No, but I can refer you to a ketamine prescriber who only works with clients receiving true Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.

I also work closely with ketamine infusion clinics.

Ketamine has shown promising results in helping individuals with certain mental illnesses, and its effectiveness is still an area of ongoing research. The exact mechanisms of how ketamine works to alleviate symptoms of mental illness are not fully understood, but there are several theories:

Encouraging cognitive flexibility vs. rigidity: It is postulated that the the medicine shuts down the area of the brain (Default Mode Network) where the ego resides, and encourages new and varied connections throughout the brain. It is as though the ego wants to run a certain program, and the medicine pauses it. In this way, clients are able to see an alternative way of being and access feelings of safety, joy, and connection that the ego blocks. This is a difficult experience to forget and tends to lead to a more flexible self-identity vs. an ego-based identity that consistently needs to defend itself or color reality in a way that is predictable.

Glutamate Modulation: Ketamine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, which means it affects the glutamate neurotransmitter system. This modulation may lead to increased synaptic plasticity, promoting the formation of new neural connections.

Neuroplasticity: Ketamine has been associated with promoting neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. This may contribute to improved mood and cognitive function.

Inflammatory Response: Some studies suggest that ketamine may have anti-inflammatory effects, and inflammation has been linked to certain mental health conditions. By reducing inflammation, ketamine might contribute to symptom relief.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): Ketamine has been found to increase the production of BDNF, a protein that supports the growth and maintenance of neurons. This increase in BDNF levels may play a role in the antidepressant effects of ketamine.

Rapid Onset of Action: Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine often produces rapid effects, sometimes within hours. This quick onset of action can be crucial for individuals in acute distress.

It's important to note that while ketamine has shown promise, it is not a first-line treatment for all mental health conditions, and its long-term effects and safety are still being studied. Ketamine treatment is typically administered under medical supervision, and its use for mental health purposes is often prescribed "off-label" by healthcare professionals. It's crucial for individuals considering ketamine treatment to discuss the potential benefits and risks with their healthcare provider. More info.

In 2017, I completed my master's degree in clinical social work at the University of Georgia, obtaining the qualifications to offer mental health counseling.

I have also completed the education component of a year-long training to become a certified Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy Practitioner (PPAP) through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI). I must still complete an in-person weekend training in Colorado to officially earn my certification. This intensive year-long certification program has equipped me to work with a range of psychedelic substances, including specialized training in MDMA therapy under the guidance of the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). I have also received Ketamine-specific training from PRATI and Fluence. 

I have additional training in Somatic and Attachment Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through the Personal Transformation Institute. 

Generally, my extensive experience spans various therapeutic modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). This diverse training enables me to offer a comprehensive and personalized approach, tailored to address the unique needs of each client. More info.

Yes and no. Some options such as Ketamine, breath work, sound and light immersion, and certain herbal entheogens are legal. Ketamine is 100% legal, available, and a powerful option for healing.

Classic psychedelics like psilocybin, ayahuasca, MDMA, ibogaine, LSD, mescaline, etc. are still illegal.

For those who have indepentently chosen to use non-legal substances, I provide preparation & integration therapy, based on principles of harm reduction.

It is my belief that all humans seeking healing deserve safety, support, and bodily autonomy. In other words, you have a right to do with your body what you like. I believe making the choice to pursue psychedelics should not mean you have to do them in a way that is psychologically unsafe.

According to SAMSHA, Harm reduction, “emphasizes engaging directly with people who use drugs to prevent overdose; improve physical, mental, and social wellbeing; and offer low barrier options for accessing health care services, including substance use and mental health disorder treatment.”

The approach was originally developed to assist individuals with opioid use disorders access life-saving care that doesn’t require abstinence - a major barrier to people seeking help. It is now being used as a strategy to support individuals who decide to use substances outside standard psychopharmacology.

Harm reduction does not promote the use of psychedelics or other medicines, but recognizes that people simply ARE going to do this, and these individuals also need support.

Psychedelic therapy is experiencing a kind of boom from mushroom products lining the shelves of Target to Oprah hosting psychedelic authors on her podcast to every head shop selling nootropic mushroom gummies. One might get the impression that these substances are mainstream and harmless. This isn’t true, especially for people with mental health and substance use disorders.

Psychedelics are non-specific amplifiers of internal experiences. They may amplify connection, or they may amplify that time a loved one broke your heart. In fact, this is how they work, bringing up themes of life, death, transition, growth, and decay. When you have a big hurt in your mind-body, the medicine may help you heal yourself by bringing forth that fruitful darkness. No one should attempt this alone.

My clients are seeking growth and transformation. They wish to unburden themselves from the cognitive, emotional, and spiritual rigidity our modern lives create. They may be trying to work through a mental injury or navigate big life transitions. No matter what the need is, having a knowledgeable guide can help you avoid harm and optimize your healing.

Addiction / Substance Use Spectrum

I started my psychotherapy career working with substance misuse clients and am happy to work with people in recovery. Honesty about substances of use is critically important to insure safety. A period of sustained abstinence or moderation is necessary.

Mood Disorders

Most clients who reach out sharing that they have depression or anxiety are misdiagnosed and thus ineffectively treated. Yes, they experience the symptoms of depression and anxiety, but the source is more often mental injury or trauma. It is not a “chemical imbalance.” I put those words in quotes because it is well known that they were a marketing tool used by pharmaceutical companies to sell medicine to treat a physical/medical problem. There is zero evidence that such a chemical imbalance exists and we simply don’t know how antidepressants work. Sadly, millions believe they are sick, broken, or helpless in the face of an invisible foe that can only be managed with life-long medications. This is tragic. 

So, what might actually be happening is we get hurt and in response develop rigid aspects of self that don’t know how to live without protection. Hypervigilance, shutting down, avoidance, perfectionism, people pleasing, codependency, and toxic independence are all examples of protections humans develop that contribute to these diagnoses. These complex self-systems often present like depression or anxiety. The good news is, these hurts can be healed without the need for life long medication.

Trauma (PTSD/CPTSD)

I regularly work with clients who have experienced trauma, using methods like EMDR and IFS to heal and learn to regulate a chronically dysregulated nervous system. Clients diagnosed with PTSD or CPTSD should never trip alone. The risk of re-traumatization is too high. 

Neurodivergent (ADD, ADHD, ASD)

I am happy to provide a safe therapeutic experience for all neurodivergent clients. I work hard to assure my neurodivergent clients are not further harmed by any expectation of masking. I help people find the most authentic version of themselves, and it is a special joy to help my neurodivergent clients feel they can fully be themselves.

I help clients stuck in these rigid patterns (depression, anxiety, PTSD, CPTSD, SUD) get unstuck. I help clients discover their pure life force, joy, depth, and capacity to peacefully accept life’s experiences.

As a psychotherapist, I can assess for underlying trauma, dissociation, or other presentations that may be challenging within your medicine experience. I can guide you, preventing harm and promoting your vision. As a spiritual human, I’ll bring a calm presence, an open mind, and gently support your path towards deep connection to self and source.