Loosening Up: The KA-EMDR Podcast

Danielle Ciccone & Michele Topel
  • 5.0 (6)
  • 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. 6D AGO

    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

  2. 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 Ketamine Assisted EMDR TherapyHow 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

  3. 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 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 Consultation Offerings: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/consultation KA-EMDR Therapist Directory: https://www.ketamineassistedemdr.com/directory info@ketamineassistedemdr.com

    43 min

  4. 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

  5. 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
6 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Danielle Ciccone & Michele Topel
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Danielle Ciccone & Michele Topel
  • Show Website
    Loosening Up: The KA-EMDR Podcast

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