Ketamine Therapy Welcome Guide - The Good Drop

Welcome to Your Ketamine Therapy Journey

A comprehensive guide to preparing for your infusion at The Good Drop

Dear Friend,

Welcome! We're honored to support you on this transformative journey. This guide is designed to help you feel prepared, informed, and empowered as you approach your ketamine infusion therapy.

Take your time exploring each section. You can navigate using the menu above or simply scroll through at your own pace. Check off items as you go to track your preparation.

What to Expect: Understanding Your Experience

Ketamine therapy is a unique healing modality that works differently from traditional treatments. During your infusion, you may experience:

Altered Perception
Visual or auditory changes, a sense of floating, or feeling disconnected from your body. These sensations are normal and part of the therapeutic process.
Emotional Insights
Memories, feelings, or realizations may surface. Allow them to come and go without judgment. These insights often hold important messages for your healing.
Physical Sensations
Tingling, warmth, lightness, or heaviness are common. Your body may feel different than usual, and that's perfectly normal.
Time Distortion
Minutes may feel longer or shorter than usual. Don't worry about tracking time - simply allow yourself to be present with the experience.
Deep Relaxation
Many patients experience a profound sense of calm and peace. This state of deep relaxation can be profoundly healing.
Remember: Every experience is unique. There is no "right" way to experience ketamine therapy. Whatever arises for you is exactly what needs to happen.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Will I be in control?"
You will remain conscious and able to communicate throughout your session. While you may feel dissociated or in an altered state, you are safe and monitored at all times.
"What if I have a difficult experience?"
Our trained staff will be with you throughout your infusion. Difficult experiences can often be the most therapeutic. We'll help you navigate whatever arises with compassion and expertise.
"How will I feel afterward?"
Most patients feel relaxed, sometimes tired, and emotionally open after their infusion. Effects vary, but many report improved mood and perspective within hours to days.
"Will this work for me?"
Ketamine therapy has shown remarkable results for many individuals, particularly those with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. We'll work together to optimize your outcomes.

Preparation Guidelines

48-24 Hours Before Your Infusion

  • Set your intention - Reflect on what you hope to gain from this experience
  • Reduce stimulants - Minimize caffeine and other stimulants
  • Prioritize rest - Ensure you're well-rested
  • Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water

Day of Your Infusion

DO:

  • Eat a light meal 2-3 hours before
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
  • Arrange reliable transportation home
  • Arrive with an open mind and heart

DON'T:

  • Consume alcohol or recreational drugs
  • Eat a heavy meal immediately before
  • Plan to drive yourself home
  • Schedule important commitments afterward

Setting Your Intention

Intention-setting is a powerful tool that can enhance your ketamine therapy experience. Consider these questions:

  • 💭 What am I hoping to heal or understand?
  • 🔄 What patterns am I ready to release?
  • ✨ What qualities do I want to cultivate in my life?
  • ❓ What question do I want answered?

Write your intention down and hold it gently in your awareness. You don't need to force anything—simply planting the seed is enough.

📖 Additional Intention-Setting Guidance

Mindfulness & Practices

Grounding Breath Practice

This simple 5-minute practice can help center you before your session:

Interactive Breathing Exercise

Ready
  1. Find a comfortable seated position
  2. Close your eyes and place one hand on your heart, one on your belly
  3. Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6
  4. Repeat 10 times, feeling yourself become present and centered
🧘 More Meditation & Mindfulness Techniques

During Your Session

Surrender Practice

  • Release expectations of what "should" happen
  • Trust the process and your inner wisdom
  • Observe without judgment
  • Breathe through discomfort

Post-Infusion Care & Integration

Immediately After (First 24 Hours)

  • Rest and allow yourself time to process
  • Stay hydrated and eat nourishing foods
  • Avoid alcohol and unnecessary stimulants
  • Be gentle with yourself emotionally
  • Journal about your experience while it's fresh

The Days Following

  • Continue journaling and reflection
  • Notice shifts in mood, perspective, or behavior
  • Practice self-compassion
  • Maintain healthy routines (sleep, nutrition, movement)
  • Reach out for support if needed

Integration is Key

The infusion is just the beginning. The real transformation happens in how you integrate insights into your daily life. Consider exploring integration support resources to help you make the most of your experience.

🌱 Learn About Integration Coaching

Journaling Prompts

What did I notice during my experience?
Reflect on sensations, emotions, insights, or images that arose. There's no need to make sense of everything immediately.
What insights or feelings emerged?
Consider any realizations about yourself, your relationships, or your life path.
What do I want to remember?
Identify the most meaningful moments or messages from your experience.
How can I apply this wisdom to my daily life?
Think about practical ways to embody the insights you've gained.

Skills & Coping Strategies

The RAIN Practice

Use this practice during challenging moments:

  • Recognize what's happening
  • Allow it to be there
  • Investigate with kindness
  • Nurture yourself with self-compassion

Anchoring Techniques

If you feel overwhelmed during your session:

  • Focus on your breath
  • Feel your body's contact with the chair/bed
  • Remember: "This is temporary, I am safe"
  • Visualize roots growing from your body into the earth

Building Resilience Post-Treatment

  • Daily mindfulness practice (even 5 minutes)
  • Gratitude journaling (3 things daily)
  • Movement (walking, yoga, dancing)
  • Connection (meaningful relationships)
  • Purpose (activities that bring meaning)

Day of Infusion Checklist

Check off each item as you prepare for your session:

Questions or Concerns?

We're here to support you every step of the way. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions before your appointment.

The Good Drop
(570) 701-6044 824 McAlpine St, Avoca, PA 18641
www.thegood-drop.com

A Final Note

You've taken a courageous step toward healing. Trust yourself, trust the process, and know that you are supported. Whatever unfolds during your experience is exactly what you need.

We're honored to be part of your journey.

With care and respect,
The Team at The Good Drop

This document is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice.

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your treatment team.

For more resources and support: Liminal Spaces Coaching