Our Guiding Principles
Our guiding principles are detailed below. These are the principles that help us shape our protocols and approach.
Mind-Body
We look at the mind and body as one, inseparable whole that makes up your being. This comes from both the spiritual view as well as from the physical and scientific view. In When The Body Says No by Gabor Maté, he presents many examples of the influence the mind has on the physical body. Although the mechanisms are still being explored, it's clear that the mind can change the body, through the nervous, immune and endocrine systems to cause disease but also to heal and restore us. This effect goes as deep as our DNA and the way our cells express genes.
Change
We know that change is possible for everyone. The latest research shows that the brain and nervous system are neuroplastic throughout our lives, meaning new connections can be formed and old ones broken down. This echoes the insights of the Buddha, and many other spiritual leaders, that change is part of life.
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We see ketamine as a catalyst for change. A way to boost neuroplasticity to reset and shape your mind and nervous system in the direction you choose.
Curiosity is the key to remaining open to our experiences, both past and present, which leads to insight and acceptance. By remaining curious, we are able to suspend judgement and avoid jumping to conclusions. This enables deeper exploration of our underlying motivations and habits.
Curiosity
Evidence
At Alleviation Ketamine, we value scientific evidence. We track new studies and changes in the knowledge base of ketamine therapies for multiple conditions. It is important to incorporate new findings into clinical practice to maximize efficacy and safety.
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We also integrate findings from neuroscience and psychology research into our practice, pulling from Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Experiencing, Neurosequential Model, and more.
Multiplicity of Mind
We see the mind as made up of many different parts. This view has been seen in many models of the mind, and aligns with findings from neuroscience and evolutionary psychology. Internal Family Systems, created by Dick Schwartz, elaborates on the dynamics between these parts. Each part has it's own motivations. coping strategies and needs. These part often conflict and can lead to various emotional, psychological and behavioral manifestations. By valuing each part of the system, these part can work together to foster harmony.
In Lost Connections by Johann Hari, he demonstrates that depression is a state of disconnection at it's core. Disconnection from people, from true values, from fulfilling work, from our bodies. Part of the journey involves reconnecting to those parts of our selves that have been exiled or obscured from our consciousness.
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As you embark on your healing journey, we can help you explore those connections and understand that all parts of you being are connected. The mind is intimately connected to the body through the nervous system and immune system. The mind is also connected to the external world through our senses and autonomic nervous system.
Connection
Safety
It is of the utmost importance that you feel safe during your infusion. You need to feel safe in the environment and with the people caring for you. Thus, we have created a safe, comfortable environment where you can fully immerse yourself in your inner world.
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Stephen Porges, founder of The Polyvagal Theory, coined the term neuroception, to describe how the autonomic nervous system unconsciously interprets internal and external stimuli to assess our level of safety. We help you access the social engagement system, to create a sense of safety and connection.
Growth
Growth is a key to finding relief from pain. From pain can come wisdom and compassion. To grow, the right environmental conditions are required and we work to address those conditions so your mind can take the shape you want.
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We also understand that most mental illnesses and chronic medical conditions are products of growth and development in the inadequate environments of abuse, trauma, emotional neglect, and emotional misattunement. We see this as antidote to the shame and stigma that comes with various diagnoses.