Choosing Between Group and Individual Ketamine Therapy
Group vs. Individual
Prospective group participants often ask me about the difference between group ketamine therapy versus individual sessions. It’s not uncommon for folks to express some doubt about the vulnerability of doing ketamine, especially for the first time, around others they just met. At the same time, ketamine therapy groups are more accessible financially than individual sessions, which is an important and often deciding factor. This blog is meant to clear up the differences between individual and group ketamine therapy so you can make an informed decision.
Benefits of a Ketamine Therapy Group
There are several potential benefits to participating in a ketamine therapy group. Here are some reasons why you might consider group versus individual ketamine therapy:
Support and Connection
Ketamine therapy groups provide a sense of community and connection with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. Sharing your thoughts and feelings in a group setting can foster a sense of understanding and support. This can help normalize your experience of anxiety or depression, for instance, by showing you that others are going through similar struggles. The result is reduced feelings of isolation and stigma, and a better sense of belonging.
Social Skills Development
Ketamine therapy groups offer a safe environment to practice and develop interpersonal skills. It can be especially helpful for individuals who struggle with social anxiety or difficulties in relating to others. While it’s an edge for clients who struggle with social anxiety to practice vulnerability in a group, especially with ketamine thrown into the mix, previous group members have shared that the opportunity to push beyond their comfort zone with the support of facilitators and the heart-opening effects of ketamine was transformative.
Cost-Effective
Group ketamine therapy is more cost effective than individual therapy since your facilitators’ time is divided among multiple participants. This can make ketamine therapy more accessible and possible to do more regularly. Please see our FAQs on our ketamine therapy group page to see the breakdown and comparison of costs between individual and group work.
Feedback and Motivation
Getting feedback from others can provide valuable insights and alternative viewpoints. Hearing how others perceive your situation can contribute to personal growth and self-awareness. In turn, seeing others make progress or overcome challenges in the group can be motivating. It may inspire you to take positive steps in your own life.
That being said, I want to acknowledge that group ketamine therapy may not be suitable for everyone, and individual ketamine therapy or other forms of support might be more appropriate for certain individuals and conditions. Personal preferences, comfort level, and the specific nature of your concerns should be considered when deciding on the type of ketamine therapy that is most beneficial for you.
When Individual Ketamine Therapy Makes More Sense
Of course, individual therapy and group ketamine therapy each have their unique strengths and advantages. You may consider individual ketamine therapy for these reasons:
Personalized Focus
Individual ketamine therapy allows for a highly personalized and focused approach tailored to your specific needs, challenges, and goals. Your therapist can address your unique concerns in depth without the need to balance the needs of multiple group members.
Confidentiality
Individual ketamine therapy provides a confidential and private space where you can openly discuss sensitive or personal matters without concerns about sharing them with a group. If you wish to work on very specific traumatic experiences and trauma-related symptoms, you may consider doing this individually for additional privacy and support.
Intensive Exploration
In individual therapy, there’s more time for in-depth exploration of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The therapeutic relationship is one-on-one, allowing for a deep understanding of your personal history and patterns. For this reason, the therapist can tailor interventions and treatment plans specifically to your individual needs and preferences. This level of customization may be beneficial for addressing unique challenges or specific mental health conditions. Plus, it goes without saying that when doing individual ketamine therapy work, you have your therapist’s undivided attention throughout the session.
Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance, the bond between therapist and client, can be particularly strong in individual ketamine therapy work. This strong alliance can contribute to a trusting and supportive relationship, which is foundational for effective trauma therapy.
While this is not a fixed rule, it generally makes sense for those with more severe trauma-related symptoms such as suicidal ideation, severe PTSD symptoms, self-harm, and substance abuse to consider individual ketamine therapy work for a more tailored and supportive approach. Some individuals may find a combination of both individual and group therapy to be effective in addressing their mental health goals.
Making a Decision That’s Right for You
Individual and group ketamine therapy each offers distinct advantages depending on your preferences and therapeutic needs. Individual ketamine therapy provides a private and focused environment where you can delve deep into your inner world with the undivided attention of your therapist. This format is a highly personalized approach to ketamine therapy, which includes tailored interventions designed to meet your unique needs. Confidentiality is a hallmark of individual therapy, which means that it creates a safe space for you to explore sensitive issues, such as your trauma history. The therapeutic alliance between you and your therapist is meant to be supportive and trusting, which can be a force for healing early attachment wounds.
On the other hand, ketamine therapy groups foster a sense of community and peer support that may be hard to access through individual therapy. While group therapy may involve some trade-offs in terms of individual attention and confidentiality, it provides a unique social context for personal growth. Interactions with other group members may support the development of interpersonal skills and provide a supportive network.
In determining whether to pursue individual or group ketamine therapy, consider your therapeutic goals and personal preferences. While some may favor one format over the other, a combination of both approaches could provide a well-rounded and comprehensive strategy for promoting mental health and overall well-being.
If you are still wondering which option is best for you, our team is available to discuss the best options for you based on your therapeutic goals and needs.
Next Steps
If you are interested in learning more about whether ketamine therapy groups or individual ketamine therapy is right for you, please contact our team to learn more. We would be happy to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your options further.