By Sarah Wolfer, LICSW - Founder and Ketamine-Assisted Therapist at Courageous You
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey toward healing and self-discovery? Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP) is gaining recognition for its remarkable ability to help individuals uncover insights and foster healing from various emotional challenges. But before you dive in, there’s a crucial practice that can significantly enhance your experience: setting intentions.
What is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?
Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. When combined with therapy, it provides a powerful avenue for emotional exploration and healing. Through KAP, you have the opportunity to access deeper layers of consciousness, leading to transformative insights and renewed perspectives on your life.
If you would like to learn more about what ketamine-assisted therapy is, you can head to courageousyoutherapy.com and sign up for my free newsletter which comes with a free Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Overview guidebook.
Why Set Intentions?
As you embark on your journey with KAP, setting intentions will serve as a guiding compass for your healing process. This practice involves taking the time to clarify what you hope to achieve and the desires you carry within you. By articulating your intentions, you can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose throughout your sessions, enhancing your awareness and enriching your therapeutic experience.
Setting intentions invites you to explore the emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of your life that you wish to transform, helping you engage more fully with the work ahead. It's essential to embrace flexibility while navigating your KAP experience; this balance encourages a deeper exploration of your inner landscape, allowing personal breakthroughs that may deviate from your initial expectations.
Reflective Questions to Consider:
What does "healing" look like to you?
What are your motivations for starting KAP now?
If you were "healed," what would that look like for you?
What underlying reasons compel you to seek KAP treatment at this specific moment in your life?
By actively participating in this process, you take charge of your healing journey, empowering yourself while honoring your experiences.
In-Depth Intention Setting Exercise
Step 1: Create a Calm Environment
Find a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. Turn off your phone and any potential distractions. Use soft lighting, and consider having calming elements, like essential oils or soothing music, to help you relax.
Step 2: Center Yourself
Begin with a few minutes of deep breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose, filling your lungs completely, and then exhale gently through your mouth. Repeat this several times until you feel centered and present.
Step 3: Reflect on Your Current State
Take a moment to journal about your current emotional, mental, and physical state. Ask yourself:
What emotions have been surfacing lately?
Are there specific challenges or patterns you want to address?
What aspects of your life feel unfulfilled or in need of healing?
Step 4: Visualize Your Ideal Self
Spend five to ten minutes visualizing your ideal self after KAP. Imagine how you feel, act, and respond to life. Consider:
What changes do you envision in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors?
What qualities do you embody as your best self?
Step 5: Define Your Intentions
Now, based on your reflections and visualization, write down your intentions. Aim for one to three clear and positive statements that resonate with your inner desires. For example:
“I intend to explore my emotions surrounding past trauma.”
“I want to cultivate a greater sense of self-acceptance and love.”
Step 6: Make Them Specific and Meaningful
Ensure your intentions are specific and connected to your current life experiences. Ask yourself:
Why are these intentions significant at this point in your life?
What specific outcomes or changes do you hope to achieve from your KAP journey?
Step 7: Engage in Release
Once your intentions are clear, practice releasing them. Speak them aloud or write them down on a piece of paper, then hold the paper over your heart. Take a deep breath and as you exhale, feel the weight of expectation lift. Let go of any pressure to control the outcome; trust the process and your inner healing intelligence.
Step 8: Create Reminders
Develop a plan to revisit your intentions regularly. Consider creating visual reminders:
Vision Boards: Collect images and words that represent your intentions and create a collage you can display in your space.
Affirmations: Write positive affirmations related to your intentions and post them where you’ll see them often.
Regular Reflection: Set aside time each week to review your intentions, adjust them if necessary, and reflect on your journey.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
If you're eager to deepen your understanding of intention setting, check out my Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: Intention Setting Guidebook, available for just $1.99 at courageousyouththerapy.com. This workbook offers reflective exercises, practical tips, and supportive resources tailored to enhance your therapeutic journey.
For broader access, the guide is available in both English and Spanish. If you seek a comprehensive view of KAP, including strategies for preparation, dosing, and integration, be sure to explore the complete KAP workbook on my site. I also offer additional guidebooks on creating an ideal setting and mindset, as well as psychedelic-assisted therapy, to support your healing journey.
As you reflect on your intentions, remember that this practice is key to your KAP experience. By identifying what healing means to you, you create a meaningful framework for your sessions while remaining open to unexpected insights.
You are not alone—resources are available to help you navigate your path to healing and growth.
About Me
Hi, I’m Sarah (she/they)! As a certified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist, I have trained extensively in KAP and psychedelic therapy, equipping me to support individuals on their healing journeys. My passion lies in guiding clients through their unique processes, helping them harness the transformative potential of these therapies. This work is especially important to me because I believe in the power of healing and self-discovery that can emerge from these experiences. I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for my clients, enabling them to explore their inner landscapes and achieve profound change. If you're ready to get started on your own ketamine-assisted therapy journey, you can set up a free consultation by emailing info@courageousyou.us.
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