

What is the application process for this retreat?

First, applicants will fill out the initial application here, and pay the $200 application fee to secure your spot. If you have any questions about whether this retreat is a good fit for you medically, psychologically, or otherwise, please reach out to us at info@sapiencetherapy.com to inquire before paying the application fee, which is not refundable. On acceptance, the remainder of your tuition will be due before April 15th to confirm your place in this retreat. If you require a payment plan please inquire to arrange this.

After acceptance, participants will receive a scheduling link and payment link to arrange medical intake for ketamine prescription.

Are there payment plans or scholarships for this retreat?

Payment plans are available on request. Please reach out if you would like to arrange one. Some limited scholarships are available on the basis of need. If you would like to be considered for this, please send a brief description of your situation to info@sapiencetherapy.com and the team will review your request.

What is the cancelation policy?

Greater than 60 days prior to the retreat - full refund, minus $200 administration fee

4 weeks before the first training day (for any reason) - a 50% refund, or 50% credit toward a future training within the next 18 months.

Within 4 weeks - not eligible for a refund.

If you do not show up for your registered training, you do not get a refund.

If you need to cancel due to a medical emergency or test positive for Covid-19 within 72 hours of starting the retreat, we will hold your spot for a future KIFS retreat and apply your tuition towards that. Please reach out to us with appropriate documentation, refunds due to medical emergencies will be considered on a case-by-case basis.