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PIA ARRENDELL, LMFT
When Anxiety Takes Over: How Ketamine Therapy Can Help
If anxiety has been running your life, it can feel like you’re always stuck in overdrive. You want to slow down. You want to relax. But your mind just won’t let you. You experience sleepless nights, overthinking everything, and that constant hum of fear, even when nothing seems "wrong."
You’re not crazy. You’re not overreacting. Your nervous system is simply stuck — and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) may offer the reset you've been hoping for.
Why Anxiety Feels So Hard to "Talk Away"
Standard therapies like CBT can help — but often, anxiety lives deeper than rational thought. It's wired into the brain’s survival circuits, making it feel impossible to simply "logic" your way out.
KAP works differently.
Ketamine temporarily shifts brain functioning, helping to quiet the overactive fear centers. Combined with skilled therapy, it helps you build new, lasting patterns of calm.
How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Supports Anxiety Relief
Resets the brain’s fear pathways to lower baseline anxiety
Creates emotional space to explore worries without feeling overwhelmed
Promotes neuroplasticity so your brain can "learn" how to feel safe again
Strengthens therapy outcomes, leading to deeper and longer-lasting change
Clinical studies show many people experience rapid and meaningful anxiety relief after KAP sessions. (NIH Research)
What a KAP Session for Anxiety Feels Like
Most clients describe KAP sessions as:
A deep sense of mental spaciousness
Relief from constant intrusive thoughts
Feeling grounded, hopeful, and more connected to themselves
Therapists trained in KAP help you explore insights that emerge, ensuring you translate new calm into daily life strategies.
Could KAP Be Right for You?
You might benefit if:
You live with generalized anxiety, panic attacks, or social anxiety
You’ve tried therapy and medication without full relief
You feel stuck in fear loops, overthinking, or hypervigilance
You’re ready for a new, compassionate approach to healing
You Deserve to Feel Calm Again
Anxiety may have shaped your story, but it doesn’t have to write your future. There is a way to reclaim peace, energy, and trust in yourself. And Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy could help you get there.
Interested in learning more about KAP for anxiety relief? Book a free consultation today. A calmer, freer life is waiting for you.
How Ketamine Therapy Supports Addiction Recovery
If you’ve battled addiction, you know it's not just about quitting a substance. It’s about healing the pain that drove you there in the first place. Maybe you’ve tried. Maybe you’ve even had months of success — only to feel pulled back by cravings, shame, or overwhelming emotions. You’re not weak. You’re not beyond hope. You might just need a deeper kind of healing.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is offering a new path to lasting recovery — and it's changing lives every day.
Why Addiction Isn’t a Failure — It’s an Injury
Addiction doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. It means your brain adapted to survive pain, trauma, or unbearable emotions. Traditional treatments often focus on willpower — managing cravings, attending meetings, avoiding triggers.
Those are important. But if the deeper emotional wounds go unhealed, cravings eventually resurface. That’s where KAP makes a difference.
How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Supports Addiction Healing
Interrupts old brain pathways that fuel addiction
Reduces cravings naturally, without punishing withdrawal symptoms
Supports emotional healing so relapse is less tempting
Increases motivation for change, even when hope feels low
During a ketamine-assisted session, clients often reconnect with emotions, insights, and forgotten dreams that strengthen their commitment to recovery.
Research shows that KAP participants have higher rates of abstinence and emotional resilience compared to traditional approaches alone. (Cambridge Biotherapies)
What Happens During a KAP Session for Addiction?
You’ll be carefully guided through a therapeutic ketamine experience in a safe, supported environment. This isn’t about "checking out" — it’s about gently "checking in" with the parts of yourself that need care.
Many people experience:
Emotional clarity about why they used substances in the first place
Release of guilt, shame, or self-hatred
Renewed hope for a different future
Afterward, integration therapy helps turn these insights into real-life change.
Is KAP Right for You?
KAP may be a strong fit if you:
Are in recovery but struggling with cravings
Feel emotionally numb or overwhelmed without substances
Have experienced trauma or emotional wounds that haven’t fully healed
Want a deeper, more compassionate path to long-term freedom
You’re Not Just Quitting — You’re Healing
True recovery isn’t about fighting yourself. It’s about healing yourself.
If you’re ready to move beyond survival and into full, empowered living — Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy could be the next step on your journey.
Curious if KAP can support your recovery? Book a confidential consultation today. Real freedom is possible — and you deserve it.
Trauma Doesn’t Have to Define You: How Ketamine Therapy Helps Heal PTSD
If you've lived through trauma, you know: Healing isn't just about "moving on." It's about finding a way to live without carrying the past like a heavy weight on your back. Some days, you might feel okay. Other days, memories sneak up out of nowhere — and suddenly you’re right back in survival mode.
You’re not broken. You’re human.
And there’s real help that goes deeper than just coping — Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).
Why Traditional Trauma Therapy Sometimes Isn't Enough
Trauma leaves deep imprints on the brain and body. Even with years of talk therapy or medication, many people feel stuck in old fear patterns. That’s because trauma isn't just a story you tell — it's an experience wired into your nervous system. KAP helps change that.
By combining ketamine’s brain-opening effects with expert therapy, you can access and heal the parts of yourself that trauma locked away.
Research shows major reductions in PTSD symptoms after KAP, especially when combined with skilled therapeutic support. (NIH Research)
How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Helps Heal Trauma
Softens emotional defenses so memories can be processed safely
Reduces fear responses without numbing your emotions
Boosts neuroplasticity — your brain’s ability to rewire itself for healing
Supports post-traumatic growth, not just symptom management
Many clients describe it like "being able to revisit painful memories with compassion instead of terror." For the first time, the past can stay in the past.
What Happens During a KAP Session for PTSD?
You won’t just be left alone during a ketamine session. You’ll be gently guided by a trained therapist who helps you feel safe, supported, and grounded.
During a session, you may experience:
A deep sense of calm and curiosity about your inner world
Moments of emotional release without being overwhelmed
A new understanding of how past experiences shaped you — and how they no longer have to
Integration sessions afterward help you anchor these insights into everyday life.
Who Can Benefit from Ketamine Therapy for Trauma?
KAP may be a powerful tool if you:
Have PTSD or complex trauma
Feel stuck in traditional therapy
Struggle with emotional numbness, flashbacks, or hypervigilance
Are ready to process trauma in a new, deeply supportive way
It’s not about "getting over" what happened. It’s about getting free to live your life with more peace and power.
You Deserve to Heal
Trauma changes you — but healing can change you, too. You don’t have to carry old survival patterns forever. There’s a way to reclaim your story. And it might start with one courageous step into something new.
Ready to explore if Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy can support your trauma healing? Book a confidential consultation with us today. Your healing matters.
Why Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy May Be the Solution for Your Depression
If you’ve spent years battling depression, it’s easy to start wondering: “Is this just how my life is going to be?”
Maybe you’ve tried therapy. Maybe you’ve tried different medications. Maybe you’ve even done everything right — and still, nothing feels better for long.
You’re not broken. You’re not hopeless. You might just need a different approach.
That’s where Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) comes in — and it’s changing everything for people who once felt stuck for good.
What Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Exactly?
Think of KAP like opening a window in a room you didn’t realize was sealed shut. Ketamine is a medicine that helps “unstick” the brain’s old pathways — like breaking the cycle of depression that’s been looping for years. But the real magic happens when ketamine is combined with therapy sessions. While ketamine temporarily softens the walls your mind builds up, therapy helps you explore emotions, beliefs, and memories in a whole new way — without the usual fear or shame getting in the way.
Research shows combining ketamine with therapy leads to faster, longer-lasting recovery compared to medication or talk therapy alone. (Pacific Neuroscience Institute)
Why Traditional Depression Treatments Sometimes Fail
Let’s be honest: Most antidepressants work slowly — if they work at all. Even after months of trying, side effects can outweigh the small improvements. KAP is different. It works on neuroplasticity — your brain’s ability to heal and rewire itself — and does it within hours or days, not months.
Quick facts:
70% of treatment-resistant patients show dramatic improvement after KAP
Changes can start after the first session
It supports long-term emotional growth, not just symptom masking
(Cambridge Review)
Signs That KAP Could Be a Game-Changer for You
You might be a strong candidate for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy if:
You've tried two or more antidepressants without enough relief
You feel emotionally numb, hopeless, or detached from life
You want deeper healing, not just another prescription
And most importantly — you’re ready to try something different, with the right support.
What a Ketamine Therapy Session Feels Like
If you’re picturing wild hallucinations or losing control, take a deep breath. KAP is not like recreational drug use. Sessions are safe, carefully guided, and deeply therapeutic.
Most clients describe feeling:
Open-hearted
Insightful about their life story
More connected to hope and possibility
Less weighed down by fear or sadness
Therapists trained in KAP will guide you gently through the experience, helping you process everything that arises — so it's not just about feeling better temporarily, but healing long-term.
Is It Safe?
When done under medical supervision, yes. Ketamine has a long history of safe use in both medicine and mental health. Side effects are typically mild (dizziness, nausea) and short-lived.
Ready to Feel Hope Again?
You don’t have to keep surviving day-to-day. You don’t have to settle for treatments that leave you stuck. If you’re ready to try something that actually works differently — and finally offers real hope — Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy could be your next right step.
Want to learn more? Schedule a consultation with our KAP team today. We’re here to help you heal.
Revitalize Your Relationship: The Benefits of Couples Intensive Therapy
If you're struggling with relationship issues, it's important to seek professional help through effective treatments like couples therapy. However, how often and in what format therapy sessions are conducted can significantly impact the effectiveness of treatment.
Why Couples Intensive Therapy for 12 Hours is Better Than One-Hour Therapy Once per Week
While traditional one-hour therapy sessions once per week can be helpful for many couples, intensive therapy sessions that last for 12 hours over the course of a weekend or several days can be even more effective. Here are some reasons why:
1. More time to explore issues
One hour per week is often not enough time to delve deeply into complex relationship issues. With 12 hours of intensive therapy, there's more time to explore the underlying problems, understand each other's perspectives, and work toward resolving conflicts. This is especially beneficial for couples experiencing great emotional distress or relationship distress.
2. Greater focus
During an intensive therapy session, couples can fully focus on their relationship issues without distractions from their daily lives. This concentrated effort allows for more productive and meaningful sessions, enhancing communication processes and facilitating better results from couples therapy techniques.
3. More progress in less time
With 12 hours of couples intensive therapy, partners can make more progress in a shorter amount of time than with one-hour sessions once per week. This can lead to more immediate improvements in the relationship, making it an ideal option for those looking to address specific challenges like infidelity or partner aggression.
4. Enhanced connection
Couples intensive therapy can help improve communication, trust, and intimacy in a relationship. By spending an extended period of time focusing on their relationship, couples can renew their connection, deepen their bond, and improve overall relationship functioning.
5. Convenience
One-hour sessions once per week can be challenging to fit into busy schedules. With couples intensive therapy, the sessions are condensed into a shorter period of time, making it easier for partners to commit to therapy without interfering with other obligations.
Couples intensive therapy for 12 hours can offer a more effective and efficient way to address relationship issues compared to traditional one-hour sessions. If you're looking for ways to strengthen your relationship and improve relationship quality, consider exploring the benefits of couples intensive therapy.
Building Secure Attachment: 5 Steps to a Stronger Relationship
Secure attachment is a key component of healthy, fulfilling romantic relationships. It involves feeling connected, safe, and secure with your partner. When you have a secure attachment style, you feel comfortable relying on your partner for emotional support and physical support, and you are able to communicate openly and honestly with them. This emotional connection is vital for relationship security.
However, not everyone naturally forms secure attachments; some individuals may struggle with insecure attachment styles such as avoidant attachment or anxious attachment. If you want to work on improving your attachment styles and becoming more securely attached in your relationship, here are some tips to try:
1. Practice good communication skills
In order to feel connected and secure with your partner, it's important to be able to communicate openly and honestly. This means listening actively, expressing your thoughts and feelings clearly, and being willing to compromise when needed. Pay attention to nonverbal signals as well, as they play a crucial role in emotional communication.
2. Build trust
Trust building is a key component of secure attachment. You can foster trust by being reliable and dependable, and by maintaining openness with your partner. It's also essential to forgive your partner when they make mistakes, as this helps strengthen the bond between you and reinforces relationship security.
3. Set boundaries
Establishing relationship boundaries is an important aspect of any healthy relationship. Understanding what you are and are not comfortable with in your relationship—and communicating these boundaries to your partner—can help you feel more secure and connected.
4. Seek therapeutic support
If you are struggling to feel secure in your relationship, seeking therapy for relationship issues can be incredibly helpful. A Licensed Therapist can provide guidance as you work on building a more secure attachment with your partner.
5. Practice self-care in relationships
Taking care of yourself is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship dynamic, and it can help you feel more secure and connected with your partner. Engage in activities that nourish your mind and body, set aside time for self-reflection, and ensure that you're meeting your own emotional needs.
Becoming securely attached in a relationship takes time and effort, but it is worth it for the increased sense of connection and security it brings. By practicing effective communication, building trust, setting clear boundaries, seeking support, and prioritizing self-care, you can work towards a more secure attachment with your partner.
How to Heal Financial Anxiety: Strategies for Regaining Control
Understanding Financial Anxiety
Financial anxiety is a common problem that affects many people worldwide, often leading to significant money-related stress. It is characterized by constant worry, fear, and psychological distress about financial issues. This anxiety can arise from various sources, including:
Job insecurity
Mounting debt
Unexpected expenses
Financial emergencies
The good news is that financial anxiety can be healed through effective strategies that help you regain control of your finances and feel more confident about your financial future.
Confronting Your Financial Fears
The first step to healing financial anxiety is confronting your financial fears head-on. This means taking an honest look at your finances and identifying the sources of your anxiety. Ask yourself the following questions:
Am I worried about not having enough money to pay my bills?
Am I concerned about my employment status or the impact of inflation on my cost of living?
Am I feeling overwhelmed by credit card debt?
Once you have identified the root causes of your financial anxiety, you can start taking steps to address these concerns.
Managing Credit Card Debt with the Snowball Effect
One of the biggest sources of financial anxiety is credit card debt. The snowball effect is an effective strategy for debt management that can reduce financial anxiety. By focusing on paying off your smallest debts first, you can gain momentum and feel a sense of accomplishment as you work toward becoming debt-free.
To use the snowball effect:
List all of your credit card debts from smallest to largest.
Focus on paying off the smallest debt while making minimum payments on your other debts.
Once you have paid off the smallest debt, move on to the next smallest debt and repeat the process until all of your debts are paid off.
Creating a Budget Plan
Creating a budget plan is another excellent way to reduce financial stress. A budget allows you to see exactly where your money is going and helps you identify areas where you can cut back on expenses.
Here are some budgeting tips:
Track your income and expenses for a month.
Categorize your expenses into fixed (rent/mortgage, utilities) and variable (groceries, entertainment) categories.
Set realistic spending limits for each category based on your income.
Look for areas where you can reduce discretionary spending (eating out, shopping).
By implementing these budgeting tips, you can take control of your finances and feel more confident about your ability to manage your money.
Building an Emergency Fund
Building an emergency fund is an effective way to alleviate financial anxiety as well. An emergency fund is a reserve of money set aside for unexpected expenses, such as car repairs or medical bills.
To start building an emergency fund:
Determine how much money you need in your fund (aim for three to six months' worth of living expenses).
Open a separate savings account specifically for emergencies.
Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to this savings account each month until you reach your goal.
By having this safety net, you can avoid the stress that comes with unforeseen financial emergencies and better withstand the impact of financial worries on mental health.
Seeking Professional Help
If your financial anxiety is severe, seeking professional help for financial anxiety is a wise choice.
Financial Counseling
Financial counseling programs can assist you in identifying the root of your anxiety and developing strategies to overcome it.
These programs may offer services such as:
One-on-one counseling sessions with certified financial counselors
Workshops or seminars on budgeting, debt management, and saving techniques
Resources for creating personalized financial plans tailored to your goals
Consider reaching out to local nonprofit organizations or community centers that provide free or low-cost financial counseling services in order to access these resources.
Mental Health Support
Working with a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, can also be beneficial in managing financial anxiety. These professionals can help you:
Identify emotional triggers related to money stress
Develop coping mechanisms for financial anxiety
Address underlying psychological patterns affecting your relationship with money
Learn techniques to manage anxiety symptoms
Process past financial trauma or experiences
Create a healthier mindset around money management
Find therapists who specialize in financial therapy or money-related stress who can help you identify the root of your anxiety and develop strategies to overcome it.
Consider seeking out professionals who combine financial expertise with mental health support for a comprehensive approach to managing financial anxiety.
Practicing Self-Care
Finally, practicing self-care for financial stress is essential for healing from these anxieties. Financial stressors can take a toll on your mental health, so it is crucial to take care of yourself.
Here are some self-care activities you can engage in:
Get enough sleep each night.
Exercise regularly (try incorporating physical activity into your daily routine).
Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
By prioritizing self-care activities like these, you can reduce symptoms associated with anxiety while also empowering yourself when it comes to managing personal finances.
Financial anxiety is a treatable condition and doesn’t have to be permanent. With effective strategies—such as confronting those fears head-on; utilizing the snowball effect when tackling credit card debts; creating comprehensive budgets; building up emergency funds; seeking professional help if necessary; and engaging in regular self-care practices—you too can achieve peace of mind regarding all things finance-related. Remember: it's okay to ask for assistance along this journey toward overcoming any lingering stresses surrounding monetary matters.
How to Get Back on Your Feet Financially After a Divorce or Breakup: A Guide
Divorce or a breakup can have a significant impact on your finances, and it can be challenging to get back on your feet after a divorce. Here are some steps you can take to help you regain financial stability:
Assess your financial situation: Take a look at your current financial situation and make a list of your assets, debts, and expenses. This will give you a clear picture of where you stand and help you determine your next steps.
Create a budget: Develop a budget that takes into account your current income and expenses. Identify areas where you can reduce expenses and prioritize paying off any outstanding debts.
Update your financial accounts: Make sure to update all of your financial accounts, including bank accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts, to reflect your new status.
Consider increasing your income: Explore ways to increase your income, such as pursuing a new job or taking on freelance work. Consider developing new skills that can help you earn more money in the long term.
Protect your credit: Take steps to protect your credit score by making sure you pay all of your bills on time and keep your credit utilization low.
Set financial goals: Establish financial goals for yourself, such as building an emergency fund or saving for retirement. Work toward these goals by saving a portion of your income each month.
Seek professional advice: Consider consulting with a financial advisor who can help you develop a long-term financial plan and provide guidance on managing your finances after a divorce.
Remember, getting back on your feet financially after the end of a relationship takes time and effort. By taking proactive steps to manage your finances, you can regain stability and set yourself up for a secure financial future.
How Attachment wounds can trigger conflict in relationships
Core attachment wounds are deep-seated emotional injuries that can have a significant impact on our relationships and interpersonal dynamics. These wounds often stem from early childhood experiences and can shape the way we relate to others and ourselves.
One way that core attachment wounds can manifest in relationships is through intense conflict. When two people with unresolved core attachment wounds come together, their unconscious defenses and coping mechanisms can clash, leading to misunderstandings, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings.
For example, if one person has a core attachment wound related to trust and abandonment, they may have a tendency to become clingy and possessive in their relationships. This person may feel threatened by their partner's independence or need for space, leading to arguments and misunderstandings. On the other hand, if the other person has a core attachment wound related to control and autonomy, they may have a strong need for independence and may feel suffocated by the clingy behavior of their partner. This can lead to conflict as the two try to navigate their different needs and desires.
Core attachment wounds can also manifest as unhealthy communication patterns, such as criticism, defensiveness, or stonewalling. These patterns can further escalate conflicts and make it difficult for the two people to resolve their issues.
If you find that you and your partner are constantly at odds and unable to resolve conflicts, it may be worth exploring the possibility of unresolved core attachment wounds. Working with a therapist or counselor can help you identify and address these wounds, leading to healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
What is limerence?
Limerence is a psychological concept that refers to a state of intense romantic desire or infatuation for another person. It was first coined by psychologist Dorothy Tennov in her 1979 book "Love and Limerence: The Experience of Being in Love."
Limerence is characterized by an obsessive focus on the object of one's desire, intense feelings of attraction and arousal, and a constant need for validation and reassurance from the desired person. It is often accompanied by feelings of anxiety and insecurity, and it can lead to a preoccupation with the object of desire to the point of neglecting other areas of one's life.
Limerence is not the same as love, as it is often accompanied by a lack of genuine intimacy and a strong desire to possess the object of one's desire. It is also not the same as infatuation, as it tends to be more intense and long-lasting.
Limerence can have a profound impact on an individual's behavior and decision-making, and it can be difficult to distinguish from genuine love. It is often accompanied by a sense of euphoria and excitement, but it can also lead to distress and even depression if the object of one's desire is not reciprocated or if the relationship ends.
Limerence can be triggered by a variety of factors, including physical attraction, shared interests and values, and a sense of connection with the other person. It can also be influenced by cultural and societal expectations of what constitutes a "perfect" relationship.
Navigating Limerence
While limerence can be a powerful and all-consuming experience, it is important to remember that it is not the same as love, and it is not a healthy or sustainable basis for a long-term relationship.
If you find yourself experiencing limerence, it may be helpful to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional to help you navigate your feelings and make healthy decisions.