The Importance of Set, Setting, and Support During Ketamine Treatment
Ketamine-assisted therapy is gaining recognition for its potential to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. When the ketamine experience is combined with an intentional approach that incorporates the concepts of “set, setting, and support”, a deeper therapeutic process is able to unfold and results are often more durable.
Set
Set refers to the mindset of the individual undergoing therapy including:
Emotions and Thoughts: The person's current emotional state and thought patterns.
Intentions: What the individual hopes to achieve from the session.
Expectations: Beliefs about what the experience will be like.
Personal History: Past experiences, including trauma and significant life events.
The process of creating an open and intentional mind-set in preparing and integrating treatment increases the therapeutic benefits of ketamine.
Setting
Setting refers to the environment in which the therapy takes place, including:
Physical Environment: The ambiance of the room, including lighting, music, and comfort.
Therapeutic Relationship: The trust and rapport between the individual and the clinical team.
Psychological Safety: Ensuring the individual feels safe and supported throughout the experience.
A supportive setting enhances the sense of safety and comfort, allowing one to fully engage in the experience and therapeutic process.
The Importance of Support
Support is crucial for preparing, navigating, and integrating the ketamine experience. One can think about support as “internal” and “external” resources to draw upon while navigating change.
Internal Supports
Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing to stay grounded.
Self-Reflection: Journaling or other reflective practices to process thoughts and emotions.
Coping Strategies: Tools and techniques to manage stress and emotional challenges.
External Supports
Professional Support: Guidance and reassurance from a trained therapist or medical professional.
Community and Peer Support: Connecting with others who have undergone similar therapy for validation and shared experiences.
Follow-Up Care: Ongoing therapy sessions to help integrate insights and apply them to daily life.
Dr. Kwasi Adusei, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and leader in the space shares in his article, "Thinking Beyond Set and Setting in the Psychedelic Experience" about the importance of support when preparing, journeying and integrating one’s experience.
The Synergy of Set, Setting, and Support
Ketamine-assisted therapy offers significant potential for mental health treatment. When set, setting and support are combined with the pharmacological effects of ketamine, benefits of treatment have been shown to be more effective and long lasting.
While we all have our own path to walk, we are not meant to do it alone.
Here at NYIP, we are honored to accompany you on . Our team of dedicated and experienced clinicians ensure’s an integrative approach to care by incorporating all aspects of our patients' well-being in developing personalized treatment plans. To learn more about our ketamine services and therapy services, schedule a session with us.