54. Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for Depression: Real Relief or Risk?

In this episode of The High Guide, host April Pride sits down with Kaia Roman—author, podcaster, and neuroscience researcher—to explore the real-world applications of ketamine-assisted therapy for depression, anxiety, and trauma. From Kaia’s psychedelic awakening with ayahuasca to navigating divorce during lockdown, we hear how ketamine offered not just relief, but transformation. April shares her own experience with high-functioning depression and cannabis dependency—and how ketamine helped her break that loop. You’ll also hear from Wondermed clinician Lauren Swanson on what dissociation really feels like, and how trauma survivors can approach ketamine with intention and safety. This conversation is packed with science, lived experience, and straight talk about a therapy that's controversial—but promising—for women in midlife seeking deeper healing.

🔵 Key Takeaways

-Ketamine-assisted therapy offers rapid relief for depression and anxiety, even after a single session—often within hours, not weeks.

-Dissociation, often misunderstood, can provide therapeutic distance from emotional pain and open the door to neuroplasticity.

-Kaia Roman’s story reveals how ketamine helped her through divorce and suicidal ideation, acting as a mental reset during a personal crisis.

-Ketamine’s effects differ depending on trauma history—for sexual trauma survivors, therapeutic support during integration is essential.

-Clinical research shows ketamine may also support conditions like OCD and substance use disorder, though these are still off-label uses.

Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/ketamine-therapy-for-depression

Hosted by April Pride

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