5 Steps to Prepare for Your First Ketamine Therapy Session

Starting ketamine therapy might feel like stepping into uncharted waters. For many, it’s not just another treatment—it’s a lifeline. It’s a way to find relief from the heavy clouds of depression, anxiety, or trauma. It’s okay if you feel nervous, curious, or even skeptical about getting this treatment. Those feelings are valid. But with a little preparation, you can face your first session with confidence and a sense of readiness.

This guide is about more than checking boxes—it’s about helping you feel safe and supported during the Ketamine Infusion Therapy.

1. Get Clear on What to Expect

Uncertainty fuels anxiety, and that’s the last thing you need before your session. Take the time to talk with your provider about what will happen. Ask the questions that keep popping into your mind: How does the ketamine work? What might I feel? Will I be awake? How long will it last? The answers might surprise you—or they might bring a sense of calm.

Knowing the process helps ground you. This isn’t about walking in blind; it’s about walking in with open eyes and a prepared heart.

2. Check In with Yourself

Ketamine therapy is as much about mindset as it is about the medicine. Spend some time reflecting on why you’re here. What brought you to this moment? What does healing mean to you?

It’s okay if your answers aren’t crystal clear. They don’t have to be. Maybe you’re carrying a sadness that feels endless. Maybe you’re hoping to break free from a cycle that’s held you captive for too long. Whatever it is, acknowledge it. Writing your thoughts down or sitting with them in quiet reflection can be a grounding ritual before your session.

3. Create a Safe, Comfortable Space

Your environment plays a huge role in how you experience IV ketamine therapy. If your session is at home, think about what makes you feel safe. Maybe it’s soft lighting, a favorite blanket, or gentle music in the background. Don’t overthink it—simple comforts can go a long way.

If your session is in a clinic, speak up about what you need. The staff is there to help. Whether it’s a certain type of music, a particular pillow, or just reassurance, these small touches can make a big difference.

4. Follow the Prep Instructions

Your provider will give you guidelines to follow before your session. These aren’t just formalities—they’re about keeping your body and mind ready. If they tell you not to eat for a few hours, don’t ignore it. It might help prevent nausea or discomfort.

The same goes for medications. If you’re on any regular prescriptions, talk openly with your doctor about how they’ll interact with ketamine. These details matter, and being prepared means fewer distractions during your session.

5. Plan for Gentle Aftercare

What happens after the ketamine infusion therapy is just as important as what happens during it. Ketamine therapy can leave you feeling reflective, calm, or even tired. Some people describe it as having a deep emotional reset.

Give yourself time to process. Avoid scheduling anything too demanding afterward. Whether it’s journaling, resting, or talking to a trusted friend, let yourself soak in the experience. If someone close to you knows what you’re going through, having them nearby can be comforting, too.

Conclusion 

Preparing for ketamine therapy is about more than logistics, it’s about nurturing yourself. This isn’t a quick fix or a magic wand, but it’s a chance to rediscover hope. By taking these steps, you’re showing up for yourself in a way that’s brave and intentional.

You’re not just preparing for a session. You’re preparing for a moment that might change everything. And that’s worth every bit of effort.

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