In the ever-evolving landscape of mental health treatments, the combination of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy represents a promising and innovative approach. Utilizing these treatments in tandem emphasizes the strengths of both modalities, offering a unique pathway for healing trauma, depression, anxiety, existential dread, and other mental health challenges.
Let’s dive into how these therapies complement each other and why this combination is gaining traction in therapeutic settings:
What is Internal Family Systems Therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, is a therapeutic model that views the mind as being comprised of different "parts." Colloquially, this form of therapy is often referred to as “parts work”. Our internal “parts” often carry distinct roles, feelings, and thoughts. The central idea is that everyone has a Core Self, which is inherently wise, compassionate, and capable of healing. However, various life experiences, especially traumatic ones, can spur the formation of protective parts, which take on defensive (and sometimes even destructive) roles to protect the individual.
In IFS, therapy focuses on helping clients identify their own constellation of parts, understand each part’s role, and facilitate communication between their parts and the Self. The ultimate goal is to heal these parts and restore balance, allowing the Self to lead more effectively. This process often leads to profound insights and emotional healing as individuals reconnect with their Core Self and integrate fragmented aspects of their psyche.
At first, IFS may seem abstract or even confusing. However, many individuals pick up on the concepts very quickly. Some may even recognize that they naturally conceptualize themselves through a “parts” framework before they ever learn what IFS is.
Take, for example, an individual who is debating whether or not to stay in a romantic relationship.
This individual may say something along the lines of: “A part of me really wants to stay in this relationship and make it work. But another part of me questions whether it’s really worth it, I often wonder whether this is the right relationship for me”. If this thought process feels familiar to you, you’re well on your way to understanding how IFS works.
What is Ketamine Assisted Therapy?
The Role of Ketamine in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, originally used as an anesthetic, has gained recognition for its rapid antidepressant effects, particularly in treatment-resistant depression.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) involves the administration of ketamine in a controlled, therapeutic setting, accompanied by preparatory and integration sessions. Ketamine’s dissociative properties can facilitate a temporary detachment from one’s usual thought patterns, providing a new perspective on deeply entrenched issues. This altered state of consciousness can help break through rigid cognitive patterns and make the mind more receptive to therapeutic interventions.
How IFS and Ketamine Therapy Complement Each Other
1. Enhanced Access to Parts
Ketamine’s dissociative effects can create a mental space where individuals feel less constrained by their usual thought patterns. This can make it easier to access and interact with the various “parts” identified in IFS therapy. Clients may find it easier to approach their protective or wounded parts with curiosity and compassion, guided by their Self, rather than being overwhelmed by fear or judgment.
2. Facilitating a Connection with the Self
IFS therapy emphasizes the importance of the Self in the healing process. Ketamine can help quiet the inner critic and other protective parts that often dominate consciousness, making it easier for clients to connect with their true Self. This connection can be profoundly healing, as the Self can offer guidance and compassion to the parts that need it most.
3. Deepening the Therapeutic Process
The altered state of consciousness induced by ketamine can allow for a deeper exploration of oneself. In this state, clients may gain access to memories, emotions, or insights that are difficult to reach in ordinary states of consciousness. IFS therapy provides a structured way to work with these experiences, helping clients process and integrate them in a meaningful way.
4. Reducing Resistance and Increasing Openness
Resistance is a common challenge in therapy, often rooted in the fear of confronting painful emotions or memories. Ketamine can reduce this resistance by promoting a sense of detachment and openness. Within the IFS framework, this can facilitate more effective communication with and healing of the parts that are usually most guarded.
5. Supporting Long-Term Integration
The insights and emotional shifts experienced during ketamine sessions can be fleeting if not properly integrated. IFS therapy offers a structured approach to integration, helping clients consolidate their experiences and apply them in their daily lives. This ensures that the benefits of ketamine-assisted therapy are long-lasting and contribute to sustained personal growth.
Internal Family Systems and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy in Denver, Colorado
A Holistic Approach to Healing The integration of Internal Family Systems therapy with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy offers a holistic and effective approach to mental health treatment. By combining the depth of IFS with the transformative potential of ketamine, clients can experience profound healing. The combination of these two modalities not only accelerates the therapeutic process but also helps clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves, leading to lasting change and personal growth. For those struggling with complex mental health challenges, this innovative approach opens the door to a more integrated, balanced, and fulfilling life.
If you have felt stuck with your current therapy journey and are wanting to deepen your process and healing, our therapists trained in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy can help! Our talented therapist Dr. Rebekah DePretis wrote this blog, so if this seems like the therapy direction you are wanting you can schedule a phone consultation directly with her using this link.
1. We encourage you to get to know a little bit about our therapists, their specializations, and their credentials. Get to know all our therapists here.
2. If you are ready for therapy but aren’t sure which direction to go yet, reach out to us! You can schedule a phone consultation with our practice owner, and she will pair you with the best fit at our practice. Use this link to schedule a phone consult with our practice owner.
3. Begin the exciting journey of understanding yourself and your relationships to forge a lasting, healthy, and fulfilling relationship!
We hope to hear from you soon.
Other Counseling Services in Denver, CO
Not only does our therapy practice in Denver offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, but we also offer a wide variety of services for healing relationship trauma. Each relationship is unique in its personal journey and we are here to provide, insightful and productive EMDR therapy, Relationship Counseling, Divorce and Break-up Recovery Counseling, Couples Counseling, LGBTQ+ Counseling, Kink and Poly Friendly Therapy, Trauma Therapy, and Premarital Counseling as well. We also offer Self-Help Resources to help supplement your therapy or to better prepare for upcoming therapy sessions!
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