top of page

Brainspotting, Parts Work, and Ketamine Assisted Therapy

I’ve integrated many different approaches into my practice over the years, but three modalities have stood out for their transformative impact: brainspotting, parts work, and ketamine-assisted therapy. Each of these offer unique pathways to unlock deeper emotional insights, address trauma at its root, and foster meaningful change. In this blog, I’ll share why I’ve chosen to incorporate these powerful tools into my work and how they complement one another to create a holistic, client-centered therapeutic experience.

Vibrant and surreal depiction of floating brains in a cosmic space, displaying a range of vivid colors and intricate details.
Vibrant and surreal depiction of floating brains in a cosmic space, displaying a range of vivid colors and intricate details.

Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a revolutionary therapeutic approach that harnesses the brain-body connection to process and heal deep-rooted trauma At its core, Brainspotting is based on the premise that "where you look affects how you feel." By identifying specific eye positions, or "brainspots," we can access and process unresolved trauma stored in the subcortical brain. This taps into the brain's natural ability to self-scan and self-heal, allowing for rapid and profound healing.


Parts Work

Parts work is a powerful approach to healing that recognizes the multiplicity of the human psyche. This therapeutic model views the mind as composed of various "parts" or subpersonalities; each with its own perspective, feelings, and goals. By acknowledging and working with these different aspects of ourselves, we can achieve greater self-understanding and emotional balance. This process gives us the opportunity to develop a compassionate relationship with all aspects of ourselves, even those that may feel problematic.


Ketamine Assisted Therapy

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a groundbreaking approach that combines the use of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, with psychotherapy. This innovative treatment has shown promising results for individuals struggling with a wide range of struggles; including anxiety, depression, complex trauma, PTSD, OCD, and burnout. During a session, clients self-administer a prescribed dose of ketamine. This creates a unique opportunity for heightened neuroplasticity, allowing for new neural connections to form. This enhanced brain flexibility can help break old thought patterns and create space for fresh perspectives. This window of opportunity can be utilized to address deep-seated emotional issues and trauma. The dissociative effects of ketamine can also provide a sense of detachment from one's usual sense of self, potentially facilitating profound insights and emotional breakthroughs.


space brains
space brains

Why and How Brainspotting, Parts Work, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Work so Well Together


Synergistic Effects

The combination of Brainspotting, Parts Work, and Ketamine Assisted Therapy creates a powerful synergy in treating complex trauma and enhancing emotional and mental health. Brainspotting helps identify and process deep-rooted emotional and physical reactions, while Parts Work allows for a nuanced exploration of different aspects of the psyche. Ketamine, with its ability to enhance neuroplasticity, acts as a catalyst, potentially amplifying the effectiveness of these therapeutic approaches.


Enhanced Neurological Integration

Ketamine's unique pharmacological properties can temporarily disrupt established neural pathways, creating a window of opportunity for new connections to form. This neuroplastic state may allow for more efficient processing and integration of insights gained through Brainspotting and Parts Work. This heightened state of awareness can help soften typical defense mechanisms, allowing for gentler access to core issues. Brainspotting can facilitate these newly uncovered insights more effectively, while Parts Work offers a holistic approach to healing that considers various aspects of personality and experiences.


Each healing journey is unique, and this combination of therapies offers a tailored approach. As we navigate through layers of consciousness and emotion, you may find yourself uncovering hidden strengths and resources you never knew you had.

We're not just treating symptoms here – we're actually tending to the root causes of challenges and unlocking your full potential for growth and healing.


References

Anderson, F.G., Sweezy, M., & Schwartz, R.C. (2017). Internal family systems skills training manual: Trauma-informed treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD & substance abuse. Eau Claire, WI: PESI Publishing.


Grand, D. (2013). Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change. Sounds True.


Wu H, Savalia NK, Kwan AC. Ketamine for a Boost of Neural Plasticity: How, but Also When? Biol Psychiatry. 2021 Jun 1;89(11):1030-1032. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.03.014. PMID: 34016377; PMCID: PMC8190578.




23 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


email: info@integrativejourney.com

call or text: 609-759-0018

171 Main Street, Suite 102, Matawan, NJ 07747

  • alt.text.label.Instagram
  • alt.text.label.Facebook

©2023 by integrative journey modern psychotherapy co.

bottom of page