Trauma from sudden medical crises often leaves more than physical scars; it disrupts a person's sense of safety, identity, and control. Traditional therapy can feel too slow or disconnected when your body and mind are flooded with fear. When even the memory of being in a hospital is too much to bear, how can you move forward?

One resilient woman turned to ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to process acute medical trauma. The guided sessions allowed for deep internal work — accessing and dialoguing with younger, traumatized parts of herself in a safe, altered state. Having a trusted therapist present, repeating her words and prompting her to explore further, helped anchor the experience. This inner self work, paired with a sense of physical and emotional safety, became essential for healing, especially after difficult sessions that re-triggered memories. The guest emphasizes the value of entering the sessions with an open mind and the importance of having a supportive therapeutic relationship.

In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Signi Goldman hears from an anonymous client about her experience with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for acute medical trauma. Together, they explore how medical trauma affects the nervous system, tips for first-time ketamine therapy patients, and how to release tension and embrace safety during ketamine-assisted psychotherapy sessions.