WHAT IS KAP? | Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, TELOS

Meet Our Provider Chris Tanaka, MA, LMHCA

I approach this work with openness, curiosity and non-judgment. I am here to support your journey and integration in discovering the deepest part of who you are. The beautiful thing about KAT and psychedelic therapy is the space that it creates that is sometimes void of words or the ability to describe. This sacred place is yours and allows you to connect with the innate inner guidance that belongs to you. Separating you from your thoughts is key. Falling into the unknown is where the adventure/ healing begins.

I have a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University and hold a license as a Mental Health Counselor Associate. I am also a certified life coach and yoga instructor.

My philosophy and practice around transformation and healing incorporates what I like to call the four M’s. Movement, Meditation, Mindfulness and Mantra’s (affirmations). In my personal practice and the cornerstone of my teaching/coaching these tools made me a healthier and more productive human being but at times I felt innately that something was missing… which I discovered to be the missing M, which I will call the Medicine. I was still seeking relief from my suffering that I could not access. I had recurring grief, low self-esteem and a generalized feeling of being lost or stuck.

My journey has allowed me to shed some armor and have some deep discoveries that have brought more joy, and connection to myself, others, the world and most importantly to spirit.

We can only hide from ourselves for so long and sometimes pretending that everything is ok can lead to a deeper place of suffering. It is my true desire to share this medicine and the integrative practices to support others on their own healing journey.

In my practice and beyond I love learning and working with people from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or political bias. I am curious about the stories that people carry and the origin from where they come.

I have a particular passion for working with the LGBTQ+ community, religious and ancestral trauma, end of life care, forgiveness and grief.

Meet our Medical Team

Rafael Gonzalez-Vizoso, MD

Dr. Gonzalez-Vizoso started his education at Brooklyn College where he earned his BA in chemistry while fulfilling his pre-med requirements, graduating Cum Laude. He completed his medical school education at Harvard Medical School where he also did a year of research in Tropical Medicine.

His internship was done at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, a Tufts University Medical School affiliated program, and his residency in Emergency Medicine at Boston Medical Center, a Boston University Medical School affiliated program.

He has been board certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine since 1996. He has been practicing Emergency Medicine in multiple settings -anywhere from Level 2 Trauma Centers in urban settings to small to medium rural hospitals- since his graduation from residency in 1994. He is currently the Medical Director for Emergency Services at a critical care access rural hospital in Eastern Washington. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Lightshine, a non profit organization dealing with the care of orphans -specifically in the setting of attachment disorder-, and has traveled extensively on behalf of this organization through Central and South America.

After arriving in Seattle in 1996, he taught Introduction to Clinical Medicine at the University of Washington Medical School as a clinical instructor for 5 years. He also engaged in outcomes research as the medical director of Health Research Associates, Inc. where he co-authored papers, wrote grants and lead studies for 10 years. For the past 18 months, he has been interested in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and has undergone all the appropriate training with The Ketamine Training Center, headed by Dr. Phil Wolfson, a leading authority on ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and has become certified in this treatment modality.

Dr. Gonzalez-Vizoso’s interest in KAP was sparked by the dearth of options available for mental health patients in crisis as well as people with addiction disorders. This induced him to delve into the latest research in the use of psychedelics for mental illnesses. He has used ketamine as an anesthetic in the emergency medicine setting as aid for painful procedures and rapid sequence intubation for over 25 years and is very familiar with the use and safety profile of ketamine. During his training for KAP, Dr. Gonzalez-Vizoso experienced firsthand the amazing effects of ketamine. In association with veteran, ketamine trained psychotherapists, he has become increasingly active in the field of applying psychedelics in the setting of mental illnesses and hopes to continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Besides his interests in medicine, Dr. Gonzalez-Vizoso holds two black belts in two different styles of martial arts, is an avid free diver and spearfisherman as well as an avid cyclist. He is an amateur historian and has serious spiritual and religious pursuits. He also writes poetry but is too afraid to show it to anyone yet.

If you are interested in future trainings or participating in KAT when alternative options become available you can send inquiries to scott.ross@salishseacounseling.com