WHAT IS KAP? | Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, TELOS

Meet Our Provider Tiffany Classen

In this journey called life, there are many challenges and obstacles along the way. At times, we may find ourselves getting stuck and struggling to move forward, as if we’re caught in quicksand. Ketamine can be a profound catalyst for moving towards change, as it can open up new ideas and possibilities. It can also aid in the healing process for those with unhealed wounds of the past. During your ketamine journey, I will be with you every step of the way, beginning with getting to know you and what you hope to get out of this experience. I take special care in preparing clients for ketamine sessions, and provide a safe, nurturing, and nonjudgmental space so that you can immerse yourself into the experience knowing that you are safe, cared for, and can be your authentic self without judgment. I am able to hold space for whatever shows up, and my support doesn’t end with the ketamine experience. In between your ketamine sessions, I will continue to work closely with you to ensure that your experiences are adequately integrated, as this is key for meaningful, enduring change.

About Me
I am a trauma-informed psychotherapist with several years of experience providing therapeutic support to individuals and families from many different walks of life. During my years working in community mental health and private practice, I have gained experience in working with individuals across the lifespan, from early childhood to late adulthood, on a variety of issues and challenges. I am especially passionate about providing a safe and nurturing environment to adults seeking support around unpacking and healing childhood trauma, abuse, and neglect.

General Approach to Therapy
My style is non-directive, engaging, and collaborative, and I have had training in several different therapy models, so as to tailor therapy to each individual’s unique needs. My work is informed by neuroscience, as well as polyvagal, attachment, and family systems theories, and I generally draw from person-centered, psychodynamic, internal family systems, collaborative, and somatic therapies. I also have extensive training in sandtray therapy, which can be a useful tool for preparing for and integrating ketamine experiences.

For more information about me and my practice, feel free to explore my website: tandempsychotherapy.com

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