Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy in San Diego
Innovations in Therapy for Body and Mind
A Breakthrough Approach for Trauma, Depression, and Anxiety
If you have tried talk therapy, medication, or other forms of healing but still feel stuck, you’re not alone- and you’re not out of options.
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach that’s helping people experience meaningful, lasting change when other treatments haven’t gone far enough.
What Is Psychedelic Assisted Therapy?
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy combines the therapeutic effects of ketamine
—a legal, FDA-approved medication—
with guided psychotherapy sessions to help access deeper emotional healing.
Unlike traditional talk therapy alone, psychedelic or psycholytic assisted therapy can help “unlock” parts of the brain and nervous system
that may be otherwise guarded or shut down by trauma, depression, or anxiety.
Why Ketamine?
Originally used as an anesthetic, ketamine has shown rapid and remarkable results in treating:
Treatment-resistant depression
PTSD and complex trauma
Generalized anxiety
Suicidal thoughts
Emotional numbness or dissociation
Existential distress and burnout
Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy can offer a sense of expanded awareness, emotional release, and new perspectives—often within just a few sessions.
About This Model
Consultation Required?
Yes
Theory:
Ketamine creates neuroplasticity which can help catalyze profound transformation.
Average Treatment Duration:
6-8 dosing sessions
Focus:
Integration, insight, and emotional processing
Applicable Conditions
Depression
Anxiety
PTSD
How It Works
Trauma Informed
As a therapist specializing in somatic therapy and trauma resolution, I create a safe, grounded space for you to explore your experience with compassion and curiosity. Whether you’re struggling with early attachment wounds, chronic stress, or the freeze/fawn response, psychedelic assisted sessions can help bypass the inner critic and allow healing to emerge from within.
What the process looks like
Ketamine is administered by a licensed medical provider, typically through lozenges. During or shortly after the dosing session, you’ll engage in psychotherapy that supports integration, insight, and emotional processing. These sessions are gentle, trauma-informed, and focused on helping you connect with your own inner healing intelligence.
Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Right for You?
KAP may be a supportive option if:
-
You’ve done a lot of inner work but still feel emotionally blocked
-
You feel overwhelmed by anxiety or depression
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You want to explore healing beyond cognitive understanding
-
You’re curious about altered states of consciousness in a therapeutic setting
Ketamine is not a cure or a quick fix, but it can catalyze profound transformation when used with the right support.
What to Expect
The Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Process
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation to determine whether Ketamine-Assisted Therapy is appropriate for your needs. I work in collaboration with licensed prescribers and medical professionals to ensure your safety, and I offer preparation and integration therapy to help you make the most of each experience.
1
Step One
Every treatment series with Shay begins with a one-on-one consultation. No commitment—just an opportunity for you and Shay to begin to get to know one another and assess how Shay can help you achieve healing.
2
Step Two
Meet with your medical team for prescreening to see if you are eligible for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
3
Step Three
Meet with Shay after you gain medical clearance to proceed to plan out your prepartory, dosing, and integration sessions.
Meet Shay
Hi, I’m Shay 👋 I work with the mind, body, and brain, bringing a variety of skills that allow you to work with trauma in the way you need. Whether it is EMDR, Compassionate Inquiry, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Brainspotting, somatic therapy, neurofeedback, IFS, or other trauma-informed practices, we will work so you can find relief without it feeling scary or too hard.
When therapy is working, you will notice you start to feel more present and begin shifting how you see yourself. With regular practice, you may even feel relief from the burden of the past. You don’t have to feel like you’re stuck. Together, let’s move your life forward.
Further Information
- What makes KAP different from other techniques?
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“I felt like I finally understood what my body had been holding onto for years. It was like meeting a part of myself I had forgotten.”
- How do I know if KAP is right for me?
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If you are healthy and have done other therapy work but feel you are stuck. If you have tried medications but continue to struggle with depression or anxiety. If you want to explore healing beyond talk therapy. If you want to do a retreat and work intensely on your issue or do a series of sessions.
- What should I look for in an KAP therapist?
-
The two criteria you should look for in a therapist are 1. the proper qualifications 2. a personal connection that makes you feel safe and understood. The two can be equally as important and impactful on your healing journey.
- Resource Center
Find Your Way Back to Yourself
If you’re battling trauma or anxiety, you deserve compassionate support from someone who truly sees you. Book your 15-minute consultation with Shay today.
