FOR CLINICIANS

TRAINING

Polaris Insight Center provides didactic, experiential, and residential trainings in Ketamine Assisted Therapy. These programs are designed to provide interested physicians, psychologists, therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals with principles and procedures of KAP and how to use ketamine in combination with psychotherapy in a clinical setting. 

We are offering the training in 5 modules. While Module 1 is a required course, trainees are welcome to take any or all of the subsequent modules after its completion. Taking modules in sequence is recommended, as each module builds on the knowledge and skills taught in the previous module but not mandatory.

TRAINERS:

Sylver Quevedo, MD (module 1); Chris Stauffer, MD  (module 3 and 4); Harvey Schwartz, PsyD (module 1-5); Veronika Gold, LMFT (module 1-5); Eric Sienknecht, PsyD (module 1-5); Marina Bystricky, PsyD (module 4)

COST:
Each Module (1-4) is $325 + $25 administrative fee ($350 total), and Module 5 (role play) is $200 + $25 administrative fee ($225 total). The full training is $1500 + $100 administrative fee ($1600 total). The full training is 32.5 training hours , 40 hours total.

Polaris Insight Center is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists and other mental health professionals. Polaris Insight Center maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Each module (1-4) is 6.5 CE and the cost for APA CE credits is $69 per module. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE credits for LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFT license renewal for programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association. LCSWs and MFTs from states other than California need to check with their state licensing board for approval. For information about CE certificates email: training@polarisinsight.com

UPCOMING DATES:
Module 1 : October 24th (waitlist), January 11th (almost full), or January 23rd, or March 15th

Module 2: November 7th, or January 24th, February 8th, or April 17th

Module 3: November 16th (waitlist), or February 27th , or March 29th

Module 4: December 5th (almost full), or February 28th , or April 19th

Module 5: Role Play Module: December 6th or March 27th

Didactic Training Modules – 6.5 training hours each 9am PST – 5pm PST

Module 1: Introductory Workshop to Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

Module 2: Intermediate Workshop on Focused Clinical Issues

Module 3: Advanced Workshop on Focused Clinical Issues

Module 4: Advanced Workshop on Focused Clinics Issues

Module 5: Role Play Module: Training and Practice of KAP principles and techniques in Role Plays

Module 1: Introductory Workshop on Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

In this workshop, participants will learn to:

  • Understand difference between traditional psychotherapy and KAP
  • Identify and attend to Set and Setting variables 
  • Work clinically with non ordinary states of consciousness
  • Work within a Therapeutic Triangle (Therapist, Physician, Patient)
  • Understand screening process, medical risks and contraindications
  • Understand the usage of different Routes of Administration and Dosing Strategies
  • Support and Facilitate the Integration Process
  • Understand political and clinical controversies in the field

Learning Objectives:

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify and describe the difference between psycholytic and psychedelic treatment processes.
  2. Describe the various dosing strategies and routes of administration.
  3. Understand the difference between infusion treatment and KAP and the pros and cons of each modality.
  4. Identify three side effects of ketamine and how they are managed.
  5. Describe and summarize the three main elements of the KAP protocol and their place and value in the treatment process: preparation, experiential, and integration.
  6. Identify guiding principles of inner-directed psychotherapy.
  7. Describe the role of music in the treatment process and why is it an essential component. 
  8. Describe and identify two significant  recent research findings on the use of ketamine in treatment of depression,anxiety, PTSD, and addictions.
  9. Describe and summarize three main obstacles that might appear in the integration process.
  10. Describe three of the significant controversies in the field of KAP and psychedelic assisted psychotherapy.

The next Introductory Workshop will be offered virtually, via Zoom, October 24th, January 11th or January 23rd or March 15th 24th 9AM-5PM PST.

Module 2: Intermediate Workshop on Focused Clinical Issues

                  In this workshop, participants will learn to:

  • Address and work with nervous system dysregulation
  • Work with somatic and therapeutic touch
  • Implement principles and techniques of Transpersonal Psychology
  • Understand the unique transference challenges of KAP
  • Understand countertransference to further the therapeutic process
  • Improve individualized treatment based on case study presentations
  • participate in a role play during an experiential using KAP set and setting

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe two ways in which the use of touch can support and facilitate self-regulation of the nervous system, and describe one way in which touch can be an interference or an intrusion in the process..
  2. Explain two major points about  the important role of iterations of informed consent for issues related to therapeutic touch in KAP.
  3. Describe two of the major contributions of transpersonal psychology to the development of clinical protocols for KAP and psychedelic assisted psychotherapies.
  4. Identify two themes or points  showing how Carl Jung’s and other theorists’ views of the “Hero’s Journey” are relevant to the therapy process in KAP. 
  5. Identify two major points of Stan  Grof’s influence on altered state/holotropic state treatments.
  6. Identify the four main ways transference is influenced by psychedelics in therapy.
  7. Name three transference patterns that emerge during the KAP process.
  8. Describe the differences between integrative and disintegrative altered state experiences that patients may express in the transference.
  9. Identify two common  countertransference dilemmas common in KAP.
  10. Name three obstacles to effective use of countertransference experience.

The next Intermediate Workshop will be offered virtually, via Zoom, on November 7th, or January 24th, or February 8th, or April 17th 9AM-5PM PST. While we recommend clinicians to take Module 1 with us, those who have taken equivalent with one of the other training centers (KTC, KRIYA, PRATI) can sign up for Module 2.

Module 3: Advanced Workshop on Focused Clinical Issues I

In this workshop, participants will learn to:

  • Work with attachment in KAP
  • Work with Countertransference part 2
  • Collaborate with outside providers of Ketamine patients
  • Implement virtual Ketamine Assisted Therapy
  • Integrate Spiritual Experiences patients might have during treatment
  • Implement Group Ketamine AssistedTherapy

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe two ways in which avoidant attachment patterns can be addressed in KAP.
  2. Identify three of the common countertransference themes therapists need to be aware of in working with KAP.
  3. Identify three screening criteria for membership in KAP groups
  4. Identify two common challenges in virtual KAP treatment.
  5. Identify two reasons why telehealth may not be a good KAP treatment.
  6. Describe a challenge that might come up with collaborating with the outside therapist.
  7. Identify two obstacles to referral with therapists to KAP.
  8. Explain how the role of the “bystander” in the trauma quartet can play out in the transference-countertransference relationship in KAP.
  9. What is vicarious traumatization and how does a therapist know he/she might be manifesting this pattern.
  10. Describe a strategy to insure safety during a telehealth session.

The next Advanced Workshop will be offered virtually, via Zoom, on November 16th, or February 27th, or March 29th 9AM-5PM PST. While we recommend clinicians to take Module 1 with us, those who have taken equivalent with one of the other training centers (KTC, KRIYA, PRATI), can sign up for Module 2, and then Module 3.  

Module 4: Advanced Workshop on Focused Clinician issues II

In this workshop, participants will learn to:

  • Apply principles of ACT in Ketamine Assisted Therapy
  • Work with issues of substance misuse using Ketamine Assisted Therapy
  • Work with resistance in treatment
  • Use KAP in the treatment of PTSD
  • Understand the benefits and challenges of therapists’s personal experience working with NOSC
  • Discuss and consider the necessities and challenges of being ketamine assisted therapist

Learning Objectives:

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe one principle of KAP that can explain symptom reduction in the treatment of trauma. 
  2. Name two steps that a KAP clinic can take to help mitigate the risk of ketamine addiction.
  3. List three aspects of being a good psychedelic psychotherapist.
  4. Describe two clinical challenges that can arise in the use of music in KAP. 
  5. Explain one reason in support of therapists having their own experience with NOSC.
  6. Explain three principles of ACT in KAP.

The next Advanced Workshop will be offered virtually, via Zoom, December 5th, or February 28th, or April 19th 9AM-5PM PST. While we recommend clinicians to take Module 1 with us, those who have taken equivalent with one of the other training centers (KTC, KRIYA, PRATI), can sign up for Module 2, Module 3, and Module 4.

The cost for each module is $325 + administrative fee $25, total $350. Module 1 Workshop is not required if clinician has previous training in KAP with KTC, KRIYA, or PRATI.   

Module 5: Role Play Module: Training and Practice of KAP principles in through Role Play

In this workshop, participants will learn to:

  • Implement principles of KAP in practice
  • Respond to common questions and challenges that can arise during KAP
  • To be in a role of therapist, patient, and have an opportunity to observe and discuss role-plays

This module is offered virtually, via Zoom, for groups of 6-12 clinicians on December 6th or March 27th . The cost of a role play module is $200 + administrative fee $25, total $225. This module is ideal for those not familiar with sitting in ketamine assisted therapy sessions, for those who are not able to have a personal experience with treatment and participate in an experiential module. This module is ideal during COVID-19 to practice virtual KAP, as well as for those for those not living in California or unable to travel for an experiential module.

Experiential Modules

Dates will be confirmed as soon as possible due to COVID-19.

Experiential Workshop – 5-hours

In the self-experiential teaching module participants will have a chance to participate in KAP small group experience.  A medical and psychological intake to evaluate for medical eligibility is required prior to the experiential. Group integration session immediately follows the experience.  The cost for the experiential module is $650. To inquire, please contact Veronika at veronika@polarisinsight.com

Practicum (available by invitation only)

For the practicum, participants will have the chance to shadow and assist our clinicians during an actual KAP group session.

Retreats

Residential options including intensive didactical and experiential training.

Dates will be confirmed as soon as COVID-19 is not impacting social activities.

Level 1: Five-day/four-night residential training in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy theory and practice.

Level 2: Four-day/three-night residential training on Advanced Training in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy practice.

KETAMINE LOZENGE GROUP FOR MEDICAL PROVIDERS

Ketamine Providers interested in a support group during COVID-19 using Ketamine please email: veronika@polarisinsight.com

INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP CONSULTATION

Ketamine Providers interested in a Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy consultation contact: veronika@polarisinsight.com

TREATMENT GROUP FOR CLINICIANS

KAP group for eligible clinicians contact: veronika@polarisinsight.com

READING AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Reading List

EMPLOYMENT

Clinicians interested in working with Polaris Insight Center contact: info@polarisinsight.com

TRAINING/SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

If you or your organization would like to know more about Polaris run trainings or speaking engagements please contact: info@polarisinsight.com