Loosening Up: The KA-EMDR Podcast

Ep 6: Healing Complex Trauma with Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy: Interview with Sasha Flores

In this episode, Danielle Ciccone and Michele Topel sit down with therapist and Army veteran Sasha Flores, LCSW to explore her experience integrating Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy into her work with complex trauma. Sasha shares how her own healing journey led her to seek approaches beyond standard EMDR after discovering that parts of her system continued to block access to deeper processing. She discusses how low-dose ketamine combined with EMDR created a sense of safety and nervous system protection that finally allowed difficult material to be fully experienced and processed. Together, they discuss: *Why preparation and stabilization still matter in KA-EMDR *How low-dose ketamine may make overwhelming material more tolerable *The importance of relational safety and co-regulation in trauma healing *Working with military veterans, first responders, and complex PTSD *Why therapists doing their own healing work matters *The role of consultation and collaboration with medical providers *How clients can begin accessing joy, playfulness, and connection after years of survival This conversation offers an honest and deeply human look at the transformational potential of Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy when used thoughtfully, relationally, and with clinical intention. About Our Guest: Sasha Flores, LCSW, LCSW-S, SWICL Licensed in Texas, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado https://www.thekindmindcounseling.com/ [https://www.thekindmindcounseling.com/] horizonsofhope@pm.me [horizonsofhope@pm.me] (361) 202-5238 Learn More: Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com] Our published, peer-reviewed research article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186 [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186022/]... [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186022/] Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/ [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/training]... [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/training] KA-EMDR Therapist Directory: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/ [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory]... [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory]

Ep 5: Getting to the Root with Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy: Interview with Jessica Chacon

In this episode of Loosening Up: The KA-EMDR Podcast, Danielle Ciccone sits down with Jessica Chacon, an integrative therapist based in Colorado, to explore how Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR) is helping clients get to the root of trauma more quickly and effectively. Jessica shares how she integrates EMDR therapy with low-dose ketamine (psycholytic dosing) to support deeper processing, reduce defensiveness, and accelerate access to core emotional memories. Together, they discuss why this approach can create a powerful middle space between traditional talk therapy and psychedelic experiences—making healing both more effective and more accessible. You’ll hear real-world clinical insights on how Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ can support clients struggling with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and substance use, as well as how this model may help clients move beyond feeling stuck in therapy. They also explore: * How low-dose ketamine enhances EMDR reprocessing * Why clients can reach the root of issues in fewer sessions * The role of preparation, pacing, and clinical judgment * Why this approach may reduce long-term therapy dependence while increasing transformational outcomes Whether you’re a therapist curious about integrating ketamine with EMDR, or someone exploring innovative trauma treatments for yourself, this conversation offers both practical guidance and a deeper understanding of how real change happens. About Our Guest: Jessica Chacon, LPC Licensed in Colorado https://www.sweetgrasstherapeutics.com/ [https://www.sweetgrasstherapeutics.com/] jessica@sweetgrasstherapeutics.com [jessica@sweetgrasstherapeutics.com] (720) 695-1372 Learn More: Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com] Our published, peer-reviewed research article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186022/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186022/] Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/training [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/training] Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Consultation: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/consultation [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/consultation] KA-EMDR Therapist Directory: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory] Email: info@ketamineassistedemdr.com [info@ketamineassistedemdr.com]

Ep 4: Accessing Self-Compassion with Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy: Interview with Lauren Battista

In this episode of Loosening Up: The KA-EMDR Podcast, we sit down with Lauren Battista, an EMDR therapist based in Colorado, to explore how Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy (KA-EMDR) can help clients access deeper self-compassion and move through emotional blocks that often keep them stuck in traditional trauma work. Lauren shares how integrating EMDR therapy with low-dose (psycholytic) ketamine has transformed her work with clients experiencing complex trauma, rigid defenses, and chronic self-criticism. Through powerful clinical examples, she describes how KA-EMDR supports adaptive information processing (AIP) and memory reconsolidation, allowing clients to access and reprocess experiences that previously felt unreachable. Together, we explore: * How KA-EMDR helps soften protective blocks and reduce emotional avoidance * Why combining ketamine assisted psychotherapy with EMDR creates both structure and flexibility in trauma treatment * The emergence of self-compassion, especially in clients with deep shame and self-judgment * How “loosening” the system supports nervous system regulation and deeper trauma processing * What it looks like when therapy shifts from feeling stuck to meaningful, accelerated healing Lauren also reflects on how this modality has deepened her trust in the therapeutic process—and in her clients’ innate capacity for trauma healing when the right conditions are in place. This conversation highlights a core principle of KA-EMDR: when blocks soften, the system opens—and new learning becomes possible. About Our Guest: Lauren Battista Licensed in Colorado https://denvermetrocounseling.com/lauren-battista [https://denvermetrocounseling.com/lauren-battista] lauren@denvermetrocounseling.com [lauren@denvermetrocounseling.com] (303) 809-3341 ext. 6 Learn More: Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com] Our published, peer-reviewed research article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12587818/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12587818/] On-Demand Introductory Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/introcourse [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/introcourse] Virtual Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Experiential Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/experientialtraining [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/experientialtraining] Consultation Offerings: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/consultation [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/consultation] KA-EMDR Therapist Directory: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory] Email: info@ketamineassistedemdr.com [info@ketamineassistedemdr.com]

Ep 3: From Surviving to Thriving with Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy: Interview with Jennifer Taylor

This episode explores the transformative potential of Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy (KA-EMDR), revealing how clinicians are helping clients access deep change like never before. Jennifer Taylor, a licensed clinical social worker practicing remotely across three states in the U.S., shares how integrating low-dose ketamine into EMDR sessions creates a gentle, profound shift in healing complex trauma. In this episode, Jennifer shares: * Her journey from traditional EMDR to incorporating Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy * How learning the scientific foundation and receiving experiential training built her confidence * How ketamine facilitates deeper emotional access and memory reconsolidation * Differences between psycholytic and psychedelic ketamine-assisted therapy sessions * Real-life changes she is seeing with her clients If you're a clinician eager to elevate your practice, or a client seeking new pathways to healing, this conversation offers inspiration and a new way to think about what’s possible. Discover how this innovative approach is enhancing client outcomes, shifting clinician perspectives, and expanding therapeutic possibilities. About Our Guest: Jennifer Taylor, LCSW Licensed in Texas, Florida, and Kentucky https://jennifertaylorcounseling.com/ [https://jennifertaylorcounseling.com/] jennifer@jennifertaylorcounseling.com [jennifer@jennifertaylorcounseling.com] (575) 201-3029 Learn More: Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com] Our published, peer-reviewed research article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186022/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186022/] On-Demand Introductory Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/introcourse [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/introcourse] Virtual Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Experiential Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/experientialtraining [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/experientialtraining] Consultation Offerings: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/consultation [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/consultation] KA-EMDR Therapist Directory: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory] info@ketamineassistedemdr.com [info@ketamineassistedemdr.com]

Ep 2: How Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Enhances Trauma Healing: A Conversation with Laura Bell

Unlock the transformative potential of combining EMDR with low-dose ketamine — a breakthrough that's changing trauma therapy. If you're a therapist feeling stuck with clients who can't access deep material or move past ingrained trauma patterns, this episode is for you. Discover how skilled practitioners are integrating Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy to unlock neuroplasticity, accelerate healing, and open pathways long blocked by trauma and the resulting adaptations. Laura Bell, a certified EMDR clinician, consultant and facilitator with the Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy, shares her compelling journey from traditional EMDR to this powerful integration. She reveals how incorporating low-dose ketamine has expanded her clinical toolkit, supporting clients with complex PTSD in accessing, processing, and resolving trauma that previously felt unreachable. In this episode, we discuss: * How psycholytic ketamine enhances neuroplasticity, softens defenses and protective parts, facilitating trauma processing during EMDR * The essential role of EMDR case conceptualization and preparation in safety and effectiveness * The impact of receiving experiential training and consultation in navigating this new frontier * How KA-EMDR can radically transform the lives of clients suffering from complex trauma Why does this matter? Because in a field where many therapists feel limited by traditional methods, integrating ketamine opens doorways to healing that once felt impossible. It offers a way to facilitate deep, lasting change without overloading the client or the therapist. This is more than a protocol; it's a paradigm shift in trauma recovery, with ripple effects extending into families, communities, and beyond. Perfect for EMDR-trained clinicians ready to innovate and accelerate healing in a safe, ethical way. If you're curious about expanding your practice or seeking a powerful adjunct to traditional trauma therapy, this episode provides the insight, support, and inspiration you need.  About Our Guest: Laura Bell, LPC Licensed in Virginia & Vermont www.pathwaysfcs.com [http://www.pathwaysfcs.com] laura@pathwaysfcs.com [laura@pathwaysfcs.com] (703) 239-3268 Learn More: Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com] Our published, peer-reviewed research article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186022/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186022/] On-Demand Introductory Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/introcourse [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/introcourse] Virtual Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Experiential Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/experientialtraining [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/experientialtraining] Consultation Offerings: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/consultation [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/consultation] KA-EMDR Therapist Directory: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory [https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory] info@ketamineassistedemdr.com [info@ketamineassistedemdr.com]