Chaperone Tips
Your ketamine session chaperone is a valuable part of your experience. It is essential you choose someone with whom you feel can respect boundaries and provide nurturing support.
It is encouraged you have them read the following tips and guidelines to ensure a safe and effective ketamine treatment process.
Dear Chaperone…
Thank you for providing support during this vital healing journey. Your role is important so follow the guidelines below to help create the best healing environment for the ketamine treatments.
Prior to Ketamine Treatment Session
You will be the designated driver to and from the ketamine session due to the sedative nature of the medication. Its effects will linger for several hours after the session occurs so it may be important to assist with any needs for the remainder of the day if they should arise.
If your presence is requested in the room during the ketamine treatment, discuss with them in advance about touch and whether they may need you to let them know you are there if they need support. If touch is requested, discuss how this will occur. (i.e. touch on the shoulder, hold hand, etc.) or in what circumstance (i.e. only if they verbally request, if they appear in distress, etc.).
Post Ketamine Treatment
Ketamine will provide for a dreamlike state and the memory of the experience will lessen as time passes. Therefore, you may want to discuss whether they would like you to make notes of anything they share immediately after the session. Please keep anything they share private as they are in a vulnerable state of mind and trust you with their journey.
It is not recommended to engage in intense conversations post-treatment or ask too many questions about their experience unless they want to share. It is important for them to make meaning of their insight on their own time and in their own way without external influence. Your presence is one of a gentle listener who is “holding space.”
Please create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility for the remainder of the day to allow for the best healing environment. Help create an environment that is free of overstimulating media, news, social interactions, etc., and refrain from discussing emotionally disruptive topics.
Remain with them until they feel fully safe and secure and ensure they do not drive for the remainder of the day.
IMPORTANT - If they are sharing any thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation, please reach out to their therapist, medical provider, or support system and call 9-1-1 if you feel they need help keeping safe.