10 Mindbloom Clients on Their First Ketamine Sessions

Starting a psychedelic therapy program can surface a lot of emotions: anticipation, uncertainty, fear, doubt, excitement, and everything in between. Although each individual's journey is unique, it can be helpful to hear directly from others who have had the experience of what it was like, and what surfaced for them.

There is always a range of experiences that happen in the first session, based on your preparation, your set and setting, and what you need to see/hear/feel for your own healing process. Sometimes it's mild, sometimes it's emotional, sometimes it's intense or psychedelic. Ultimately, it will always be just what you need, right when you need it.

We’re honored that several Mindbloom clients offered to share how their first sessions at Mindbloom went.

What Mindbloom Clients Had to Say After Their First Sessions

Trusting, letting go, and be open helped with the intensity

“Intense. I've had plenty of experience with the psychedelic mindset. That helped a lot. I think it also helped me to trust and let go, and my first experience was a huge release of emotion that I didn't see coming. It was intense, but I let go, and it was very good.” – Sean

A Note from Mindbloom: You can explore the trusted T.L.O. mantra in more detail on our blog, here.

A powerful and life-changing experience

“I am now half way through my six week journey and all three of my sessions have been miraculous! I have never felt completely out of control on the ketamine, but my experiences have been incredibly powerful and life changing! Not only was each ketamine adventure positive, but every interaction I have had with my [clinician] and my Guide has been so wonderful, insightful, warm, and affirming! Krystine, my Guide, has been particularly lovely and I'm so grateful for her support!” – Gloria

Less intense than anticipated, but effective

“My first session was relatively mild. I was quite nervous, but it wound up being less intense than originally anticipated. Less intense, but effective. After reconnecting with my clinician, my dosage was modified and the subsequent experiences were much deeper. With some intention setting and some thought provoking audio tracks, I had some huge breakthroughs in my second and third sessions.” – A.K.

A Note from Mindbloom: This is an entire healing journey, and each session builds on the progress of the previous ones. Sometimes there is a buildup with major experiences happening further into the program. Everyone’s journey is unique here.

Memories came up without the usual feelings of trauma

“I was surprised at the amount of things that came up in my first session as well as the ability to have a memory come up, and look at it like a movie, without all the usual physical sensations and feelings that come up for me with trauma (like headaches, nausea etc). The next day was a little rough, as all the feelings I did not feel during the session surfaced. This also happened in the second session. The third session was the first time I woke up the next day and felt surprisingly well. My mood was happy and I experienced joy.” – Hannah

A Note from Mindbloom: While the experiences are important, taking care to integrate the sessions and experiences is just as important. We have a list of techniques to help with that here. Ketamine treatment is not always a positive linear process, experiences vary and subjective emotions may increase/decrease throughout the course of treatment.

Feelings of unknown joy and presence

“The first session was exceptional, and a truly mind opening experience. I experienced a level of joy and being present that I had not known in life prior. The euphoria I felt during the first session carried with me for several days. I found the positive effects so impactful that the only anxiety I experienced was the anxiety that the benefits may not last.” – Steven

Problems no longer weighing them down

“For the first time in way too long, I felt like there was this invisible wall between myself and my problems (or things that were weighing on my mind). Not that the treatment removed those things, but it allowed me to separate from those things and feel like they didn't need to be constantly sitting on my shoulders, weighing me down.” – P.H.

The most transformational experience of their life

“My first mindbloom session was the most transformational experience I have ever had in my life (and I don't say that lightly). I normally have a very hard shell and the experience left me in tears of joy. I had connected with my inner child for the first time in years. It was such an amazing experience and I am so grateful to have found Mindbloom.” – L.D.

Noticing subtle changes since beginning treatment

“I was a combination of nervous and excited at the onset of my first session. Although I was confident to proceed given the medical OK, it was still a little unnerving. However I found the session itself to be relaxing, a little colorful and overall a very positive experience. I didn't have a big a-ha moment during that session or any of the sessions that followed, but I've noticed subtle changes since beginning the program. I'm reading about people who have instant relief from all anxiety and I'm happy for them! While that's not been my experience, I'm very happy with my results thus far.” – George

A Note from Mindbloom: There can be a lot of developments that happen under the surface of conscious awareness throughout these experiences. Having mild sessions is not uncommon, but it doesn’t mean that nothing is happening. Explore this in more detail here.

Set and setting was key to the experience 

“Excellent. I really appreciate the protocol of how the sessions are delivered and managed. Having the right mentality going into the session helped a lot but the most difficult part of the very first session was not knowing to expect. However the experience was overwhelmingly positive and set the tone.” – S.P.

The overwhelming sense of relief was unlike anything they’d ever felt

“The first session was unlike anything I'd ever felt - and unlike any of the subsequent sessions. I waited for the ketamine to take effect and wondered if it would. When it did, I felt an absolutely overwhelming sense of relief. There is no other word to describe the feeling. It was like an incredible weight had been lifted from my shoulders. It brought me to tears. I actually spent a fair amount of my first session crying - from relief at first, and later from recognizing some of the beauty in life. It was a transformative experience.” – C.D.

A Note from Mindbloom: Emotional catharsis can be a significant part of the healing process, of allowing your emotions to arise naturally and pass through you. Sometimes, all we need is a good cry and to allow all of ourselves to be present.

If you are ready to embark on your own healing journey, please complete our client assessment to begin the process.