My Experience with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Training

Finding Meaning, Magic, and… Cats?

Over the summer, I attended the MAPS Conference in Denver, where I had the chance to meet Kim Turpin from The Pearl Institute. We talked about the incredible work they’re doing in the field of Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy — and something just clicked.

Psychedelics made sense to me after that conference, and I knew I wanted to learn how to incorporate this work into my practice.

Before I offer anything new to my clients, I have to experience it myself. I can read all the research, but until I feel it in my own nervous system, I can’t authentically bring it into my work.

So when the opportunity came up to attend a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Experiential Training with The Pearl Institute in Waynesville, North Carolina, I jumped in — total newbie status and all.

Stepping into the Unknown

Let me start by saying: I am a complete beginner when it comes to psychedelics. Sure, I’ve been to my share of concerts, parties, and admired plenty of psychedelic art — but I had no idea what it would actually feel like to be in that world.

I grew up on D.A.R.E. and “just say no.” My lifelong good girl status can be tough to shake.

I went in with all my therapist intentions: clarity, healing, profound meaning, maybe even a message from the universe.
And what did I get?

Cats.

The First Journey: Lozenge & Laughter

Our first experience used a Ketamine lozenge (Troche), which dissolves in your mouth and builds gradually in your system. It’s a gentle introduction to the medicine — nothing abrupt, just an unfolding.

I settled in, my serious therapist self readied in for seriousness and depth... and I was greeted with streams of color, texture, and an endless parade of playful child-like energy and the word CAT. I couldn’t stop laughing.

It was perfect.

“Cat” became a symbol for me — a reminder not to take myself so seriously. Cats can be mysterious and poised one moment, silly and absurd the next. So can we. That lesson, in its own unexpected way, was profoundly deep and meaningful.

Thank you, Universe.

The Second Journey: IM Ketamine & Vibrancy

The next day, we experienced Ketamine through intramuscular (IM) injection. This time, there was no slow buildup — you’re just there, dropped into the deep end of your own consciousness.

This journey felt more somatic. I experienced vibrations, waves of sensation, and an overwhelming sense of beauty and creation. Colors danced, shapes moved, and there was a deep knowing that everything — even the difficult parts — belongs.

It was vibrant, connective, and alive.

Witnessing the Full Spectrum

One of the most powerful parts of this training was witnessing others’ experiences. No two journeys were alike, yet there were shared threads — themes of lightness, death, dance, connection, and rebirth.

Watching others move through their own layers reminded me of something essential: we’re all exploring the same ocean, even if we enter from different shores.

Integration: The Real Work

By Sunday, I was feeling both inspired and worn out — unsure how to make sense of it all.

Then came integration, and everything started to click in place.

As our instructors, reminded us:

“The real work begins after the Ketamine session.”

Integration is where the magic becomes meaningful — where sensations, symbols (yes, even the cats), and insights take shape in our daily routines. It’s the gentle work of translating insight into action, creating real, sustainable change in how we live and care for ourselves.

That’s what made this training so transformative: it wasn’t about “the journey.” It was about how to come home differently — with more curiosity, awe, and compassion. It’s about changing your patterns that keep you stuck.

Why I’m Bringing This to Big Oak

This training reaffirmed everything I already believe about healing: it begins within — in the body, the subconscious, and the quiet space of awareness — and grows through integration and compassionate guidance.

At Big Oak Wellness, we already use modalities that access the subconscious — therapy, yoga, mindfulness, and somatic work. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy will be another powerful tool to help people move deeper, release long-held patterns, and reconnect with their innate wisdom.

And unlike doing this kind of work alone, The Pearl’s supportive environment reminded me why safety and setting matter so much:

· The space was unbelievably comfortable — soft lighting, cozy blankets, fantastic music, and every detail cared for.

· The facilitators were knowledgeable, trauma-informed, grounded, and kind.

· The group was curious, open, and deeply human.

This experience was connection in its purest form. We want to offer the same supportive space and setting at Big Oak.

Final Reflection

Sometimes healing looks like tears and breakthroughs.
Other times, it looks like laughter and lightness.

I’m coming home from this experience humbled, inspired, and eager to continue this work — and to share what I’ve learned as Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy becomes part of what we offer at Big Oak Wellness.

Stay tuned — more updates (and maybe a few more cats) to come.

With warmth and curiosity,

Emily
Big Oak Wellness