The Biomedical Model and Its Limitations
Biomedicine traditionally views wellness as the absence of illness, attributing symptoms to specific biological processes gone awry. This model relies heavily on technology, medications, and procedures targeting bodily processes. Important underlying assumptions are that the mind and body are separate entities and the individual as an isolated unit. Overlooked in this framework are the social, environmental, emotional, historical, and spiritual dimensions of health, as well as the interconnected nature of our experiences and histories.
In this biomedical perspective, depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance use disorders are considered biological imbalances. The focus, therefore, is often on treatments that can adjust chemistry or physiology, such as medications or procedural interventions. This distinction brings us to the heart of the difference between Ketamine Therapy and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy.
What is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine Therapy adheres to the biomedical model, viewing ketamine as a pharmacological intervention for “disorders” such as depression and anxiety. There is good research showing that ketamine can improve brain function and connectivity, making it a valuable tool in treating symptoms. However, while Ketamine Therapy may relieve symptoms, it often overlooks the complex web of social, cultural, and personal history in which we all exist, limiting our potential to access root causes and achieve sustained healing.
Often, Ketamine Therapy is offered in clinics where the primary focus is on the medical effects of ketamine itself, sometimes with minimal or no therapeutic support. Many practitioners in these settings lack specialized training in Ketamine-Assisted or Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, and some clinics may not provide care with licensed therapists at all. Additionally, a recent trend of mail-order ketamine for home use raises safety concerns, as these models lack comprehensive therapeutic support or close medical monitoring. While Ketamine Therapy can be accessible in terms of cost and may provide initial symptom relief, it’s often just the beginning of a more profound healing journey.
What is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT)?
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT), by contrast, draws from a broader spectrum of healing traditions that prioritize self-discovery and personal agency. In KAT, ketamine is viewed not as a cure but as a catalyst for accessing inner healing resources. Here, the role of the therapist is to provide a safe and compassionate container to support the client’s journey without prescribing a specific path or outcome.
KAT involves preparatory sessions to lay a foundation for the experience, followed by integration sessions to help clients incorporate their insights into daily life. This integration process is ongoing, often unfolding over weeks and months as the experience catalyzes changes in various areas of life. Most KAT providers are licensed professionals with specialized training in psychedelic-assisted therapies, expanded consciousness practices, and integration work. The therapy spaces are designed to help our systems feel safe and comfortable, to further facilitate healing and exploration. Experienced practitioners recognize the importance of factors like social context, spiritual practices, and ancestral histories, incorporating these aspects into the healing process.
Choosing the Right Approach for Your Journey
Everyone’s healing journey is unique, and different approaches may be appropriate at different times. For some, Ketamine Therapy provides an effective starting point, while others may benefit more deeply from the holistic, integrative approach of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy. In choosing a provider, it’s essential to find one whose approach and philosophy resonate with your own needs, ensuring a supportive, attuned, and healing partnership.
What Makes Us Different.
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