From Isolation To Integration: The Case For Group Ketamine Therapy With Zappy Zapolin

When someone mentions ketamine-assisted therapy, we tend to think of medically focused infusion centers and clinics. In some cases, it’s just you, your chair, and a ketamine IV slowly dripping away. This begs the question, “Does it have to be this way?” 

What if you could have a ketamine experience that is focused on healing as a group in a. nature setting meant to make the process feel less clinical and more natural?

We recently had the chance to speak with Zappy Zapolin, futurist, psychedelic medicine advocate, and co-founder of the non-profit Mind Army, an education and advocacy organization focused on lobbying for psychedelic medicine access and drug reform. Zappy is also the founder of Camp Zappy, a group-based ketamine therapy center that aims to change the way we think of ketamine-assisted therapy. 

Zappy's vision for Camp Zappy is distinct from the clinical settings most associated with ketamine therapy. Nestled in the Malibu Hills, this retreat aims to offer a blend of nature, community, and psychedelic therapy designed to foster deep, transformative experiences. According to Zappy, the inspiration behind Camp Zappy was to create a space where individuals undergo ketamine therapy in an environment that promotes a connection to nature and each other. 

"Instead of the isolation that comes with traditional ketamine clinics, we wanted to explore what it means to heal together," Zappy explains. "At Camp Zappy, we're seeing that when people come together in nature, with a supportive, group setting, the healing potential of ketamine is magnified."

Why Group Experiences May Matter In Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

Zappy’s protocols aren't based on assumptions; they’ve been developed using science and are backed by significant research. Group-based therapy programs have increasingly become a focal point in the discussion of mental health treatment, particularly when combined with innovative treatments like ketamine-assisted therapy. The benefits of group therapy, as opposed to individual therapy, are multifaceted, encompassing psychological and social dimensions that contribute to a patient's healing process.

Zappy isn't the only professional in the space advocating for more group-based psychedelic initiatives. Dr. Alex Belser, MPhil, Ph.D., a senior psychedelic researcher at Yale School of Medicine, believes that group-based models may be the future, saying, “I think the field is looking to the wisdom of indigenous people and to the wisdom of underground practitioners who have been well practiced with group therapy work where you could have a group of 12 or eight people with a handful of clinicians. Safely. Feasibly. Providing a good setting for people to do good, really good work to relieve depression, anxiety, or addiction.” 

One of the primary advantages of group-based therapy is the sense of community and mutual support it fosters among participants. According to a study published in Research in Psychotherapy, group therapy settings can enhance feelings of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation, factors that are often significant contributors to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. This sense of community may be particularly beneficial in the context of ketamine-assisted therapy, where patients are navigating the profound and sometimes challenging experiences induced by the drug. Sharing these experiences in a group setting can provide validation, reduce the stigma associated with mental health struggles, and encourage open discussion about personal growth and transformation.

Moreover, group therapy can offer unique insights and perspectives that might not emerge in individual therapy sessions. Research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry notes that observing others' experiences and coping strategies can inspire patients to adopt new approaches to their challenges, fostering a collaborative learning and healing environment. In ketamine-assisted therapy, where patients may encounter novel states of consciousness and self-perception, witnessing the journeys of others can demystify the process and encourage a more profound engagement with their therapeutic journey.

Zappy also offers that economically, group-based programs can present a more accessible option for many seeking treatment. Ketamine therapy, while effective, can be costly, and by offering it in a group setting, treatment centers can make it more affordable for a wider range of patients. This democratization of access is crucial for expanding the reach of such promising treatments to those who might otherwise be excluded due to financial constraints. While Zappy has not publicly listed his prices, he and his team are actively working to ensure they can offer something unique and obtainable for the average person. 

The retreat offers a weekend-long experience that includes group ketamine sessions, guided hikes through the property's extensive oak forests, art and hypnosis workshops, and even acupuncture sessions accompanied by a singing bowl concert as a part of a holistic approach to healing.

"One of the unique aspects of Camp Zappy is our focus on integration," Zappy says. "It's not just about the ketamine experience itself, but how you integrate that experience into your life. That's where the real transformation happens." Participants at Camp Zappy are encouraged to share their experiences with the group, creating an environment that enhances the therapeutic process. 

Could Getting Outside Boost the Benefits of Psychedelic Medicine?

The therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, particularly within natural settings, have garnered increasing attention for their potential to enhance mental health outcomes. This interest is grounded in the concept of "set and setting," a principle emphasizing the importance of the individual's mindset and the environment in shaping the psychedelic experience. Zappy's approach to ketamine therapy highlights the profound impact that nature can have on the therapeutic process.

Camp Zappy is located on "a 50-acre wonderland with 200 oak trees, gentle hills, and sunsets that blow the mind," according to Zappy. This choice of setting is not incidental but a core component of the therapeutic model. Zappy believes the natural environment plays a crucial role in facilitating a sense of peace and connectedness, elements that may be lacking in clinical settings.

Research supports the notion that natural settings can amplify the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. The immersive experience of nature, with its inherent tranquility and beauty, can evoke feelings of awe and connectedness, which are pivotal in the transformative experiences facilitated by psychedelics. Moreover, the natural world's calming effects may mitigate participants' anxiety and stress, creating a safer space for them to explore their consciousness.

The outdoor access and communal experiences at Camp Zappy, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Malibu Hills, also contribute to the therapeutic process. "It's not just about the ketamine experience itself but the environment you’re in, the people around you, all of that feeds and aids the healing process," Zappy explains, highlighting the importance of the setting in facilitating a deeper engagement with the therapy.

In essence, the integration of natural settings in psychedelic therapy at Camp Zappy offers a compelling model for enhancing the therapeutic experience. This, of course, isn't possible everywhere, and affordability and accessibility for ketamine-assisted therapy continue to be an issue.  As the field of psychedelic therapy continues to evolve, the incorporation of natural environments into treatment protocols stands as a promising avenue for enriching the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, offering a path that moves from isolation to integration in the pursuit of mental health and well-being.

"The feedback we've received has been overwhelmingly positive," Zappy notes. "People are reporting profound personal insights and breakthroughs and forming lasting bonds with others in the group. It's a testament to the power of community in the healing process."

As the conversation around mental health and psychedelic therapy continues to evolve, Camp Zappy stands as a novel model of what the future of ketamine-assisted therapy could look like. By moving away from isolation and towards community, integration, and a natural setting, 

"Ultimately, what we're doing at Camp Zappy is about more than just ketamine," Zappy concludes. "It's about reimagining what healing looks like in the 21st century. And from what we've seen, the future is bright."