A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry sheds new light on the transformative potential of ketamine-assisted therapy. Researchers found that 70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression experienced significant symptom relief after a series of ketamine treatments combined with psychotherapy. The study emphasized that while the biochemical effects of ketamine are fast-acting, the therapeutic integration of those experiences is crucial for lasting change. As Dr. Rebecca Price, one of the study’s lead authors, puts it: “Ketamine’s promise lies not just in its pharmacology but in the holistic healing journey it catalyzes.”
At Within Center, located in the heart of Austin, Texas, this healing journey is not only a mission but a lived experience for many. We are a community-driven space dedicated to guiding individuals through ketamine therapy with the care, respect, and integration it deserves. Founded on principles of empathy, safety, and transformative healing, our approach is deeply rooted in understanding the nuances of each person’s unique path.
Voices from the Journey: Deep Ketamine Therapy Experiences at Within Center
Ketamine therapy is a deeply personal journey that can lead to profound healing, transformation, and new ways of being. At Within Center, we hold space for every guest’s unique process, combining expert clinical care with compassionate community and ceremonial ritual. Below are in-depth stories from people who trusted us with their healing, followed by reflections from our team to illuminate what makes this experience so powerful.
Colleen Ryan: From Darkness to Transformation Through Retreat Healing
“The Within Center has completely changed my life.”
Colleen arrived at Within Center after years trapped in trauma and therapy that hadn’t fully healed her. She describes coming to Within in a profoundly dark place lost, broken, and stuck. But after completing the month-long retreat program, she experienced a complete transformation. Colleen processed deep trauma, removed mental and emotional blocks, and emerged as a renewed, healthier version of herself.
She emphasizes that Within’s greatest gift isn’t just the treatment but the people. Sarah Slack, the Retreat Manager & Guide, held a space of immense compassion and healing throughout Colleen’s journey. Taylor, the chef, nourished not only her body but brought joy and lightness to each day. Luke Carver, Admissions Director, taught gratitude and kindness, while therapist David Burks gently helped her break down walls with genuine care.
Within Center Expert Insight:
Colleen’s experience highlights how healing at Within extends far beyond the ketamine sessions. Our integrative approach emphasizes deep therapeutic support, compassionate coaching, community, and nourishing environments all vital to sustaining transformation. Retreats allow space for extended healing that connects mind, body, and spirit, enabling clients to move beyond old patterns and integrate new ways of being.
Jo Davis: A Science-Based Miracle for Treatment-Resistant Depression
“Within Center’s approach is nothing short of a MIRACLE.”
Jo, a clinical psychology degree holder and lifelong seeker of mental health solutions, came to Within after decades of battling anxiety and major depressive disorder including years of medication, ECT, and conventional treatments that failed to provide lasting relief. She found that ketamine therapy combined with Within’s integrative, holistic environment created breakthroughs she’d never experienced before.
With guidance from therapist David Burks and coach Sarah Slack, Jo accessed neuroplasticity to reshape unhealthy thought patterns. She praised the highly personalized care and the full spectrum of support from the staff. Jo describes the experience as life-giving, pulling her “out of the grave” and allowing her to truly live and enjoy life again.
Within Center Expert Insight:
Jo’s story exemplifies the power of combining ketamine’s neuroplastic effects with expert therapeutic support and community. The drug opens a window for change, but meaningful healing requires guidance, integration, and a nurturing environment. This approach aligns with growing research underscoring the importance of therapy alongside psychedelic-assisted treatments for sustainable mental health outcomes.
Tracey Keller: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Lasting Change
“Within is an exceptional Ketamine Therapy retreat that has completely transformed our lives.”
Tracey shares how Within’s serene space and warm, compassionate staff created a foundation for healing. She appreciated the therapy rituals and customized care that helped unlock deep insights and personal breakthroughs. Tracey underscores that Within’s approach is not only about the ketamine but the rituals, expertise, and overall commitment to healing.
Within Center Expert Insight:
Creating a safe, nurturing environment with skilled facilitators and intentional rituals enhances the ketamine experience, enabling clients to access subconscious layers and transform limiting beliefs. These elements contribute to the long-term success of therapy by fostering openness, trust, and holistic care.
Amy Bludworth: Integrative Healing for Complex PTSD and Anxiety
“I can finally say that I AM healing and not just on a path to FIND healing.”
Amy’s journey began with curiosity and research. After attending a talk on psychedelic integration led by Within’s David Burks, she felt welcomed and supported despite initially thinking the event was just for therapists. Amy entered ketamine therapy with compounded PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and after six sessions alongside skilled providers like Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Pascha and therapist Elizabeth Rosenblum, she experienced major symptom relief and was able to discontinue several medications.
Amy highlights the holistic and deeply compassionate care she received from intake to aftercare and her desire to continue healing through classes and community offerings.
Within Center Expert Insight:
Amy’s experience illustrates the importance of integrative care models in psychedelic therapy, addressing not only symptoms but the whole person’s well-being. The supportive team approach and ongoing community engagement amplify the benefits of ketamine therapy, ensuring clients have the tools and relationships needed for long-term healing.
Ryan Carmona: Compassion and Connection at the Heart of Healing
“There is a level of human connection at Within that I have not found in any other community.”
Ryan came to Within with little psychedelic experience and some fear. Right from the start, the team’s compassion and support made him feel safe and understood. He credits guides like Sarah and Luke for helping him cultivate self-love and compassion, essential foundations for his healing journey. Ryan’s story reflects the transformative power of connection and support in mental health recovery.
Within Center Expert Insight:
Psychedelic-assisted therapy thrives in relational contexts. Feeling safe, accepted, and deeply supported allows clients to open up and engage fully with their healing journey. Within Center’s dedicated guides provide a unique combination of expertise, empathy, and presence that helps clients reconnect with themselves and others.
Robin: Hope Restored After Years of Darkness
“Ketamine was a game changer, and we are now on a mission to spread the word.”
Robin and her family endured eight long years of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation with no improvement despite trying numerous pharmaceuticals. Their breakthrough came with Within Center. The warmth, transparency, and heartfelt care especially from Luke, who shared his personal healing story sealed the family’s trust in the program.
Robin’s daughter, after just 15 days into a 30-day treatment, showed remarkable improvement, “the sparkle” returning to her voice for the first time in years. Robin praises the entire team for their kindness, quick responsiveness, and unwavering compassion, giving her family a new sense of safety and hope.
Within Center Expert Insight:
Robin’s story highlights how ketamine therapy, combined with a loving, transparent care team, can restore hope and improve quality of life, even in cases where conventional treatments have failed. Family involvement and consistent communication also build a powerful support network essential for lasting change.
Melanie McDaniel: A Magical Healing Sanctuary in the Heart of Austin
“When you step into the center, you know you just left Austin and warped into some magical realm.”
Melanie appreciates the unique energy of Within Center a place that feels both comfortable and transformative. She emphasizes the loving energy of the staff and the amazing classes that support clients’ psychedelic journeys. Located right in the vibrant city of Austin, the center offers a calm sanctuary with its own special vibe.
Within Center Expert Insight:
Healing spaces matter. The carefully crafted environment at Within provides clients with a sense of safety and wonder, essential for accessing the deep inner work ketamine therapy enables. Classes and community activities support ongoing integration, helping clients weave their experiences into daily life.
Cecilie Bullard: A Positive Experience with Room for Expansion
“It was a wonderful experience when I needed it most! Staff was amazing!”
Cecilie praises the staff’s amazing care and acknowledges the positive impact of her experience at Within. Her only disappointment was that, after completing the program, she wanted to pursue microdosing ketamine with another provider but was unable to continue as Within does not offer microdosing or discharge summaries for external providers.
Within Center Expert Insight:
Within Center focuses on macrodose, ceremonial-style ketamine therapy and deep integration, prioritizing transformative experiences over ongoing microdosing protocols. We are expanding offerings such as booster sessions and integration programs to meet evolving client needs while maintaining our commitment to safe, intentional healing pathways.
Tamara Schnarr: A True Healing Sanctuary with Heart
“Within is a true healing sanctuary! The staff is loving, welcoming, and experienced.”
Tamara was honored to be part of Within Center’s first retreat and found the preparation, intention-setting, and guide support essential to her experience. She felt safe and held throughout, appreciating how the guides enhanced her journey with “magical tools.” The experience left her feeling calm, accepting, and reset.
Within Center Expert Insight:
Preparation and intention-setting before psychedelic therapy are crucial for a safe and meaningful experience. At Within, our guides use a range of therapeutic and ritual tools to support clients emotionally and spiritually, helping them navigate inner landscapes with confidence and trust.
Linnette Rosario: Lasting Change After Years of Trauma
“Within Center has completely changed my life!”
Linnette had struggled for years with trauma and had difficulty making lasting progress in therapy until she found Within Center. She emphasizes that while ketamine treatments reveal hidden parts of the self, the real magic lies in the before-and-after work: therapy, coaching, and holistic healing that engages the body and energy.
Linnette credits the people, resources, and comprehensive support at Within for the transformational shift in her mental health, well-being, and recovery.
Within Center Expert Insight:
Psychedelic therapy is only one piece of the healing puzzle. Integration through coaching, talk therapy, and somatic work grounds and stabilizes insights gained during sessions. Linnette’s experience affirms Within Center’s commitment to a full-spectrum, client-centered approach that honors the whole person.
What Sets Us Apart
The depth of care at Within Center is matched by our commitment to measurable outcomes. According to internal data gathered from over 200 clients, 85% report sustained improvement in mood and anxiety symptoms three months post-treatment. Our team continually incorporates the latest research and adapts practices to fit individual needs. This ensures a treatment model that is both evidence-based and deeply human.
Our holistic ethos extends to how we create our spaces designed to feel warm and welcoming, reflecting a sanctuary rather than a clinical setting. Clients often tell us that this atmosphere helps them relax and engage fully in the process.
Returning to the Science and the Soul
The findings highlighted by JAMA Psychiatry resonate strongly with what we witness every day at Within Center. Ketamine therapy is not a simple chemical intervention; it’s a gateway to profound inner work. As our Admissions & Intake Coordinator, Trinidad, eloquently states, “Ketamine opens the door, but therapy walks you through it.”
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health challenges that have resisted traditional treatments, we invite you to explore what ketamine therapy with us can offer. Healing is possible, and no one should have to face their journey alone.
Reach out to Within Center today. Together, we can walk the path toward renewed hope and healing.
