Ketamine for PTSD and Complex Trauma: A Somatic Approach to Healing
Trauma doesn’t just live in your memories—it lives in your body. And for people navigating PTSD or complex trauma (CPTSD), traditional talk therapy may not always be enough. That’s where ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP) comes in.
Why Ketamine for Trauma?
Ketamine is increasingly recognized as a breakthrough treatment for trauma-related disorders. It works differently than standard antidepressants by influencing glutamate, a neurotransmitter tied to learning and memory. It also promotes neuroplasticity, allowing new emotional and cognitive patterns to form.
In the context of PTSD and complex trauma, ketamine can:
Loosen the grip of stuck, trauma-driven beliefs
Help clients reprocess painful experiences without emotional flooding
Reduce symptoms like hypervigilance, numbness, and chronic anxiety
Create a gentle distance from the emotional intensity of trauma
Allow clients to reconnect with parts of themselves they’ve shut down
The Importance of Somatic Support
While ketamine opens the door to healing, the body still needs to learn how to feel safe again. That’s where somatic therapy plays a vital role. Trauma is a physiological experience—not just a psychological one. Integrating somatic techniques during and after KAP can help clients:
Track body sensations and nervous system responses
Complete fight/flight/freeze cycles that were interrupted by trauma
Regulate emotions in real time
Feel more grounded and embodied after their ketamine sessions
This work is even more effective when combined with parts therapy (like Internal Family Systems or IFS), which helps address the inner protective mechanisms trauma survivors often develop.
I’m not just trauma-informed … I specialize in trauma healing.
Why a Trauma-Informed KAP Therapist Matters
Not all ketamine services are created equal. Many clinics focus on IV infusions without offering integration support. For trauma survivors, this can be risky. Without a safe container and a skilled guide, ketamine journeys may feel destabilizing or even retraumatizing.
If you're searching for ketamine therapy in Los Angeles or KAP near me, look for a provider trained in trauma healing—ideally someone with experience in somatic work, parts work, and nervous system regulation.
