This podcast episode provides a brief overview of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT), a therapeutic approach that integrates ketamine medication with psychological work to help individuals facing health challenges. Listeners can expect to learn about how KAT differs from regular talk therapy through the involvement of ketamine, which can induce altered perceptions and feelings.

The episode outlines the structured process of KAT, including preparation sessions to understand the therapy and set intentions, the ketamine session itself in a comfortable setting often with music, and crucial integration sessions to process the experience. You'll hear about the emphasis on "set and setting", including the importance of a calm environment and the guiding role of music.

The discussion also touches on the potential for intense experiences and feelings of vulnerability after a session, highlighting the need for support. The episode emphasizes that while KAT offers hope, particularly for those who haven't found relief with traditional treatments, it is not a magic bullet and everyone's experience can differ.

This podcast is based on Grace Stockwell's thesis "Understanding the Experience of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy and the Importance of Context" for a degree of Master of Health Psychology at The University of Auckland, 2023.