At Field Trip, we have seen the tremendous potential that ketamine-assisted therapy has in treating a wide range of mental health conditions. Whether you are embarking on a journey through our in-clinic or self-guided program, we are always emphasizing that these programs are more than the medicine. What does this mean exactly? Incorporating your psychedelic therapy alongside holistic wellness practices can enhance the therapeutic benefits and create a more comprehensive, well-rounded approach to healing.
A healing journey is not linear and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Knowing this, Field Trip emphasizes a tailored approach to wellness that is customized to what is best for you. Wellness practices such as meditation, movement therapy, and nutrition can provide an enhanced support for you to both process and integrate insights gained through psychedelic therapy. The mindfulness you put into these simple life changes also promotes overall physical and emotional well-being, which contributes to feeling better both inside and out. Our Freedom program, which combines the power of ketamine with week-by-week health coaching, was created to encourage these lifestyle changes.
One of the main reasons we designed this program to offer health coaching is to address not only your mind, but your body and your spirit as well. Ketamine therapy can often be an intense and emotional experience, and while it is very beneficial in helping individuals to unlock their inner healer, it can also be overwhelming and challenging to process. Integration is one of the most important parts of the psychedelic experience and this activity could be experienced in many ways. When you are working with Field Trip, expect integration talk therapy sessions with your appointed team to discuss what came up in your exploration, what was challenging, what breakthroughs you had, and how you want to incorporate this wisdom into your daily life. This is a standard practice, and the benefits from these sessions are always productive and worthwhile.
Integrating insights can also come in the form of:
Meditation practice (or sitting in presence)
Meditation is an important practice for processing emotions because it helps to calm the mind and bring awareness to the present moment. This can help you to become more aware of your “thoughts” and brings a greater understanding of how these thoughts affect the way you live your life in your “default mode network.” By practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment, you can learn to observe their feelings without judgment, which can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Meditation can also help to improve emotional regulation and helps you to better manage difficult emotions. A good example of this is the ability to respond instead of react.
Breathwork
Breathwork is a huge nervous system regulator. Certain types of breathwork techniques, such as box breathing or the Wim Hof method, can help to release pent-up emotions and memories that may be contributing to negative feelings. Emotions and stress are often stored in the body, and bringing awareness to your breath can help detach these feelings from the inside out. Breathwork can also help to improve emotional regulation, by promoting a sense of self-awareness and helping you to become more in tune with your own body. This practice seems simple, but it is profound.
Somatic movement (moving energy through or out of the body)
Somatic movement is an important practice for processing emotions because it helps to bring awareness to the body and the way it holds emotions. This can be especially beneficial for those who experience feelings of tension, as it can help to release pent-up emotions that may be contributing to negative feelings. Ever wonder why it feels so good to “shake it off” when you’re feeling upset? This is a form of moving energy through the body. Somatic movement practices such as yoga, dance, or even martial arts help to improve emotional regulation. You can even learn a handful of simple movements to practice this, such as the tapping method. By moving the body, you are able to release energy that is stored in the muscles, tendons and bones and also help to release stress that is stuck. Somatic movement practices can also help to improve body awareness, which develops a better understanding of the connection between your mind, body, and spirit.
Mindful nutrition (eating clean, plant medicine, or detoxing)
Nutrition plays a crucial role in both processing emotions and overall well-being. Our diet affects not only our physical health but also our mental health. Eating a well-balanced and nutrient-dense diet can provide the necessary building blocks for the brain to produce neurotransmitters that regulate mood and emotions. Because ketamine primarily works on your neurotransmitters, consuming nutrients that benefit these parts of the brain creates a harmonious healing journey. A diet high in processed and sugary foods can lead to inflammation, decreased brain function and can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide the necessary nutrients for the brain to function properly and promote overall well-being. Certain nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and magnesium are important for brain function and mood regulation. Nutrition is complex and it may feel overwhelming when deciding on where to begin, which is why we offer expert nutrition coaching.
Journaling
Journaling is a practice we strongly encourage both in and out of a psychedelic therapy program. This practice allows you to express your feelings in a safe and private space. Writing down your thoughts in a stream-of-consciousness way helps clarify and organize them, which in turn, can make it easier to understand and process them. As a reminder, ketamine fosters neuroplasticity in your brain, creating a temporary window allowing your brain to take a new path in the road of the way you perceive things. In this neuroplastic state, journaling helps you gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Additionally, this activity can serve as a form of self-expression and can be a therapeutic tool to help you release your emotions and process insightful or difficult experiences. With your therapist, journaling is useful in tracking progress, setting goals, and monitoring mental health over time.
These mindfulness practices can help you better manage the emotions and sensations that may arise during ketamine therapy and will contribute to overall well-being in your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you are enrolled in our Freedom program and attend our wellness classes, or you choose to incorporate these lifestyle choices on your own accord with our in-clinic or online therapy offerings, you are developing the skills necessary to cultivate self-love and maintain your mental and emotional well-being after the ketamine session has ended. Remember, this journey is more than the medicine. You are a whole, complex and wonderful human, and the approach to your wellness deserves careful consideration of all parts of you.
Does Field Trip Health Have a Ketamine Therapy Offering Near Me?
Field Trip Health has clinics across Canada in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Thunder Bay, and Sault Ste. Marie, and an at-home program for those who live more than an hour from the nearest clinic. If you are ready to begin your journey toward healing and build your personalized treatment plan, then book a free discovery call with one of our team members.
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