9 years in as a K patient!

I created some fliers that have the basics for in clinic sessions,  since I get asked at least once a week questions on these things, but I wanted to consolidate them into a post where they are readable online vs a PDF. 

None of this should replace what your provider tells you. This is only information from a long-time patient who wants to help. 

What I Wish I Knew Before My First Ketamine Session

A patient guide to your first ketamine journey

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Before You Go:

•Eat a light meal 4 hours before your session. Try not to go in absolutely starving but also not have recently eaten, as the nausea can be intense if you have.

•Wear comfy clothes. Think sweatpants, fuzzy socks, soft hoodie. I sometimes wear my PJs. 

•Bring something grounding. Eye mask, cozy blanket, small comfort item (like a stone or fidget).

•Create a playlist or bring headphones music can help guide your experience. It is usually recommended to use music with no lyrics and piano or instrumentals are the most soothing, even if you’d never listen to that stuff regularly, it’s supportive during a ketamine session to use no lyrics.

•Let your support person/driver know how to care for you afterward: quiet, calm, maybe food or water. For your first time, when you aren’t sure yet what you may need, just ask them to be patient with you and not spring any negative news or have upsetting discussions in the few hours post ketamine.

•Optional: set an intention to focus on before your session and at the beginning. It’s ok if you forget it during. Just start with repeating it. Examples: 

I embrace peace and calm in my soul. 

I am searching for healing. 

I want to find hope.

Optional supports to enhance the experience: 

Bluetooth eye mask/headphones

Weighted sweatpants and hoodie - I like COMFRT brand. 

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During the Session:

•It might feel weird. That’s okay. Dissociation, floating, visuals, emotions - all totally normal.

•You’re not “going crazy.” You’re healing. This altered state can be beautiful, messy, or both.

•If it gets intense, breathe. Trust yourself and the team at your clinic. They won’t let any harm come to you. You’re safe, and it passes. 

Afterward:

•You might cry. Or giggle. Or nap. Or want toast. It’s all valid.

•Avoid big decisions or stressful activities for the rest of the day.

•Be gentle with yourself. This is big work. Your brain is shifting in powerful ways.

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Integration Tips:

•Journal or voice memo your thoughts.

•Go for a slow walk or rest in nature.

•Talk to someone you trust about your insights. 

•Return to grounding tools like breathwork, music, or prayer.

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My Favorite Playlists:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7jZUc9OPnist4LNCX8Z272?si=MYH990E2TXiw9tmXESqWpw&pi=G5zunWoCSR244

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/pure-meditation/pl.e896478fdf824a93ab2f99165c3a1422

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/pure-calm/pl.ffc344338c3d4ff394ddcf94d766c143

You’re not alone. This is a brave step. Healing isn’t linear, but it is possible, and you deserve it.

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Before Your First Ketamine Session

A gentle guide to help you prepare

Whether you’re feeling hopeful, nervous, overwhelmed, or all of the above - you’re not alone. This treatment is for you, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. The fact that you’re showing up at all is incredibly brave. Let’s walk through a few things that might help you feel more grounded going in.

What to Bring

•Comfortable clothes - Think cozy, non-restrictive layers.

•A blanket or weighted wrap - Something soft and familiar. Most clinics will provide a blanket if you would like one and don’t want to bring your own.

•Eye mask - Optional, but helpful for going inward. This is not a requirement - some patients prefer them, some prefer without. 

•Music (and headphones) - Choose something calming, instrumental, or meaningful. 

•Journal or notebook - To write thoughts before or after. Just an option - not a necessity. 

•Comfort item - A small object that makes you feel safe (stone, crystal, stuffed animal, etc.). Some people like a small grounding tool for after their session. 

What to Expect

•You’ll be cared for in a calm, supportive space.

•A provider will explain everything before starting.

•You might feel floaty, tingly, warm, or disconnected.

•You may cry, laugh, or go very inward - all are welcome.

•You might not be able to talk clearly (and that’s okay).

This is not a test or performance. You can’t do it wrong. You can simply be.

Things That Can Help

•Set an intention - It can be as simple as “I’m open to healing” or “I want to feel safe.”

•Let go of expectations - Sometimes the shifts come subtly, even days later. Rarely, but occasionally, patients may feel mildly worse before they begin to heal and feel better. This is within the realm of normal but definitely let staff know if you’re struggling. 

•Let the provider know what helps you feel safe - Noise sensitivity? Neurodivergent communication needs? Trauma history? You deserve accommodations and the staff are highly trained to support you. They’ve got your back. You’re safe, and on the road to healing. 

If You’re Feeling Nervous

That’s okay. It means your body is alert - trying to protect you. You don’t need to be fearless to heal. Just willing.

Try this:

Inhale for 4 seconds

Hold for 7 seconds

Exhale for 8 seconds

Repeat 3–4 times

A Note from Someone Who’s Been There

You might wonder, “What if nothing happens?” or “What if too much happens?” That’s valid. But trust this: you’ll have support, and whatever comes up, it’s okay.

Sometimes the most powerful moments happen in the quiet, not the fireworks.

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After Your Ketamine Session: Integrating the Experience

A gentle guide to help you care for yourself after treatment

What You Might Feel

Everyone’s experience is unique.

You might:

• Feel deeply relaxed, emotional, or spaced out.

• Need a nap, or crave calm music and comfort food.

• Have a sense of peace - or suddenly feel raw or exposed.

• Notice vivid dreams, waves of insight, or even a temporary emotional crash.

It’s all normal. The brain is still reorganizing and processing.

Healing isn’t always a “high.” Sometimes it’s a soft unraveling.

Gentle Aftercare

•Rest: Give yourself a light, quiet rest of the day. No big plans, no major decisions.

•Hydrate: Water, tea, or electrolyte drinks can help with the physical reset.

•Nourish: Eat something gentle and grounding (soup, toast, fruit).

•Avoid overstimulation: Loud environments, stressful conversations, or screens can interfere with integration.

•Move gently: If you feel able, stretch, walk slowly, or sit outdoors. Let your body lead the pace.

Think of the rest of the day as sacred recovery time - your mind is weaving new connections.

Integration Tips

•Journal or record your reflections: Capture any words, images, or themes that stood out. You don’t have to “understand” them yet.

•Share your experience: Talk with your therapist, doctor, or a trusted friend about what came up. Speaking helps integrate insights.

•Ground yourself: Try deep breathing, soft music, or holding something comforting.

•Be patient: Some sessions feel magical, others confusing or heavy. Both can lead to healing in time.

If you start feeling emotionally flooded, gently remind yourself:

“This is my brain healing. I am safe. This will pass.”

The Days That Follow

In the next few days, you might notice subtle changes - more emotional openness, clarity, or old memories surfacing. Take note of them, but don’t rush to label or solve. Integration can take days or even weeks.

If things feel overwhelming or your mood dips sharply, reach out to your provider. Sometimes that’s a normal rebalancing; sometimes it’s a sign you need extra support. You are never alone in this.

A Final Thought

You just did something courageous.

You allowed yourself to receive help - and that’s powerful.

Give your mind and body grace as they recalibrate.

Trust that the medicine is still working, quietly, beneath the surface.

Healing isn’t linear, but it’s happening.

You are doing beautifully.