Have you noticed everyone’s talking about ketamine-assisted psychotherapy lately? Have you wondered what it’s really like for clients? In this special episode originally aired on the What Your Therapist Thinks Podcast, I’m sitting down with Dr. Shannon York, a New York–licensed psychologist who specializes in KAP therapy, to give you the real, unfiltered inside scoop.

We’re diving into what really happens in a session (beyond the highlight reels), why this treatment isn’t the “miracle cure” it’s sometimes made out to be, and how it can genuinely help people heal when done right. Shannon also breaks down the key difference between getting ketamine at a medical clinic versus working with a trained therapist, who shouldn’t try this approach, and why the prep and integration work are just as important as the medicine itself.

And yes, we’re tackling the questions you’ve seen floating around Reddit but haven’t quite dared to ask… like, can you talk during treatment? and what does a “breakthrough” even mean?

We also touch on dosages, safety concerns, and why your supportive person probably shouldn’t start chatting about pharmaceutical engineering while you’re in an altered state. Shannon gives us the straight talk about Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy: it's one tool in the toolbox, not a magic wand.

More about Shannon: 

Dr. Shannon York (she/her) is a queer licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of In Alignment Wellness, a virtual therapy practice serving clients in Florida and New York. She specializes in providing identity-affirming care tailored to individuals navigating the complexities of people-pleasing behaviors, 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, and polyamorous and kinky relationships. Dr. York supports clients through individual and group therapy on their journey of recovering from emotionally immature parents and systemic oppression. 

Topics covered on Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy:

• The key differences between medical ketamine treatment and ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
• The three neurobiological ways ketamine helps.
• Why KAP requires at least four therapy sessions before starting any medication.
• My personal experience with ketamine and why trust and safety are absolutely essential.
• Breaking down what "set and setting" means and how to prepare your physical and mental space.
• Shannon explains why people with a history of psychosis or active addiction need extra caution with KAP.
• Common myths about ketamine assisted psychotherapy and why recent celebrity news creates misconceptions.

This episode is for entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you’re struggling, please reach out to a licensed therapist or call your local crisis line for support.

Resources from this episode:

• Watch the What Your Therapist Thinks podcast on YouTube www.youtube.com/@WhatYourTherapistThinks
• Listen to the What Your Therapist Thinks podcast www.pod.link/1837783166?view=apps&sort=popularity   
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• BestTherapists.com - a directory that vets mental health professionals so therapy-seekers can focus on fit, not quality.

Connect with Shannon York:

• Website: https://www.inalignmentwellness.com
• Get the freebie for Loved Ones: https://www.inalignmentwellness.com/loved-ones-kap

Connect with Felicia:

• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Quote:

"Ketamine is the assistant. It makes the therapy open up other pieces that maybe weren't as accessible without the medicine, but the medicine is the helper, not the healer." - Dr Shannon York