Category Archives: medication

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: Procedures, Safety, and Science

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I graduated from the Integrative Psychiatry Institute this May! 250 hours of education in psychedelic-assisted therapy was time well-spent.

I’ll be offering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, starting in July. In addition to treating my own clients, I’m supporting other local therapists and their clients, offering brief treatment that augments their current work. A round of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy with me would include:

  • consultation with the primary therapist
  • preparation meeting(s) with the client
  • a 3 hour medicine meeting (the last hour we talk/process)
  • a follow up integration meeting (client creates a plan that applies our treatment to broader mental health concerns)
  • consultation and referral back to the primary therapist and any additional resources

Safety:

Ketamine involves altered states of consciousness that can increase client vulnerability, client or therapist projection, and risk of blurred boundaries. I heard some horror stories on the Cover Story podcast. For the safety of everyone,

  • medicine meetings are videotaped and securely stored according to HIPAA protocols
  • I’m not offering therapeutic touch. I’m trained in therapeutic touch but not offering it. We can identify several grounding substitutes
  • there is no communication between client and therapist between meetings, except to schedule meetings, or in case of an extreme emergency (this is true for non-ketamine clients as well)
  • clients are welcome to bring a calm, quiet support person observe medicine meetings

Mechanism of Action:

If you’d like to know about the science of ketamine, it’s mechanisms of action, and research studies, neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman can help! https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/ketamine-benefits-and-risks-for-depression-ptsd-and-neuroplasticity

I’d be happy to answer any questions! julia@juliacounseling.com

Continuing Education

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I attended a sexual health annual conference. Of course it was a good time! Here’s what I studied:

  • Combating Sexual Misconduct in our Schools
  • Bringing Perimenopause into the Light
  • Sexual Education & Ethical Decision-Making
  • Coping with Jealousy
  • Strategies of Human Mating
  • Envisioning Sexual Health
  • The Art of Brief Sexual Assessment
  • Black & Sexual with a Disability
  • Transgender Hormone Referral Letters
  • Interdisciplinary Approach to Sexual Pain

Addictions Training

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I enjoyed a presentation by Dr. David Willey and Dr. Amalia Bullard regarding medical and psychosocial treatments for addiction. Dr. Willey provided great information about medications that may aid in relapse prevention. For example, antagonist medication can help reduce cravings and change the brain-body’s response when substances are consumed. Dr. Bullard reanimated the importance of Motivational Interviewing.

Consultation Form

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Clients who would like me to consult with another service provider–for example a psychiatrist, school counselor, judge, previous counselor, or medical doctor–are welcome to complete this Release of Information form. It enables the client to describe what type of information they would like shared and to specify the consultation dates. In some situations, consultations boost the effectiveness of one or both practitioners. Clients are welcome to discuss specific consultation considerations with me.

Brain-Gut Connection

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The mind-body connection has become a prominent discussion. The microbiome has been less discussed. However, it has interesting mental health implications. Scientists published evidence that microorganisms in our gut may correspond to mood and nervous system problems–including anxiety, depression, and mania. Here are two media clips that summarize some of the recent research. The first clip is a short and sweet summary, 8.5 minutes. The second clip, 23 minutes, is an interview with two medical researchers.

There’s an App for that

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This morning, I downloaded a new app: The Physician’s Desk Reference, 68th Edition. It’s a searchable book that provides information about prescription drugs: their uses and risks. Decades of research at my fingertips. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I do not prescribe medications. I appreciate this information though, as it facilitates consultation with doctors and other medical professionals.

I looked up non-medical applications too. An article called The 8 Best Apps for a Calm, Focused Mind offers non-pharmaceutical tools. Some applications help users build structure into their lives. Other applications help users develop cognitive skills–such as practicing focus and the ability to calm oneself through music, poetry, or meditation.