When beginning any healing journey, it's natural to carry hopes about how things will go. With ketamine therapy, especially, many people arrive with a mix of curiosity, anticipation, and preconceived notions. Whether seeking relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain, patients often wonder: Will this work? What will I feel? How fast will I change? While it’s important to be hopeful, there’s a crucial distinction that can greatly influence the outcome of treatment: the difference between expectations and intentions.
At Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy, we support our patients not only through the clinical aspects of ketamine therapy, but also through thoughtful emotional and psychological preparation. One of the most valuable tools we offer is mindset education and preparation with our certified ketamine-assisted psychotherapist, Cindy Nelson, LMFT. At the heart of this process is helping patients understand the vital distinction between expectations and intentions—especially when entering a psychedelic experience.
Expectations are specific outcomes or results that we want or assume will happen. They’re rooted in future-focused thinking and are often shaped by past experiences, cultural narratives, or stories we've heard from others. For example:
While these thoughts are normal, they can inadvertently set the stage for disappointment or resistance if the experience doesn’t unfold as imagined. Expectations can lead to judgment, comparison, and self-doubt.
If someone enters IV ketamine therapy expecting an intense, mystical experience but instead simply feels calm without any psychedelic visions, they might assume the medicine “isn’t working.” Or, if they expect to be symptom-free after just two infusions but still find themselves struggling, they may prematurely label the treatment a failure. These kinds of conclusions often overlook the deeper, more gradual processes that ketamine initiates.
It’s not uncommon for patients to anticipate that their psychedelic experience will be joyful, profound, or enlightening—but that’s not always the case. Sometimes the journey can feel random, strange, or uncomfortable. At other times, difficult memories may surface, bringing emotional heaviness or fatigue. It’s important to remember: you cannot control the ketamine experience. The key is to trust the process, stay curious, and pay attention to whatever arises.
Regardless of the tone or content of the experience, the medicine is still at work—affecting the brain, promoting neuroplasticity, and activating its antidepressant effects. Healing doesn’t always come with fireworks. Sometimes it’s subtle and quiet. It’s not always about what you see or feel during the infusion—it’s about what begins to shift afterward.
Intentions are different. Rather than focusing on specific outcomes, intentions center around how you want to show up to the experience. Intentions are about presence, openness, and alignment with your inner values. They invite curiosity, growth, and surrender. For example:
One powerful and simple way to set intentions is by using the prompts: "Show me..." and "Teach me..." These open-ended statements invite the medicine to offer insight in a way that is gentle, humble, and curious. For example:
These types of intentions are rooted in the present moment, not the outcome. They create space for meaningful transformation because they allow for flexibility and reflection. By setting an intention, you open yourself to the full spectrum of what ketamine might offer, even when it's unexpected or challenging.
One of the unique aspects of ketamine therapy is that it doesn't follow a linear path. Some people feel immediate shifts; others feel subtle changes that unfold over time. Some sessions are light and dreamy, while others bring darker emotional material to the surface. When we cling too tightly to expectations, we may:
This is especially relevant in the context of the psychedelic experience. Ketamine can produce dissociation, dreamlike visions, emotional catharsis, and even a sense of inner peace or stillness. Every brain responds differently. Trying to force or curate the experience often leads to frustration. Some people may have a psychedelic experience complete with colorful visions, while others may not experience much at all.
Letting go of expectations is not about giving up your mission—it's about opening the door to a wider definition of healing.
Setting intentions helps you remain engaged with your inner work, even when the path is non-linear. It promotes curiosity and acceptance. In fact, in our clinic, we’ve noticed that people who enter treatment with clear, grounded intentions and a framework for self-reflection often:
At Innerbloom, we encourage all patients to set a gentle intention before each infusion. It doesn’t have to be perfect or profound. Even something like, "I want to feel a little more connected to myself," can be powerful. Or try using a simple prompt like:
These open-ended invitations allow the experience to unfold naturally, while still holding a sense of purpose.
Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:
Before each infusion at Innerbloom, we encourage our patients to take a few moments to ground themselves and reflect on their intentions. This may include breathwork or simply a few moments of stillness to reflect on their intention. Here are a few helpful prompts:
There is no such thing as a “bad” intention. The goal isn’t to control the journey, but to meet it with honesty, curiosity, and openness. It’s helpful to take time to reflect on your intentions before your infusion—but once the medicine begins to take effect, try not to hold onto them too tightly. Let them guide you gently, not anchor every moment of your thoughts.
Open your heart and mind, and allow the medicine to take you where you need to go. All too often, we see patients resist the experience—trying to force certain thoughts, chase specific outcomes, or “fight” the direction the journey is heading. This often leads to a more uncomfortable or confusing session. If something strange comes up, our recommendation is to turn towards it, explore. What can you learn from your subconscious? But most importantly, please know that there is no “wrong” way to experience ketamine therapy, but we gently encourage you to surrender to the process, trust in your inner wisdom, and let the journey unfold. In many cases, simply relaxing and allowing the medicine to move through you is where the real magic begins.
Post-session integration is just as important as the infusion itself, as this is when ketamine’s neuroplastic effects start to take action. Intentions help guide this phase, too. What themes came up? What insights felt meaningful? What can I do to care for my body today? How can I make time in my schedule for some extra self-care?
Your brain enters a more neuroplastic state for approximately 48 hours after each infusion—this means it becomes especially receptive to change. During this window, learning, emotional processing, and the formation of new thought patterns are at their peak, making it an ideal time to engage in supportive practices. This is where tools like psychotherapy, journaling, movement, creative expression, or time in nature can support you in processing and integrating what ketamine reveals. When you're not bound by rigid expectations and schedules there's more freedom to explore, reflect, and evolve.
It’s completely normal if it takes time to make sense of your experience. Ketamine sessions often feel dreamlike, and it’s okay if you don’t remember everything. Sometimes, you’ll walk away with a clear insight or emotional “gift,” while other times, the imagery and sensations may quickly fade. What matters most is how you feel in the hours and days following your infusion. Tune into subtle shifts. What feelings are coming up? What thoughts seem new or different? Do you notice any new sensations in your body?
Integration isn’t always about decoding the experience—it’s about noticing what’s changing and allowing those shifts to guide your healing.
At Innerbloom, we honor both the science and the sacredness of the ketamine experience. While there is no one-size-fits-all roadmap to healing, understanding the difference between expectations and intentions can help you feel more grounded, empowered, and receptive throughout your journey. If you’re preparing for treatment, or simply curious about how to approach ketamine therapy with a more intentional mindset, we’re here to support you. Because healing isn’t about controlling the outcome. It’s about learning how to show up, again and again, for yourself.
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About the author:
Libby Rivas serves as the Clinic Manager at Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy, bringing a unique blend of professional expertise, personal experience, and heartfelt compassion to her role. Married to Dr. Ray Rivas, Libby is deeply rooted in the health and wellness community, equipping her with a profound understanding of how to support others. With extensive experience in small business management and customer service, Libby ensures that every patient at Innerbloom receives personalized care and attention.
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