Loosening Up: The KA-EMDR™ Podcast

Danielle Ciccone & Michele Topel
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Mental Health

Loosening Up: The KA-EMDR™ Podcast explores how EMDR therapists are integrating Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR™) into their clinical practices and what they are noticing as clients soften and access opens in the therapy room. Danielle Ciccone and Michele Topel, co-developers of the KA-EMDR™ model and co-founders of Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute, talk with clinicians about real-world implementation of this innovative approach and how low-dose ketamine can enhance EMDR therapy, supporting deeper processing and transformational healing for clients.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Ep 7: Gentle but Powerful Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy (KA-EMDR™): Interview with Ashley Hartman

    In this episode of Loosening Up: The KA-EMDR™ Podcast, Danielle Ciccone interviews Ashley Hartman, a trauma therapist and yoga teacher specializing in complex trauma, attachment focused healing, EMDR, IFS, somatic therapies, and Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™. Ashley shares her personal journey into psychedelic-assisted healing, what drew her to KA-EMDR™, and why she describes the experience as both gentle and powerful. Together, Danielle and Ashley explore how low-dose ketamine may help clients access difficult material without becoming overwhelmed, creating opportunities for deeper processing, increased self-compassion, and meaningful transformation. They discuss attachment wounds, protective parts, witness consciousness, embodied healing, and the unique ways KA-EMDR™ can help clients who have felt stuck despite years of therapy. Ashley also shares what she has observed in her own clients, including increased access to emotional material, greater agency, and shifts that continue well beyond the therapy session. Memorable themes from this conversation: "Gentle but powerful."Healing does not require losing control.Protective parts are not the problem. They are trying to help.Clients are not broken; their systems are working exactly as designed.Transformation occurs when emotional learning shifts, not just when insight is gained.The client is ultimately the medicine they have been waiting for. Whether you're a therapist interested in integrating ketamine with EMDR therapy or someone curious about innovative approaches to trauma treatment, this conversation offers an inspiring look at what becomes possible when healing feels both gentle and powerful. About Our Guest: Ashley Hartman, LCSW, PMH-C Licensed in Colorado and Illinois https://www.the-sacred-becoming.com/ ashley@ashley-hartman.com (708) 480-2016 Learn More:  Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute:  https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com Our published, peer-reviewed research article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186022/ KA-EMDR™ Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/training KA-EMDR™ Consultation: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/consultation KA-EMDR™ Therapist Directory: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory Email: info@ketamineassistedemdr.com

    40 min

  2. May 21

    Ep 6: Healing Complex Trauma with Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy: Interview with Sasha Flores

    In this episode, Danielle Ciccone and Michele Topel sit down with therapist and Army veteran Sasha Flores, LCSW to explore her experience integrating Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ into her work with complex trauma. Sasha shares how her own healing journey led her to seek approaches beyond standard EMDR after discovering that parts of her system continued to block access to deeper processing. She discusses how low-dose ketamine combined with EMDR created a sense of safety and nervous system protection that finally allowed difficult material to be fully experienced and processed. Together, they discuss: *Why preparation and stabilization still matter in KA-EMDR™ *How low-dose ketamine may make overwhelming material more tolerable *The importance of relational safety and co-regulation in trauma healing *Working with military veterans, first responders, and complex PTSD *Why therapists doing their own healing work matters *The role of consultation and collaboration with medical providers *How clients can begin accessing joy, playfulness, and connection after years of survival This conversation offers an honest and deeply human look at the transformational potential of KA-EMDR™ when used thoughtfully, relationally, and with clinical intention. About Our Guest: Sasha Flores, LCSW, LCSW-S, SWICL Licensed in Texas, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado https://www.thekindmindcounseling.com/ horizonsofhope@pm.me (361) 202-5238 Learn More: Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com Our published, peer-reviewed research article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186... KA-EMDR™ Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/... KA-EMDR™ Therapist Directory: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/...

    42 min

  3. Apr 30

    Ep 5: Getting to the Root with Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy: Interview with Jessica Chacon

    In this episode of Loosening Up: The KA-EMDR™ Podcast, Danielle Ciccone sits down with Jessica Chacon, an integrative therapist based in Colorado, to explore how Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR™) is helping clients get to the root of trauma more quickly and effectively. Jessica shares how she integrates EMDR therapy with low-dose ketamine (psycholytic dosing) to support deeper processing, reduce defensiveness, and accelerate access to core emotional memories. Together, they discuss why this approach can create a powerful middle space between traditional talk therapy and psychedelic experiences—making healing both more effective and more accessible. You’ll hear real-world clinical insights on how KA-EMDR™ can support clients struggling with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and substance use, as well as how this model may help clients move beyond feeling stuck in therapy. They also explore: How low-dose ketamine enhances EMDR reprocessingWhy clients can reach the root of issues in fewer sessionsThe role of preparation, pacing, and clinical judgmentWhy this approach may reduce long-term therapy dependence while increasing transformational outcomes Whether you’re a therapist curious about integrating ketamine with EMDR, or someone exploring innovative trauma treatments for yourself, this conversation offers both practical guidance and a deeper understanding of how real change happens. About Our Guest: Jessica Chacon, LPC Licensed in Colorado https://www.sweetgrasstherapeutics.com/ jessica@sweetgrasstherapeutics.com (720) 695-1372 Learn More: Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com Our published, peer-reviewed research article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186022/ KA-EMDR™ Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/training KA-EMDR™ Consultation: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/consultation KA-EMDR™ Therapist Directory: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory Email: info@ketamineassistedemdr.com

    49 min

  4. Apr 14

    Ep 4: Accessing Self-Compassion with Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy: Interview with Lauren Battista

    In this episode of Loosening Up: The KA-EMDR™ Podcast, we sit down with Lauren Battista, an EMDR therapist based in Colorado, to explore how Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR™) can help clients access deeper self-compassion and move through emotional blocks that often keep them stuck in traditional trauma work. Lauren shares how integrating EMDR therapy with low-dose (psycholytic) ketamine has transformed her work with clients experiencing complex trauma, rigid defenses, and chronic self-criticism. Through powerful clinical examples, she describes how KA-EMDR™ supports adaptive information processing (AIP) and memory reconsolidation, allowing clients to access and reprocess experiences that previously felt unreachable. Together, we explore: How KA-EMDR™ helps soften protective blocks and reduce emotional avoidanceWhy combining ketamine assisted psychotherapy with EMDR creates both structure and flexibility in trauma treatmentThe emergence of self-compassion, especially in clients with deep shame and self-judgmentHow “loosening” the system supports nervous system regulation and deeper trauma processingWhat it looks like when therapy shifts from feeling stuck to meaningful, accelerated healing Lauren also reflects on how this modality has deepened her trust in the therapeutic process—and in her clients’ innate capacity for trauma healing when the right conditions are in place. This conversation highlights a core principle of KA-EMDR™: when blocks soften, the system opens—and new learning becomes possible. About Our Guest: Lauren Battista Licensed in Colorado https://denvermetrocounseling.com/lauren-battista lauren@denvermetrocounseling.com (303) 809-3341 ext. 6 Learn More: Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com Our published, peer-reviewed research article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12587818/ On-Demand Introductory Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/introcourse Virtual Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Experiential Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/experientialtraining Consultation Offerings: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/consultation KA-EMDR™ Therapist Directory: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory Email: info@ketamineassistedemdr.com

    40 min

  5. Mar 16

    Ep 3: From Surviving to Thriving with Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy: Interview with Jennifer Taylor

    This episode explores the transformative potential of Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy (KA-EMDR™), revealing how clinicians are helping clients access deep change like never before. Jennifer Taylor, a licensed clinical social worker practicing remotely across three states in the U.S., shares how integrating low-dose ketamine into EMDR sessions creates a gentle, profound shift in healing complex trauma. In this episode, Jennifer shares: Her journey from traditional EMDR to incorporating KA-EMDR™How learning the scientific foundation and receiving experiential training built her confidenceHow ketamine facilitates deeper emotional access and memory reconsolidationDifferences between psycholytic and psychedelic ketamine-assisted therapy sessionsReal-life changes she is seeing with her clients If you're a clinician eager to elevate your practice, or a client seeking new pathways to healing, this conversation offers inspiration and a new way to think about what’s possible. Discover how this innovative approach is enhancing client outcomes, shifting clinician perspectives, and expanding therapeutic possibilities. About Our Guest: Jennifer Taylor, LCSW Licensed in Texas, Florida, and Kentucky https://jennifertaylorcounseling.com/ jennifer@jennifertaylorcounseling.com (575) 201-3029 Learn More: Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com Our published, peer-reviewed research article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186022/ On-Demand Introductory Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/introcourse Virtual Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Experiential Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/experientialtraining Consultation Offerings: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/consultation KA-EMDR™ Therapist Directory: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory info@ketamineassistedemdr.com

    51 min

  6. Feb 27

    Ep 2: How Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Enhances Trauma Healing: A Conversation with Laura Bell

    Unlock the transformative potential of combining EMDR with low-dose ketamine — a breakthrough that's changing trauma therapy. If you're a therapist feeling stuck with clients who can't access deep material or move past ingrained trauma patterns, this episode is for you. Discover how skilled practitioners are integrating Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy (KA-EMDR™) to unlock neuroplasticity, accelerate healing, and open pathways long blocked by trauma and the resulting adaptations. Laura Bell, a certified EMDR clinician, consultant and facilitator with the Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy, shares her compelling journey from traditional EMDR to this powerful integration. She reveals how incorporating low-dose ketamine has expanded her clinical toolkit, supporting clients with complex PTSD in accessing, processing, and resolving trauma that previously felt unreachable. In this episode, we discuss: How psycholytic ketamine enhances neuroplasticity, softens defenses and protective parts, facilitating trauma processing during EMDRThe essential role of EMDR case conceptualization and preparation in safety and effectivenessThe impact of receiving experiential training and consultation in navigating this new frontierHow KA-EMDR™ can radically transform the lives of clients suffering from complex trauma Why does this matter? Because in a field where many therapists feel limited by traditional methods, integrating ketamine opens doorways to healing that once felt impossible. It offers a way to facilitate deep, lasting change without overloading the client or the therapist. This is more than a protocol; it's a paradigm shift in trauma recovery, with ripple effects extending into families, communities, and beyond. Perfect for EMDR-trained clinicians ready to innovate and accelerate healing in a safe, ethical way. If you're curious about expanding your practice or seeking a powerful adjunct to traditional trauma therapy, this episode provides the insight, support, and inspiration you need.  About Our Guest: Laura Bell, LPC Licensed in Virginia & Vermont www.pathwaysfcs.com laura@pathwaysfcs.com (703) 239-3268 Learn More: Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com Our published, peer-reviewed research article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186022/ On-Demand Introductory Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/introcourse Virtual Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Experiential Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/experientialtraining KA-EMDR Therapist Directory: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory info@ketamineassistedemdr.com

    43 min

  7. Feb 12

    Ep 1: What Is Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy? Developing an Integrated Model for Trauma Treatment

    What is Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR™), and how did it begin? In this inaugural episode, EMDRIA-Approved Consultants Danielle Ciccone and Michele Topel share the clinical and collaborative journey that led to the development of Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR™) — an innovative, integrative psychotherapy model designed to strategically combine low-dose ("psycholytic") ketamine with EMDR therapy to enhance reprocessing and support transformational trauma treatment. As we worked with our own clients, we began noticing meaningful shifts as defenses softened, deeper material became available for processing, and adaptive information came online much easier. What began as curiosity in our respective therapy rooms evolved into a structured, research-informed approach grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, the science of memory reconsolidation, and responsible, trauma-informed care. In this conversation, we discuss: • The early clinical observations that shaped the KA-EMDR™ model How we met and began collaborating with incredible synergyHow our research and training institute evolved from this workWhy we felt called to launch this podcast, creating a platform for KA-EMDR™ trained therapists to share how this approach is impacting their clinical work and the clients they serve Whether you are an EMDR therapist curious about the integration with ketamine assisted therapy, a clinician interested in innovative trauma treatment approaches, or someone exploring potential psychotherapy approaches for yourself, this episode lays the foundation for everything to come. Welcome to the beginning of the conversation. Learn More:Our published, peer-reviewed research article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41186022/ Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com On-Demand Introductory Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/introcourse Virtual Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Experiential Training: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/experientialtraining Consultation Offerings: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/consultation KA-EMDR Therapist Directory: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory To contact us, shoot us an email at info@ketamineassistedemdr.com. We'd love to hear from you!

    55 min

  8. Feb 5

    Trailer

    Hosted by Danielle Ciccone and Michele Topel, co-founders of the Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute, this podcast explores how EMDR clinicians are integrating Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR™) into their practices and what they’re noticing as clients soften, defenses ease, and EMDR reprocessing deepens. Through clinician conversations and shared reflections, we discuss the clinical observations and transformational shifts that can emerge when low-dose ketamine is thoughtfully paired with EMDR therapy.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Loosening Up: The KA-EMDR™ Podcast explores how EMDR therapists are integrating Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR™) into their clinical practices and what they are noticing as clients soften and access opens in the therapy room. Danielle Ciccone and Michele Topel, co-developers of the KA-EMDR™ model and co-founders of Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute, talk with clinicians about real-world implementation of this innovative approach and how low-dose ketamine can enhance EMDR therapy, supporting deeper processing and transformational healing for clients.

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