Ketamine Therapy Denver: Exploring a Transformative Approach to Mental Health
As a trauma therapist in Denver, I’ve spent years working with individuals navigating the complexities of healing. Traditional talk therapy, EMDR, and somatic approaches offer profound relief, but for some, the weight of trauma remains persistent. That’s where ketamine-assisted therapy is changing the landscape of mental health.
Once known primarily as an anesthetic, ketamine has emerged as a groundbreaking tool in treating PTSD, depression, and trauma-related disorders. Ketamine can provide rapid relief, often unlocking deep emotional processing in ways that surprise even the most seasoned therapists. But how does it work? And more importantly, is it a right fit for you?
Let’s explore the science, the therapeutic process, and the transformative potential of ketamine therapy in trauma recovery.
What is Ketamine Therapy, and Why Is it Getting Attention for Mental Health Treatment?
You may have heard the buzz in the news and on social media about ketamine therapy. It’s an emerging new treatment method that’s offering hope to people who feel stuck with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma responses that they haven’t been able to treat with traditional therapy alone.
With ketamine therapy, I’m excited to offer a treatment that can help individuals finally find the relief they’ve been hoping for.
Through studies, it’s been shown to rapidly relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma. Ketamine works within hours or days for many people—like flipping on a light in a room that’s been dark for too long.
It’s also been shown to help individuals become more adaptive, helping them break free from negative thought patterns that they’ve had for a long time. When paired with therapy, it opens up a powerful window for healing.
How Ketamine Therapy Works
Ketamine therapy works directly with your brain’s neuroplasticity, which is its ability to adapt and change. Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin, ketamine influences a neurotransmitter called glutamate, which plays a key role in learning, memory, and the formation of new neural connections.
In simple terms, ketamine helps your brain create new, healthier neural pathways, which makes it easier for you to break free from negative thought patterns and habits. It can also help you “reset” your brain’s focus on rumination and self-criticism to help you build a healthier relationship with yourself.
Overall, it lets you reframe and process trauma in a new, less distressing way, and work toward long-lasting healing. For common outcomes of trauma like depression, and anxiety, here’s how ketamine therapy more specifically helps:
Depression: Many people with depression struggle with rigid, negative thought loops. By increasing neuroplasticity and encouraging new neural pathways, ketamine helps lift depressive symptoms—sometimes within hours.
Anxiety: Anxiety often comes from an overactive fear response. Ketamine helps quiet that part of the brain, giving people a break from the constant cycle of worry.
PTSD: Trauma changes the brain, making it harder to process memories without reactivating fear responses. Ketamine allows for a "soft reset" of these pathways, helping people revisit traumatic memories with more emotional distance and less distress.
Who is a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy can be a game-changer for people who’ve struggled with traditional treatments for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It’s especially helpful for those who’ve been on antidepressants or other medications for a long time without much success, or for people who are looking for breakthroughs in trauma and emotional healing.
If you’ve felt “stuck” in the cycle of anxiety, depression, or trauma, and find that therapy alone isn’t enough to break through, ketamine might be the missing piece. It’s also great for those looking for a new approach to mental health, especially when other methods haven’t provided lasting relief.
While it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, ketamine therapy is particularly effective for people with treatment-resistant conditions or those who want to jumpstart their healing process in a meaningful way.
What to Expect During Ketamine Therapy
When you come in for a ketamine therapy session, the experience is all about making you feel safe, comfortable, and supported. Here’s what you can expect from a ketamine therapy session with me:
Initial consultation: Even before you begin your treatment plan, we’ll talk together about your experiences and goals to make sure ketamine therapy is a good fit.
Pre-session chat and preparation: First, we’ll meet to discuss your goals and set intentions for the session. This is a chance to outline any specific areas you want to focus on and make sure you feel safe, supported, and relaxed.
Administration: You may receive ketamine via an IV infusion, a lozenge, or an intramuscular injection. The dose is carefully monitored to make sure it’s right for you and your healing process.
Feeling the effects: Within minutes, you’ll start to feel the effects. You might feel a sense of relaxation, detachment, or even a light, dreamlike state. It’s completely normal to feel “floaty” or like you’re in a different mental space—this is when your brain is ready to process and heal.
Integration and processing: As the ketamine takes effect, you’ll be guided through the session. Many people experience deep emotional insights, shifts in perspective, or an easier way of processing difficult memories. You may also feel more connected to your inner self, which can open the door to meaningful healing.
Post-session reflection: After the ketamine wears off (usually within 40-60 minutes), you’ll have time to reflect on your experience. This can be an opportunity to explore any new insights or emotions that came up during the session, allowing you to integrate them into your journey.
The entire process is designed to help you feel lighter, more empowered, and closer to the healing you’re seeking. If you’re curious or nervous, know that I’ll guide you every step of the way to make sure it’s a safe and transformative experience.
The Benefits and Risks of Ketamine Therapy
If you’re considering ketamine therapy, it’s important to know that it’s safe. Before it started being used for therapy, it was used as an anesthetic in medical procedures for decades. However, that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone–it’s all about working with your health care providers to determine if it’s the right treatment for you and if it can be used in tandem with other treatment methods.
Here are some of the benefits and risks to keep in mind.
Benefits
Rapid relief from anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms
Promotes neuroplasticity, which allows your brain to form new, healthier connections
Can be effective for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD
Emotional clarity, making it easier to work through trauma, process emotions, and gain new insights about your mental health
Offers a safe treatment in a controlled, supervised, and professional setting
Risks
Short-term discomfort for some people who may feel mild disorientation, dizziness, or nausea during a session
Emotional intensity that can be overwhelming or unsettling for some
Potential for misuse if not administered properly
Not a permanent cure-all and should be used as part of a larger healing plan
Not right for everyone, especially if you have certain medical conditions
As with any treatment, it’s important to work closely with your therapist or healthcare provider to make sure it aligns with your unique healing needs and goals.
Why Exploring Ketamine Therapy in Denver Could Be a Life-Changing Option for Healing
If you're feeling stuck in your healing journey or have tried traditional treatments without lasting relief, exploring ketamine therapy in Denver could be a game-changer.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it’s a powerful tool that can work alongside therapy to help you make meaningful breakthroughs and move toward lasting change. If you’re curious about whether ketamine therapy could be the right fit for you, I encourage you to schedule a consultation. Together, we can explore how this cutting-edge treatment might complement your healing process and set you on a path toward greater emotional well-being.
About the Author
Gigi Woodall, LMFT
Eating Disorder & Trauma Therapist in Denver
Hi, I’m Gigi—a Denver-based trauma therapist passionate about helping individuals heal and reconnect with themselves. My work focuses on exploring how early experiences, relationships, and protective parts of the self shape our inner narratives. Through a compassionate and individualized approach, I help clients challenge limiting beliefs and step into a more authentic, intuitive way of living.
My background includes working with nonprofit organizations and treatment centers before transitioning to private practice. I am actively involved with the Eating Disorder Foundation and the Denver chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP). Currently, I’m on the path to becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS).
With specialized training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed therapy, EMDR, and eating disorders, I provide a safe, supportive space for those navigating recovery, trauma, and self-discovery.
Looking for support on your healing journey? Book a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit.