I could hear my partner cutting onions on the other side of the house.

And that’s all it took to pull me out of the experience of my first Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy session.

When I prepared for my first ketamine session, I thought I had everything figured out.

I was asked to come up with an intention, to mentally prepare.

➡️ And my intention was simply “to be open to the process.”

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I wanted to go in without any preconceived notions.

Mentally and emotionally, I was ready.

I had been discussing ketamine therapy with therapist friends and medical professionals for about three years. And as a big fan of science, I wanted to be part of this new frontier.

But there’s one thing I didn’t realize at the time…

Set and setting are everything.

My first KAP session was a virtual one over Zoom.

At the time, I was at home in the city, and I thought I had everything ready…

✅ A purple scarf to cover my eyes
✅ A comfy bed to lie on
✅ A prepared playlist with relaxing music

What I didn’t account for was just how much ketamine heightens your senses.

🚗 I heard every car passing outside the window…

🚨 A siren ringing in the distance…

🧅 And my partner chopping onions for dinner, loud and clear, even though he was on the other side of the house.

My attention strayed to hone in on the different sounds even through the music playing in my earbuds.

In the end, it wasn’t a big deal, as I only had about 10 minutes left in the session, but it underscored how sensitive you can become to your environment.

Since then, I’ve learned from my own mistakes and approach every KAP session I conduct with a deep respect for set and setting.

The lighting, the sounds, the sense of safety – all of it helps shape the experience.

Now, when I facilitate KAP sessions, I make sure they take place in a peaceful, comfortable, and quiet environment where my clients can feel completely safe and at ease. I gently guide them through each phase of the journey so they can fully relax and explore their inner world.

One client described the experience as:

Because while ketamine is powerful, the real magic lies in how we prepare for and process the experience.

It’s about creating the conditions for healing inside and out.

👉🏻 If you’re interested in trying Ketamine-Assisted therapy for yourself, click here to learn more about how it works and book a free call.​

In it, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about going through a ketamine session, including how to best prepare for one.

Until then, feel free to hit “REPLY” with any questions or concerns you may have. My inbox is always open. 💚

​

Upcoming Events

I’m Speaking at the Virginia Counselors Association Conference! ✨
​

​
Topic: The Power of Narrative: Using Expressive Writing to Foster Emotional Healing and Client Connection

Location: Norfolk Waterside Marriott (235 E Main St, Norfolk, VA)

Date: Saturday, November 15th (tomorrow!)

I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be speaking at the VCA Conference this year! I’ll be diving into one of my favorite topics—how narrative and expressive writing can unlock healing, deepen client insight, and create space for the stories that deserve to be heard.

Whether it’s writing letters from the undervalued self or reauthoring the moments that shaped us, this workshop is about turning insight into action—and compassion into change.

If you’re attending VCA, I’d love to see you there (and maybe even hand you a worksheet or two). Let’s talk story, soul, and the science behind why words matter.

Hypnosis + Sound Journey November 19th at 6:30
​

​
I can’t wait to guide you through an IFS-Focused Hypnotherapy journey supported by live sound healing. This is a space to meet your inner parts with curiosity, release stuck protective energy, and rest deeply into sound.

🌀 Hypnosis & Soundbath w/Adina + Katie

📍 4025 MacArthur Ave, Richmond, VA or via ZOOM

🗓 Friday, November 19th at 6:30pm

🔗 RSVP: https://buffalofirefly.com/pages/classes-events-adina-katie​

Come join us if you feel ready for emotional healing, deep rest, and reconnection.

​

Your Writing Prompt

“I’m not burned out, but I’m not okay either.
In my body, ‘not okay’ feels like…
In my schedule, ‘not okay’ looks like…
If I could press pause on one thing for one week, it would be… because…”
​

Want more writing prompts? Download a free sample of the Writing Through Grief and Loss Journal to get IFS journal prompts.

​
With courage & ink,
Adina

​
P.S. Music can truly help deepen the KAP (Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy) experience. It’s incredibly beneficial to research playlists to support your journey. Reply to this email and I’ll be more than happy to share my own curated KAP playlist with you! 🎧

​

​​​

​Unsubscribe · Preferences​