Therapy & Psychedelics
Since the early 2000’s, there has been a renewed and considerable interest in the therapeutic use of psychedelic medicine (such as ketamine, psilocybin and MDMA) for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Substances such as ketamine have been shown to have rapid antidepressant properties , can reduce suicidal ideation , temporarily increases neuroplasticity and synaptic connections, and promotes feelings of hope and connectedness .
Therapy provided after the medical administration of psychedelics can hopefully extend their effects and create meaningful changes in peoples’ lives
Integration work (usually done by a therapist 24hrs after dosing also known as psychedelics plus therapy) helps to make sense of any arising emotions, images, body sensations or thoughts during the psychedelic experience itself.
Dr Melanie Babooram is a trained Ketamine Integration Therapist, who has been enthusiastically involved in this work for the last 3 years. She has received specialist psychedelics training from The Black Dog Institute in ketamine, Ketamine assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and Psilocybin assisted therapy (PAT). Melanie has spoken on this subject at the International Society of Schema Therapy conference in 2024, and on numerous webinars and podcasts for the Black Dog Institute. She regularly receives specialist supervision in this area, and also teaches in the Black Dog Institute’s Ketamine course on the topic of ketamine plus therapy.Melanie is able to assist in:
Psychological preparation before ketamine is undertaken.
Next day integration of information that arises during your ketamine experience.
Continued assistance in processing events using a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities.
Assistance in using the insights gained from ketamine treatment to improve mind, body, spirituality, lifestyle, time in nature and relationships.
Please note that the medical use of psychedelics for treating treatment-resistant depression and PTSD begins with a discussion with your GP and / or Psychiatrist. As a clinical psychologist, Melanie does not prescribe, administer or store ketamine or psilocybin on the treatment premises.
Psychedelic plus therapy is most effective 24 to 72 hrs after medication administration. Melanie will assess this and arrange for sessions to be booked at appropriate times to maximise your gains during your time in therapy.
