What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a medication commonly used as an anesthetic during surgery and outpatient procedures. However, when given in low doses, it has been shown to reduce symptoms associated with psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. This can greatly improve a person’s ability to interact with the world around them.
While the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ketamine, it is often used off-label to treat these conditions. This simply means it is being used for something other than its original intended use. Although this may sound concerning, off-label use is a common and legal practice. Ketamine has also shown promising results in the field of couples psychotherapy and has the potential to be a transformative treatment.
Why Couples Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAT)?
Benefits of Couples KAT:
- Enhancing Communication and Emotional Connection: Couples KAT provides a unique platform for discussing emotionally charged issues with emotional distance. This dynamic allows you to dive deep into the heart of your relationship challenges and build a stronger emotional connection.
- Deepening Trust and Intimacy: The dissociative qualities of ketamine offer a break from reactive communication patterns. Couples experience increased empathy, better understanding, and enhanced intimacy, making it easier to reconnect with the feelings that brought them together.
- Exploring and Resolving Relationship Challenges: Through ketamine-assisted therapy, couples can uncover the root causes of discord and envision a more fulfilling relationship. It's a journey that offers a fresh start and the tools needed to overcome old patterns.
- Building a Shared, Transformative Experience: Couples KAT takes you and your partner on a shared journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. It's an opportunity to create a profound, transformative experience you can both carry forward.
- Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Traditional Couples Therapy: Couples KAT offers an efficient and affordable way to address your relationship challenges.
- Facilitating Personal and Relational Growth Through Shared Experiences: The ketamine experience goes beyond the session itself. In the days following, you'll both benefit from increased neuroplasticity, enabling you to adopt new habits of relating and growing individually and as a couple.
Couples KAT Process
Embark on the transformative journey of Couples Ketamine Assisted Therapy (Couples KAT) at Illumma. Our program is designed for rapid personal growth and lasting transformation of your relationship.
Our Couples Therapists
Laura Evans, LMFT-S, Lead Therapist at Illumma, specializes in ketamine therapy with extensive training from PRATI. She supports individuals, groups, couples, and adolescents, focusing on various concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relational issues, catering to diverse backgrounds including neurodivergent and LGBTQ individuals. Laura hosts ketamine-assisted therapy retreats and emphasizes collaborative partnership with clients, utilizing therapeutic modalities like Internal Family Systems and Polyvagal Theory. She prioritizes trust and safety in therapy, emphasizing integration rituals for maximizing benefits. In addition to her clinical role, Laura manages the therapy team, develops programs, and offers training and supervision. She's also trained in MDMA-Assisted Therapy and psilocybin facilitation, anticipating offering these services in the future.
Laura Evans M.A., LMFT-S
Jordon brings a unique blend of experiences to his role as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography from Texas State University and a Master's in Counseling from St. Edward’s University, he combines his creative and therapeutic skills. Jordon is also training with the Multi-disciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, specializing in MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD. He has personal experience with various psychedelic medicines, including ketamine, and has undergone spontaneous transcendent experiences. Jordon's practice includes a diverse background of working with shamans and medicine practitioners. His commitment to holistic well-being extends to practices like Bikram Yoga, meditation, running, and even extended plunges in freezing water. Jordon is dedicated to guiding couples on their journey towards deeper connection and personal growth.
Jordon Stanford LMFT-A
Meghan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate who received her Bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and her Master’s degree from St. Edward’s University. She is currently training with Naropa University for a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Certificate and with Multi-disciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) to do MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy. Meghan combines her experience and knowledge of psychedelic medicines and non-ordinary states of consciousness with her warm and empathetic presence to provide a safe and supportive setting for deep exploration. She regularly snuggles with her dog, spends time in nature, and practices meditation to stay grounded and centered.
Meghan Kane,LMFT-A
Rebecca is a licensed Marriage and Family Associate with a unique journey that combines her experiences in military service and her passion for counseling. She earned her Bachelor of Science while proudly serving in the United States Navy and furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Arts in Counseling from St. Edward’s University. Rebecca has undergone specialized ketamine-assisted psychotherapy training through Fluence Academy, embracing a holistic approach to healing. Her practice is grounded in the belief that we are already whole, and psychedelic medicines can guide us on a journey to heal and remember our true selves. Rebecca integrates holistic practices and her personal experiences with altered states of consciousness to guide you on a profound journey of self-discovery and healing.
Rebecca Kline, LMFT-A
Hannah is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a Bachelor’s degree in Film from Colorado College and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. She has undergone training in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy with Illumma and Heart-Centered Therapy. Hannah believes in the power of humor and creativity, and uses both to help clients explore their past, present, and future experiences. She is passionate about psychedelic medicine, and sees ketamine as a tool in activating the mind’s innate capacity to heal. Operating from the standpoint that lasting change stems from radical self-compassion, Hannah helps clients move beyond shame by creating space for the full spectrum of thoughts, emotions, and sensations. With an approach rooted in attachment, mindfulness, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Hannah guides teens, adults, and couples in discovering their own version of wellbeing. When not therapist-ing, Hannah enjoys being outside, petting animals, and getting as cozy as humanly possible.
Hannah Shaper, LMSW
Couples KAT Progam Pricing
$5000 – 3 Ketamine Sessions Program
- 2, 2hr: Preparation Sessions – Talk therapy sessions that focus on understanding your goals and desires as a couple as well as preparing you for the ketamine experience.
- 3, 2hr: Medicine Sessions – These sessions consist of both talk therapy and intramuscular ketamine administration. The ketamine portion will last approximately 45 minutes, while the remaining time will be devoted to processing.
- 3, 1hr: Integration Sessions—You and your therapist will integrate insights gained from your ketamine experience to improve your relationship and work towards your goals as a couple.
Thirteen hours of guided therapy sessions complemented by three transformative IM couple ketamine experiences. As part of our commitment to your journey, you’ll also gain access to the Illumma Lighthouse Integration Therapy Group—a virtual weekly gathering designed to offer ongoing support and enrichment throughout your engagement with Illumma.
Moreover, we’re thrilled to offer this comprehensive package at a remarkable 20% discount off our traditional KAT pricing.
Furthermore, your journey doesn’t conclude after three sessions. Following this initial phase, you and your dedicated therapist will collaboratively assess your progress and determine if additional sessions are beneficial to attaining your collective goals. Should you choose to continue, each subsequent ketamine and integration package is available at the accessible rate of $1000.
Unlock the potential for profound connection and lasting transformation—experience Couples KAT at Illumma today.
Couples Ketamine Assisted Therapy is your opportunity to revitalize your relationship, gain fresh insights, and create a more profound and lasting connection. While the journey may start with ketamine, the real transformation comes from your commitment to change and growth.
Take the first step towards a brighter future together. Schedule a call with our team and explore how Couples KAT can reignite your relationship, providing you with a powerful vision of what a better, more fulfilling relationship can look like.