Therapist Info
About Me:A little about me - I finished my PhD in 2012 from Washington State University (Pullman, Wa.) and currently work in my private practice, as a licensed Clinical Psychologist. My intent and hope, is to offer individuals a warm, welcoming, and calm space where they can begin to explore their concerns, current challenges, or perhaps feelings of stagnation. I rely on my training, which is a blend of Person Centered Therapy, Ego State Therapy (quite similar to Internal Family Systems), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - as well as tools like hypnosis, breath work, nutritional supplements, and plant based medicines/KAP, to assist people during their therapeutic journey. From my experience, when we can creatively blend therapeutic and healing techniques it offers a sense of novelty. As a result, curiosities from within are peaked and this can generate access to broader domains of conscious awareness, or said another way – different ways of thinking. I believe we are the keepers of the solutions to barriers which may hold us back – and I also believe it is a ‘gift to self’ when we give ourself time and space to discover ‘what comes next.’
Description of Services:It will not come as a surprise to anyone when I say, we all encounter life challenges that can leave us uncertain, preoccupied, or feeling like we are treading water. In moments like these, it can be helpful to meet one on one with a trained psychological professional.  These one on one sessions can offer us the space to be heard, discuss our experiences openly, and offer chances for us to see our challenges from more than one point of view. Often when we are able to see challenges from more than one point of view, we can learn from them in ways that can help us grow.ÂWith my background in clinical psychology, hypnotherapy, and psychological testing (f.ex: IQ, ADHD, Pre-surgical psychological evaluation), we will use a treatment method in sync with your needs. You will be able to use techniques you learn to improve focus, attention, relaxation, relationships with others, and feel self-confident.I provide services to young adults and adults looking for help with; self management for pain, headaches, sleep, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Facing changes can be tricky; exploring them in therapy, can be personally fulfilling, offering fresh ideas, and possibilities.ÂWith respect to KAP  - as a psychologist, I am not able to prescribe Ketamine. However, working with a prescriber we will be able to determine appropriateness for treatment, as well as the dosages for treatments moving forward.
With respect to plant based medicine - many of the steps are similar (per below).
First visit: Clinical intake/assessments to determine appropriateness for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP); Second visit: Assist with preparation for KAP; Third visit: KAP administration (*work with a prescriber for dosage) (2 hrs); Forth visit ( + ) : Assist with psychedelic integration after treatment
** Supplementary experiences and resources are included.
Credentials & Certifications: PhD, Psychedelic Training Institute, Clinical Hypnosis, EMDR, Breath WorkLicenses: State of Idaho License # PSY-202848; State of Wisconsin License # 3622-57; State of Colorado License # PSY.0006039Details
Price Range: $200-$250My Process
Overview of Experience:Preparation is the initial phase of psychedelic therapy and involves several key steps.
Assessment and screening: this helps us determine if psychedelic therapy is a good fit; we consider mental health history, current psychological state, and any potential contraindications.
Education and informed consent: detailed information about the chosen psychedelic substance is provided, its effects, potential risks, and the therapeutic process. Informed consent is obtained.
Setting intention: individuals are encouraged to set clear and meaningful intentions for their psychedelic experience, helping to guide the therapeutic process.
During the psychedelic experience itself, individuals are guided and supported. This involves a guided journey after the they ingest the psychedelic substance. I provide verbal guidance and support throughout the experience, helping individuals navigate their inner landscape. The psychedelic experience often allows for deep emotional processing and the potential for profound insights into one's life and patterns of thinking.
After the psychedelic experience, the integration phase is crucial for lasting therapeutic benefits. This involves reflection and integration sessions. Time is focused on discussing and processing the insights gained during the experience. This helps bridge the gap between the psychedelic state and everyday life.
Intake Process:For individuals interesting in working together, please email me directly ([email protected]) . We will find a time to speak briefly (approximately 20 minutes) to determine next steps and possible treatment moving forward.
All of my appointments are in person, including sitting with medicine (i.e. psychedelic assisted therapy).
Preparation is the initial phase of psychedelic therapy and involves several key steps.
Assessment and screening: this helps us determine if psychedelic therapy is a good fit; we consider mental health history, current psychological state, and any potential contraindications.
Education and informed consent: detailed information about the chosen psychedelic substance is provided, its effects, potential risks, and the therapeutic process. Informed consent is obtained.
Setting intention: individuals are encouraged to set clear and meaningful intentions for their psychedelic experience, helping to guide the therapeutic process.
During the psychedelic experience itself, individuals are guided and supported. This involves a guided journey after the they ingest the psychedelic substance. I provide verbal guidance and support throughout the experience, helping individuals navigate their inner landscape. The psychedelic experience often allows for deep emotional processing and the potential for profound insights into one's life and patterns of thinking.
After the psychedelic experience, the integration phase is a vital part and helps lead to lasting therapeutic benefits. This involves reflection and integration sessions. Time is focused on discussing and processing the insights gained during the experience and individuals are encouraged to engage in practices such as journaling, mindfulness, meditation, or creative expression to further integrate the insights into their daily life. This helps bridge the gap between the psychedelic state and everyday life. Additionally, there is ongoing support to help navigate any challenges or shifts that may arise in the post-psychedelic period.
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5 Reviews on “Ciara Christensen, PhD”
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Therapist Info
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My Process
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Reviews
5 Reviews on “Ciara Christensen, PhD”
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Ciara is so thoughtful in her approach to psychedelic therapy – from the 1st phone call. She thoroughly discusses what psychedelic therapy can bring about – the journey, itself; brain & neural pathway changes; and aiding lifestyle adjustments post-journey. She prepared me prior to the journey taking time to understand my intentions for my journey and to answer new questions that arose in my preparation for the journey. The journey, itself, was very well-thought out with her attendance being helpful and supportive while not intrusive in any way. She is clearly dedicated to the wellness and meaningful experience her patients can have in psychedelic therapy. Journeying with her was a pleasure.
This was a much needed retreat! I felt so secure and safe in this container, loving presence and collective wisdom. I was able to unlock new layers of myself!
This was my first experience with Ketamine and it was transformative for me. It was a superb venue and I felt safe. It was thoughtfully planned and created a meaningful space, leading to a transformative experience! I would highly recommend this to others.
Ciara – It is difficult for me to put into words my gratitude for the complexity of gifts you brought and carrying out this amazing retreat experience. So many nuances, it was clear you thought of and included. There was an obvious impeccability in the planning and intentions that resulted in me feeling honored and supported on a level I have not been accustomed to at other experiential retreats. Your intuition and sense for what individuals and I needed in a moment was spot on. Thank you for it all.
Ciara – thank you for sharing your wisdom that you’ve embodied from doing the work. It shows, was felt, and appreciated. You’ve been initiated as a wise elder on my path.