Benefits of Group Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

 

Healing happens in relationships, implying that personal insight, growth, and awareness achieved in a shared space contribute to the overall evolution. Humans are inherently vicarious beings, as illustrated by the dynamics of having siblings. Observing a sibling learn a valuable lesson about their behavior influences the entire household. Our neurological wiring predisposes us to share a collective mindset, highlighting the potential benefits of participating in a group KAP (Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy) experience over an individual session.

   

1. Camaraderie can serve as an antidote to isolation and alienation when dealing with a psychological health crisis, as it provides a sense that you are not alone. Sharing space with people going through similar issues fosters a feeling of universality.

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2. In groups, participants share an experience, and thus a collective mind emerges from their shared flow of information and energy. Historically, psychedelic medicine experiences often occurred in group settings where healing served both the individual and the community as a whole.

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3. Hearing different perspectives can often help you better understand and organize your own thoughts and feelings. Observing how others handle problems, you can learn new strategies to try yourself. Group members may be at different stages in their experiences and can share perspectives and insights from earlier sessions that helped them.

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4. Being accountable to oneself can be challenging at times. However, in a group setting, there is a sense that your absence may be noticed and felt by your peers. This form of positive peer encouragement and support, rather than shame or coercion, can help motivate one to show up.

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5. The fellowship and support of a group provide an important sense of safety that builds individual confidence. Sharing within the group and learning that your contributions have value for others teaches that it is safe to be yourself and speak your truth.

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6. The Johari Window model helps people gain self-awareness by understanding their relationships with themselves and others. Using this model in a group setting assists individuals in recognizing their natural biases and blind spots. (Insert image)

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7. As in individual therapy, group therapy requires participants to maintain confidentiality outside of the group. Group members are not bound by the same ethical constraints as licensed therapists. However, they typically commit to a confidentiality agreement stating that they will not disclose others' personal information without permission. M+M+M upholds this confidentiality and does not share details about participants with anyone else. Group members are encouraged to exchange contact information only at the end of the program, and only if they choose to do so.

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8. The high cost of therapeutic hours is the most expensive component of psychedelic-assisted therapies. Using a group format allows participants to share costs, which helps make ketamine-assisted therapies more affordable since insurance companies do not yet cover medicine session fees.