Sierra’s Approach to a Successful Ketamine Experience.

Meet Sierra, an experienced teacher with advanced personal practice in movement and mindfulness. For the past 15 years, she has been deeply engaged in Eastern Movement and Meditation. Sierra is a certified Yoga Instructor and has been guiding others in connecting with their bodies, minds, and spirits for the last 8 years. She studied Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Utah, focusing on interpersonal forgiveness, group dialogue mediation for transforming historical trauma, and global communication. Her diverse experiences and education enable her to understand and serve people from various backgrounds effectively.

Sierra has been with ALT. since the beginning, serving as a spiritual guide and support for our clients during their sessions. She has an immense ability to hold space for others and possesses an intuition that allows her to understand their needs, even when they can't articulate them. Our clients often leave their sessions praising Sierra and thanking her for her compassion and support. In this interview, Sierra and I sat down to discuss the importance of preparation before a ketamine session. She shares her firsthand knowledge on the steps she takes to support and guide our clients safely and effectively.

Interviewer: Hi Sierra, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today. Lets jump right in! Can you talk about your personal journey and how you became interested in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy?

Sierra: I’ve always been interested in alternative therapies. My journey began in high school when I suffered from Epstein-Barr virus, which led to chronic fatigue. Traditional medicine didn’t offer solutions, so I explored alternative therapies like EMDR, acupuncture, and eventually, psychedelics. These experiences profoundly impacted me and helped me understand the connection between mind and body. I’ve seen how intentional psychedelic use can transform lives, which inspired me to help others through ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.

Interviewer: How do you help prepare clients for their ketamine sessions?

Sierra: Preparation is key. I start by asking clients how they’re feeling and if they have any questions. It’s important to provide information tailored to their level of understanding and familiarity with ketamine. I also discuss the physical sensations they might experience and emphasize the importance of consent, especially regarding physical touch. Knowing what makes them feel comfortable and safe is crucial for a positive experience.

Interviewer: Can you share your thoughts on the importance of discussing the potential challenges of ketamine treatments?

Sierra: Absolutely. I think it's crucial to have open conversations about the real-life experiences people might have, including the difficult ones. It's important for everyone working in our clinic to understand that ketamine therapy isn't for everyone. While it's a nice thought to believe that this treatment could help everyone, the reality is that some people might not benefit from it, and it’s important to support them in making the best choices for their health.

Interviewer: How do you support clients who decide that ketamine therapy might not be right for them?

Sierra: My role is to support people in their journey, whether they choose to continue with ketamine therapy or decide it’s not for them. It’s about being present for their mind, body, and spirit and respecting their choices. If they want to walk away from the treatment, that’s perfectly fine. My job is to support them wherever they are in their journey.

Interviewer: I know you have lots of experience in leading yoga classes, how has your experience in yoga influenced your work at ALT.?

Sierra: Teaching yoga for the past eight years has definitely prepared me for this role. In a yoga class, you have to be aware of each person's unique needs and experiences. This has taught me to be present and attentive to the diversity in people’s experiences, which is essential when working one-on-one with clients undergoing ketamine therapy. It’s about understanding what makes people feel comfortable and safe.

Interviewer: What do you recommend clients do before coming to their session?

Sierra: I always advise clients to go to the bathroom beforehand, avoid caffeine and sugar, and wear comfortable clothing. Bringing a personal comfort item, like a piece of jewelry or a small token, can also be helpful. I also discuss the importance of setting intentions and being honest about what they’re comfortable with during the session.

Interviewer: How do you help clients manage their expectations and intentions?

Sierra: Managing expectations is about guiding clients to focus on positive, affirmative intentions rather than fixating on what they want to eliminate. Healing isn’t linear, and it’s important to approach it with compassion and an open mind. I encourage clients to think about what they want to grow within themselves rather than just what they want to get rid of.

Interviewer: How does music play a role in the ketamine sessions?

Sierra: Music can significantly influence the experience. I encourage clients to let me know their preferences and if a particular piece of music isn’t working for them. The goal is to create a calming and supportive environment that aligns with their personal tastes and needs.

Interviewer: Can you share a memorable success story from your time at ALT.?

Sierra: One of the most powerful experiences was with a client who had a very intense session filled with years of grief. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, she felt deeply supported by our team, and there was a palpable shift in her life afterward. Seeing that transformation and knowing we helped facilitate that change was incredibly rewarding.

Interviewer: Okay, so for the last few questions, I know you’ve been with ALT. since the beginning and have conducted numerous sessions. How has it been for you to see clients from their initial sessions to the end? Is there a noticeable difference?

Sierra: Totally. Seeing people go through this process is incredibly powerful. You can really see the changes in them. Initially, clients often come to us with a lot of apprehension, questions, and fears. By the end of their sessions, it’s common for them to have many of their questions answered through their own intuition. The most significant change is the increased conscious awareness that comes from these intentional altered states. They start connecting the dots for themselves and gaining a deeper awareness of their experiences.

Interviewer: So, they’re essentially bringing more awareness to themselves?

Sierra: Exactly. Having that awareness, along with the support and space to engage in these experiences, is incredibly powerful. It allows them to develop more compassion for themselves and others. That’s the most profound change I’ve seen – people becoming more aware and compassionate.

Interviewer: On the flip side, have you witnessed any sessions where clients had a negative experience or found it particularly scary?

Sierra: Yes, definitely. Some people come into the experience with so much anticipation and anxiety that they probably shouldn’t have made the decision to undergo the treatment. If you’re too afraid or feel pressured by someone else, it’s better not to proceed. It’s crucial for individuals to feel empowered to make their own choices. I don’t think these experiences cause irreparable damage, but it’s important to respect one’s own readiness and comfort level.

Interviewer: So, I know you're familiar with other clinics in the area. How would you say ALT. is different from other places?

Sierra: Healing happens in a community, and that’s a core part of our company’s culture. At ALT., you’re supported throughout your entire experience by people who are skilled at holding space for both your body and mind. This level of continuous, personalized support is something that sets us apart from other clinics. Your healing journey isn’t something you have to go through alone; we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Interviewer: What final advice would you give to someone considering ketamine therapy?

Sierra: Ketamine therapy requires honesty with yourself and those around you. If you’re struggling with being honest or if you’re feeling pressured into it, it might not be the right time or the right medicine for you. And that’s okay. It’s important to listen to yourself and make decisions that truly align with your well-being.

Interviewer: Thank you, Sierra, for sharing your insights and experiences. Your dedication to supporting clients on their healing journeys is truly inspiring! 

For those interested in learning more about ketamine-assisted psychotherapy or our other services, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact ALT. at 800-562-9563 or visit our website at www.alttherapy.com. We’re here to support you on your journey to wellness and healing. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to connecting with you.