Episode 47 - What You Should Tell Your Ketamine Patients: 4 Things To Expect During Their Infusion (Episodes from the Vault)
The essential patient communication guide for medical professionals—covering the four critical strategies for ketamine therapy preparation, emotional safety, and optimal treatment outcomes.
We're continuing our holiday break from regularly scheduled programming to bring you another foundational resource: the patient communication strategies that transform ketamine therapy from a clinical procedure into a truly healing experience.
This episode originally came from one of our mastermind sessions with students from our Ketamine Startup 101 course, where we dove deep into patient preparation and emotional safety protocols. It's become one of our most popular episodes..
Whether you're building a ketamine practice, looking to elevate your current patient communication, or trying to understand what separates exceptional clinics from those that simply provide treatment, this episode gives you the complete framework.
This is part of our "Episodes from the Vault" series, bringing back content that continues to serve as the go-to resource for healthcare providers focused on patient experience excellence.
For those who may recall, this was originally released as Episode 33. The mastermind format allowed us to go deep on each communication strategy while keeping everything immediately actionable for real-world implementation.
This episode is especially valuable if you're training staff members, standardizing patient communication protocols, or seeking to create the kind of trust and safety that enables true therapeutic transformation. The strategies we share bridge clinical excellence with emotional intelligence which is exactly what ketamine therapy demands.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
The four essential communications every ketamine patient needs before treatment
Specific language and techniques for normalizing anxiety and fostering trust
How to prepare patients for non-ordinary experiences while ensuring emotional safety
Key Takeaways
Patients who receive pre-treatment education about nervousness being normal may experience reduced anxiety and better treatment outcomes during their first ketamine infusion
Pre-framing non-ordinary states of consciousness can help patients feel safer when unexpected experiences occur, since they know these states will end when the infusion stops
Providers who acknowledge potential physical sensations like nausea or dizziness and explain available interventions may reduce patient anxiety about distinguishing between normal side effects and medical emergencies
Creating emotional safety for tears, anger, or grief release during ketamine treatment can allow patients to process suppressed emotions that have been held for years or decades
Staff trained in emotional intelligence and "late night DJ" communication techniques can provide better patient support during vulnerable psychedelic states
Patients may feel more secure when providers explain the specific safety measures in place, including continuous monitoring, IV access for medication adjustments, and the ability to stop treatment at any time
The therapeutic experience may begin when patients commit to treatment, not just when ketamine enters their system, making pre-treatment communication crucial for outcomes
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or on your favorite podcast platform. Watch the discussion on YouTube here.
Episode 47 show notes:
00:00 Teaser - Why presence matters
00:49 Episode introduction
01:59 The Patient Communication Framework - The four essential things patients need to know and why therapeutic experience begins before treatment
06:14 #1: Feeling Nervous is Normal - Acknowledging patient anxiety, pre-framing concepts, and diving board metaphor for first treatments
10:59 #2: They May See, Feel, or Realize Big Things - Preparing patients for non-ordinary states of consciousness and ensuring they understand experiences will end
15:08 #3: Physical Sensations May Happen - Managing nausea, dizziness, and physical side effects with proactive medical interventions
17:31 #4: Emotional Releases Are Possible - Creating safe space for tears, anger, and grief while normalizing emotional expression
27:31 Practical Implementation Tips - Team training strategies, consistent language protocols, and creating emotionally safe clinical environments
30:19 Episode wrap-up
Thanks for Listening
Professional Education Disclaimer: This content is intended exclusively for licensed healthcare professionals and should not be used by patients for self-treatment or self-education. The information presented reflects individual provider experiences and should not replace clinical judgment, professional training, or comprehensive research. Healthcare providers must conduct their own due diligence, consult current literature, and evaluate treatment approaches within their specific practice context and regulatory environment. This educational content does not constitute medical advice for specific patients or clinical situations - treatment decisions should always be based on individual patient assessment and adherence to professional medical standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare first-time ketamine patients for what to expect during treatment?
Use a "pre-framing" approach that acknowledges nervousness as completely normal while explaining the four main areas patients may experience: emotional responses, non-ordinary states of consciousness, physical sensations, and the temporary nature of all effects. We like using metaphors like the diving board analogy - nervousness before a new experience is expected, but safety measures are in place. Starting with lower doses on first sessions could help patients acclimate gradually to the experience.
What should I tell patients about the psychedelic effects of ketamine therapy?
Patients may experience dreamlike imagery, visions, or mystical experiences that feel meaningful even if they're difficult to explain. Emphasize that these non-ordinary states of consciousness will end when the infusion stops, typically within 5-15 minutes after treatment concludes. Some patients may worry they might get "stuck" in these states, so reassurance about the temporary nature and the option to stop treatment at any time helps manage anxiety.
How do I manage patient concerns about physical side effects during ketamine infusions?
Common physical sensations include nausea, dizziness, or headaches, which vary based on dose and individual sensitivity. Explain available interventions such as IV Zofran for nausea, Toradol for headaches, or pre-treatment with meclizine for patients prone to motion sickness. Having these medications readily available and explaining them beforehand helps patients distinguish between normal side effects and concerning symptoms requiring attention.
What should I do if patients have emotional releases during ketamine treatment?
Emotional expressions like crying, anger, or grief during ketamine therapy can be therapeutic releases of suppressed emotions held for years. Normalize these responses and train staff to provide emotional support through presence, gentle touch like hand-holding, or comfort items like soft blankets. Some patients cry throughout entire sessions after not crying for decades - this can be a healing cathartic experience rather than distress requiring intervention.
How can I train my staff to provide emotional support during ketamine treatments?
Focus staff training on emotional intelligence, "late night DJ" communication techniques (calm, smooth tone), and understanding patient vulnerability during treatment. Screen for naturally emotionally intelligent candidates during hiring, and develop protocols for providing comfort through presence, appropriate touch, and creating safe spaces for emotional expression. Everyone from phone staff to medical assistants should understand these communication principles for consistency.
What communication techniques work best with anxious ketamine patients?
Focus on body language (open posture rather than crossed arms), tone of voice (calm and measured), and speech rate (slower is often more reassuring). The "late night DJ voice" technique - smooth, mellow speaking - helps regulate patient anxiety. Acknowledge whatever energy patients are presenting with, repeat important information multiple times, and emphasize safety measures like continuous monitoring to help patients feel more secure during vulnerable states.
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Selected Links From the Episode:
Book mentioned - Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss
If you’re interested in learning more about creating a healing and therapeutic space definitely check out these other episodes: