Healing Trauma with KA-EMDR: A New Path Forward
TL;DR
Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy (KA-EMDR) combines the trauma-healing power of EMDR with low-dose ketamine to help clients process painful memories more effectively. This innovative approach offers a safe, supportive, and efficient way to move forward when traditional therapies fall short.
Living with trauma can feel like you’re carrying a weight nobody else can see. It might show up as anxiety that lingers no matter what you do, memories that pop back up as if they just happened, or feeling stuck in patterns that hold you back. If you’ve tried talk therapy or other trauma treatments and still feel like you’re stuck or not getting the relief you hoped for, you’re definitely not alone. Healing takes time,and sometimes, your brain just needs a different kind of support to finally move forward.
That’s where a newer therapy called Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy (KA-EMDR) comes in. This approach combines two things: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based way to heal from trauma, and a low dose of ketamine, which helps your brain become more flexible and open to change. Together, they’re designed to help you gently and effectively work through painful memories, helping you feel less stuck by the things you’ve experienced.
What is EMDR, and Why Does It Help?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. While that might sound technical, the basics are pretty simple: EMDR is a type of therapy that helps people process and move past traumatic memories.
When something traumatic happens, your brain doesn’t always store the memory in a way that lets you move on. Instead, it can leave the memory “stuck,” making it easy to get triggered by anything that reminds you of what happened. You might feel the same panic, fear, or sadness you did back then, even when you’re safe now. This can show up as being on-edge, feeling numb, avoiding things, or having negative thoughts about yourself.
With EMDR, your therapist guides you through a structured process that helps your brain do what it naturally wants to do,sort, understand, and “file away” those memories so you’re less affected by them in day-to-day life. You don’t erase the memory, but it loses its emotional weight and doesn’t control you anymore.
How Does Low-Dose Ketamine Fit In?
While EMDR on its own is very helpful, some people find it hard to access certain memories or feelings because their anxiety or defenses are just too strong. That’s where ketamine can make a difference.
In KA-EMDR, a small (“low-dose”) amount of ketamine is used. This is very different from the higher doses sometimes used for other types of therapy or medical treatment. Here, the dose is low enough that you’ll still feel alert, aware, and able to talk with your therapist.
So, what does ketamine do in this context? It’s like a gentle assistant for your brain. Ketamine can help your mind become more flexible,making it a little easier to look at old memories in a new way. It can also help by quieting the inner voices of self-criticism or fear that sometimes get in the way of healing.
By lowering these mental “walls,” ketamine opens a window where you can safely explore and change those old patterns. It can help you sit with difficult feelings without becoming overwhelmed, and make space for new, healthier beliefs to take root.
Why Combine Ketamine and EMDR?
When EMDR and low-dose ketamine are used together, they support each other in unique ways. Ketamine can help reduce fear and anxiety, making it easier to face hard memories without feeling flooded or shutting down. This means you can do deeper work without becoming overwhelmed.
Importantly, you’re always awake and in control. The sessions are meant to be gentle and focused,not about having a psychedelic or intense experience, but about supporting your brain as it heals.
Some of the main benefits of KA-EMDR include:
It makes trauma processing more manageable: If you’ve found EMDR or other therapies too distressing in the past, the ketamine can make the experience less overwhelming.
You stay grounded: You’re always present, with your therapist guiding and supporting you throughout the session.
It can be more efficient: Many people find that this approach can bring relief faster, without having to commit to long or intensive processes.
It fosters a sense of connection: Many clients report feeling safer, more connected, and more open during sessions.
What Does the Research Show?
KA-EMDR is a new approach, first developed by Topel & Ciccone in 2024. Early research is encouraging,one pilot study found that clients had noticeable drops in PTSD symptoms after a handful of sessions. People taking part said they felt safer, more able to do the work, and reported very few side effects.
Of course, this is just the beginning. More research will help confirm how well this method works for different people. But the initial results are promising, and the approach is grounded in science and trauma-informed care.
How Does KA-EMDR Work in Practice? Is It Safe?
Your safety is central. KA-EMDR is a team effort,you’ll work with both a therapist and a medical provider.
Here’s what you can expect:
Screening: First, a medical and psychological screening makes sure this therapy is safe and right for you.
Prescription: If both you and your providers agree, a physician prescribes the low-dose ketamine.
Guided Session: During your therapy session, you’ll self-administer a ketamine lozenge as directed, while your therapist is with you the entire time.
Like any medication, ketamine has possible side effects,most commonly, they are mild and short-lived, like nausea, headache, dizziness, or mild “floaty” feelings. Your medical provider will explain everything up front so you can make a fully informed decision.
Could This Be Right for You?
Finding the right trauma treatment is a personal process. Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy is an innovative new option, and while it won’t be right for everyone, it can be life-changing for some,especially those who haven’t gotten the relief they need from traditional approaches.
If you’ve been struggling with trauma and feel like you’ve hit a wall, KA-EMDR may offer a new way forward. We’re here to answer your questions and support you as you find what works best for you,on your terms, at your pace.
Healing is possible, and with the right help, you can move from just surviving to truly thriving.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about this approach and if it’s right for your journey.
Key Takeaways
KA-EMDR is a therapy combining EMDR and low-dose ketamine to help process trauma in a safe and supportive way.
Ketamine reduces anxiety and mental barriers, making it easier to engage with EMDR and process difficult memories.
Ideal for those who feel stuck or haven’t found relief with traditional trauma treatments.
Ready to work with a trauma-informed therapist who truly gets how hard healing can be?
Take the first steps towards reclaiming your life and thriving. Contact us today to learn more about KA-EMDR.
About the Author
Tiffany Paul, LCSW is a trauma treatment specialist providing EMDR Intensives, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, and EMDR assisted with low-dose Ketamine in-person in Oakland, California. She uses research-backed treatment to help Bay Area professionals experience faster healing and feel like themselves again.