I have found a tremendous synergy between Internal Family Systems (IFS) and low-dose ketamine experiences. The IFS Talks podcast discusses this topic in their episode with Dr. Robert Grant, below.
IFS Talks: The Role of IFS Before and After Ketamine Assisted Treatment
Dr. Robert Grant is an accomplished physician and certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist. This podcast episode delves into the intersection of IFS and ketamine-assisted therapy.
Dr. Grant's journey into the realm of psychotherapy and ketamine-assisted therapy began in the 1980s during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. His work in that field was groundbreaking, leading to the development of PrEP, a highly effective HIV prevention pill. Personal and professional experiences in 2014 shifted his focus towards psychedelic medicine and IFS. The loss of a close colleague to AIDS, despite available treatments, prompted Dr. Grant to explore deeper psychological and emotional connections that conventional medicine often overlooks.
Dr. Grant discusses the role of ketamine in inducing Self-like qualities such as clarity, compassion, and creativity, which support effective IFS therapy. He also talks about common concerns about the dissociative nature of ketamine and how, under the right conditions, it can help connect with exiled parts, leading to profound therapeutic outcomes.
This episode offers valuable insights into how combining ketamine with IFS can enhance the therapeutic process, providing a powerful tool for those seeking deep psychological healing. Dr. Grant's approach underscores the necessity of a compassionate, patient-centered methodology in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, ensuring that all parts of one’s psyche are acknowledged and integrated.
The whole podcast episode is good—around minute 20:00, there is a great discussion of the process of Ketamine Assisted Therapy.
Dr. Grant's expertise and compassionate approach provide a compelling case for the integration of psychedelic therapies in modern clinical practice.