Therapy Services
Ketamine-Assisted EMDR Therapy — Deeper Healing for Complex Trauma
A cutting-edge, evidence-informed approach combining EMDR with low-dose oral ketamine — for those ready to go beyond what traditional therapy has been able to reach.
When Traditional Therapy Hasn’t Been Enough
You’ve done the work. You’ve sat in therapy rooms, talked through your history, built coping skills. And yet something still feels stuck — like there’s a layer of pain that words alone can’t quite reach. For some people, that’s exactly where Ketamine-Assisted EMDR (KA-EMDR) comes in.
Renewed Focus Counseling is one of a small number of practices in Wisconsin offering KA-EMDR — a specialized approach that combines the proven power of EMDR therapy with the neurological benefits of low-dose oral ketamine, self-administered in session under clinical supervision.
What Is Ketamine-Assisted EMDR?
KA-EMDR was developed by Danielle Ciccone and Michele Topel through the KA-EMDR Institute. It combines EMDR — which helps the brain reprocess stuck traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation — with low-dose oral ketamine, which promotes neuroplasticity, increases emotional flexibility, and supports deeper access to traumatic material that may be otherwise defended against.
How Does Ketamine Support Trauma Processing?
Ketamine works on the brain’s glutamate system, promoting the release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) — sometimes called “Miracle-Gro for the brain.” This creates a window of heightened neuroplasticity where the brain becomes more open to forming new connections and releasing old patterns. In the context of EMDR, traumatic memories may become more accessible, emotional flexibility increases, and clients who have felt “stuck” in traditional EMDR often find new movement.
What Does a KA-EMDR Session Look Like?
- Preparation: Thorough assessment, psychoeducation, and stabilization work before any ketamine-assisted sessions begin
- The session: You self-administer a low oral dose of ketamine at the start of session. As it takes effect, we move into EMDR processing — guided by your therapist throughout
- Integration: Following each session, we spend time integrating what emerged and anchoring the healing
Sessions are conducted in person at our Mequon office. Ketamine is prescribed by a collaborating medical provider; our team will guide you through the coordination process.
Who Is KA-EMDR For?
- Have tried traditional therapy and feel stuck or plateaued
- Are living with complex or layered trauma (C-PTSD)
- Have treatment-resistant depression or anxiety
- Are curious about psychedelic-assisted therapy and want a clinically supported path
- Are already working with EMDR and want to go deeper
Note: KA-EMDR is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough clinical assessment is required before beginning. Contraindications include certain psychiatric diagnoses, medical conditions, and medications. We will discuss this fully during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ketamine legal for use in therapy?
Yes. Ketamine is the only psychedelic currently approved by the FDA and legal for therapeutic use in the United States. It is prescribed by a licensed medical provider and used in a controlled, clinically supervised setting.
Do I need a prescription? How does that work?
Yes, ketamine requires a prescription from a licensed medical provider. We work with collaborating prescribers who conduct a medical evaluation to determine eligibility. Our team will guide you through the entire coordination process.
What does “self-administered” mean? Is it safe?
In KA-EMDR, you take a low oral dose of ketamine yourself at the start of the session. The dose is carefully calibrated to be sub-anesthetic: enough to promote neuroplasticity and emotional flexibility, but not so much that you lose awareness. Your therapist is present throughout the entire session.
Will I feel “high” during the session?
At the low doses used in KA-EMDR, most clients describe a mild shift in perception — a sense of softening, increased openness, or reduced defensiveness — rather than a dissociative or hallucinogenic experience.
Who is NOT a good candidate for KA-EMDR?
Contraindications include certain psychiatric diagnoses (e.g. active psychosis, untreated bipolar I), some medical conditions, certain medications, and active substance use disorders. A thorough clinical and medical assessment is completed before any KA-EMDR sessions begin.
How is KA-EMDR different from standard ketamine infusion therapy (KAP)?
Standard KAP typically uses higher doses that produce a more immersive altered state. KA-EMDR uses a lower oral dose specifically calibrated to enhance EMDR processing — the focus is on active trauma reprocessing during the session, not on the ketamine experience itself.
How many KA-EMDR sessions will I need?
This varies by individual. KA-EMDR is integrated into an ongoing therapeutic relationship. Most clients begin with standard EMDR preparation work before moving into KA-EMDR sessions. We’ll discuss a realistic plan during your consultation.
If you’ve been searching for something deeper — a way to finally reach what talk therapy hasn’t — we’d love to talk.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about KA-EMDR and whether it might be right for you.