Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy (PAP)
PSYCHEDELIC ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY (pAP)
Integrating neuroscience, psychotherapy, and compassion — led by a registered clinical psychologist
Evidence‑informed care integrating psychedelic with psychotherapy to address treatment‑resistant symptoms of depression, PTSD‑related distress, anxiety, and chronic pain—delivered with careful screening, monitoring, and integration.
We are pleased to now offer Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy (PAP) in collaboration with Breakthrough Therapies, a leading provider of safe and evidence-based psychedelic treatments.
What Is Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy (PAP)?
PAP is an emerging, research-supported approach that combines the therapeutic potential of prescribed psychedelic medications with structured psychotherapy.
When used in a safe, structured setting under medical supervision, medicine can temporarily alter brain chemistry, enhance neuroplasticity, and reduce entrenched patterns of emotional distress.
When paired with skilled psychological support before, during, and after dosing, PAP can help clients process difficult emotions, develop new perspectives, and achieve deeper therapeutic change.
This integrative model can help individuals experiencing depression, trauma, anxiety, and chronic pain by enhancing access to emotions, promoting neuroplasticity, and supporting meaningful psychological change.
Unlike brief ketamine “infusion” treatments, psychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAP) integrates psychological preparation, guided dosing support, and post-session integration therapy to ensure insights are translated into lasting emotional and behavioural growth.
Why Work With a Clinical Psychologist?
As a registered clinical psychologist with extensive experience in trauma, mind-body conditions, and emotional regulation, I offer a clinical, evidence-based, and trauma-informed approach to psychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAP).
I do not prescribe any medication; instead, I collaborate with with Breakthrough Therapies’ medical team, who oversee all medical aspects of psychedelic-assisted treatment.
My role is to provide the psychotherapeutic framework , helping you prepare, process, and integrate your experience safely and meaningfully. Psychotherapy is provided in a safe, supportive environment, with careful attention to preparation, guided exploration, and integration of insights into daily life.
Our Treatment Protocol
The PAP Process: Step by Step
Our psychedelic assisted psychotherapy program follows a structured protocol developed by Dr. Dawn DeCunha, Psychologist, carefully designed to balance safety, consistency, and personalization.
- Initial Consultation & Screening
We review your mental health history, current medications, and goals. If appropriate, you are referred for a medical evaluation to confirm eligibility for treatment. - Preparation Sessions
Before any dosing, we work together to clarify intentions, build emotional regulation skills, and establish trust. These sessions lay the foundation for a safe, focused experience. - Psychedelic-Assisted Sessions
During the dosing session (typically conducted at a partnering clinic), I guide you through the process using mindfulness and grounding techniques to support emotional exploration and self-compassion. - Integration Therapy
Following the journey, integration sessions help translate insights into lasting psychological change, reinforcing new neural and emotional patterns - Aftercare Session
A final session dedicated to consolidating progress, planning ongoing supports, and maintaining long-term well-being.
This sequence provides a structured framework while allowing space to adapt the pace and focus to each client’s unique needs.
Who may benefit?
Depression
Including treatment‑resistant presentations where standard therapies and medications have offered limited relief.
Anxiety disorders
Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic with persistent physiological arousal and rigid avoidance patterns.
PTSD‑related symptoms
Intrusions, avoidance, hyperarousal, and associated shame or guilt where trauma‑focused therapy alone has not been sufficient.
Stuckness in therapy
When insight is present but change remains blocked by entrenched defensive patterns or physiological rigidity.
Chronic pain
When pain is amplified by fear, avoidance, or central sensitization—supported with mind‑body approaches.
Not a first‑line treatment
KAP is considered when standard, evidence‑based treatments have not sufficiently addressed symptoms.
Safety, Regulation, and Ethics
PAP in Canada is offered off-label, using prescribed medication under the supervision of licensed physicians or nurse practitioners.
All psychotherapeutic components adhere to the standards of the College of Psychologists of Ontario and follow strict confidentiality and informed-consent procedures.
Clients are screened for medical and psychiatric suitability, and safety protocols are followed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this legal and regulated in Canada?
Ketamine is a legally available medication in Canada when prescribed by an authorized medical professional. Using ketamine alongside psychotherapy for mental health or pain is an off‑label practice that requires informed consent and medical oversight.
Do I stop my current medications?
Do not change any medications without speaking to your prescriber. The medical provider coordinating your dosing will review potential interactions and advise on any adjustments.
How do I prepare for a dosing day?
We will review fasting, transportation, support person availability, and create a personalized intention and safety plan. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or making major decisions for the rest of the day.
How many session will I need?
Our typical protocol consists of 11-12 sessions, including 6 dosing sessions. However, we tailor frequency to your goals, response, and safety considerations.
Can I get addicted to medication?
When used in clinical setting with professional supervision, the risk of addicition is low. The risk is primarily associated with unsupervised or recreational use.
Need further assistance?
Need help finding the answers you need? Let’s have a conversation.
Additional Resources
“Ketamine & Depression: How it Works – Yale Medicine Explains”
The video outlines how ketamine acts rapidly to alleviate depression by promoting synaptic growth and enhancing neuroplasticity, offering relief even in treatment-resistant cases. It discusses the biochemical mechanisms (beyond traditional neurotransmitters) and presents ketamine as a promising new frontier in depression research.
“Ketamine: Benefits and Risks for Depression, PTSD & Neuroplasticity | Huberman Lab Podcast”
This lengthy podcast is for triose who want to make a deep dive into the neurobiology and mechanisms of action of ketamine. The podcast discusses ketamine’s therapeutic potential in treating depression, PTSD, and enhancing neuroplasticity, highlighting both its benefits and risks. It examines how ketamine acts at the molecular level and addresses safety, side effects, and appropriate clinical use.