Exploring effects and experiences of ketamine in group couples therapy

Bibliographic Data

ID4697333
AuthorsMichael Cornfield (0009-0002-0826-066X, Private Practice, Port Rowan, ON, Canada, corresponding author), Susan L Mcbride (0000-0002-5308-7627), Susan Mcbride (0000-0001-6844-1433, Private Practice, Port Rowan, ON, Canada), Joseph T La Torre (University of Ottawa), Daniel Zalewa (University of Ottawa), Jade Gallo (University of Ottawa), Mehdi Mahammadli (University of Ottawa), M T Williams (0000-0003-0095-3277, University of Ottawa)
Year2024
Publication date2024-05-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Psychedelic Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2559-9283 • E-ISSN: 2559-9283
PublisherAkademiai Kiado Zrt (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1556/2054.2024.00302
OpenAlexW4396674778
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited9

BackgroundThis study contributes to the understanding of the efficacy, safety, and experience of ketamine-assisted therapy. The paper documents how individuals describe the effects of a protocolized and personalized use of ketamine ('the relational dose') in the context of group couples therapy based on Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT). Little is known about simultaneously administering ketamine to both members of a couple in this context, and no research to date has been published on whether ketamine facilitates couples to better engage in and benefit from the therapeutic process. The paper includes both qualitative and quantitative results.MethodThe study utilized a mixed methods approach. One approach was an inductive content analysis that produced overarching themes gleaned from participants' check-ins pre and post their weekly ketamine sessions. Transcripts were examined to better understand ketamine's effects on couples' ability to engage in therapeutic dialogue and resolve challenging relationship issues, as well as themes related to the non-ordinary-state-of-consciousness (NOSC) experience. The second approach involved the analysis of pre-test, post-test, and follow-up data from the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI).ResultsThe couples described a wide range of effects that ketamine produced in the context of their relational dialoguing including: empathogenic effects, mystical/spiritual/psychedelic experiences, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. They also affirmed ketamine's ability to generate alternative perspectives, promote insight, heighten awareness, enhance vulnerability and communication, lower defenses, and produce novel somatic experiences. Participants' description of ketamine effects included its short duration, rapid onset, idiosyncratic sensitivity to dose, cumulative effects, as well as transient and mild side-effects. Several t-tests were statistically significant, and indicated improved relationship satisfaction following the treatment.ConclusionIn the context of couples therapy, ketamine produced a wide range of therapeutic effects and possessed unique pharmacological properties as a rapid-acting novel psychoactive molecule. The drug may have profound therapeutic benefits when administered in the context of couples therapy, under clinical supervision, however more research should be carried out

Group psychotherapy · Ketamine · Psychotherapist · Chemistry · Clinical Psychology · Neuroscience · Psychology · Treatment of Major Depression

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access