A New Frontier in Couples Counselling
In Vancouver, a city known for its progressive approach to mental health and wellness, a new revolutionary approach to couples counselling is taking root. While traditional couples therapy methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or emotionally focused therapy (EFT) have been effective for some, they may not be as effective for couples dealing with deep-seated trauma, emotional disconnection, or they simply might just be having trouble finding success with these methods and are looking to expand. The KISSS Method—(K)etamine-(I)nduced (S)elf and (S)exuality (S)ynchronization—integrates ketamine-assisted therapy with psychotherapy, offering a different approach for couples who may be looking to enhance communication, empathy, and deepen their emotional intimacy. This innovative technique is not just another passing trend within the vast wellness landscape; it's a scientifically backed approach that's showing remarkable results in helping couples break through long-standing barriers and rediscover deeper love and connection.
Angela Leong, the founder of An Elegant Mind™ Counselling Inc., has been instrumental in pioneering this approach. Drawing on her extensive experience as a psychotherapist, Angela has developed a profound understanding of relationship dynamics and intimacy issues, which led her to create the KISSS Method. This innovative approach integrates ketamine’s profound healing potential as a psychedelic within psychotherapy, tantric practices, and the science of neuroplasticity. The KISSS method is designed to help couples heal trauma, deepen emotional and sexual intimacy, and achieve self-actualization.
Understanding the KISSS Method
KISSS – stands for (K)etamine-(I)nduced (S)elf and (S)exuality (S)ynchronization. A bio‑psycho‑spiritual approach that leverages ketamine’s dual power—its psychedelic capacity for mystical insight and its neuroplasticity‑boosting effects—alongside structured psychotherapy, tantra‑inspired sex and couples work, and relational counseling. The method is designed to help individuals and couples heal trauma, and deepen emotional and sexual intimacy. Ketamine plays a dual role in this process—both as a neuroplasticity agent and as a psychedelic, offering powerful science-based and mystical experiences that open the door to profound healing and personal transformation.
What Is KISSS Therapy™?
K – Ketamine I – Induced S – Self and S – Sexuality S – Synchronization
A proprietary approach that blends:
- Trauma Healing
- Self‑Actualization
- Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling
- Ketamine‑Assisted Psychotherapy
Here’s the expanded definition of each letter and its representation within this method:
(K)etamine-(I)nduced Change
Ketamine functions in two complementary ways: as a psychedelic catalyst and as a neuroplasticity enhancer:
- Psychedelic Catalyst: Ketamine is not just a dissociative sedative; it is a powerful psychedelic that can catalyze profound insight and spiritual experiences. In KISSS Therapy™, ketamine suppresses the default mode network, shutting off rumination and mental chatter, allowing clients to transcend their usual perception of self, and reality, their habits. These transcendent states can bring about a sense of interconnectedness, love, oneness, and spiritual awakening, which can lead to profound healing. For many, this is an opportunity to connect with something greater than themselves, facilitating deep personal and spiritual growth.
- Neuroplasticity Enhancer: Research shows that ketamine induces neuroplasticity, by acting on the glutamate receptors to release BDNF (Brain Derived Nootropic Factor). This neuroplasticity is crucial for breaking free from entrenched emotional, behavioral and thought patterns that limit personal growth and capacity for intimacy. By combining ketamine’s neuroplastic effects with psychotherapy, clients can break free from entrenched patterns of fear, shame, and avoidance and create new pathways for healthier relationships and deeper self-awareness. Psychotherapy then provides the “experience‑dependent” activation needed to wire those nascent connections into lasting changes.
(S)elf Definition
We break self‑work into three sequential and parallel stages:
- The first "S" in KISSS represents the Self. And in this step, we define the Self as it is (self-awareness), with the goal of working towards self-actualization, and self-differentiation.
- Trained Sex Therapists first help you develop self-awareness by walking you through a semi-structured interview of your sexual development. We start in childhood and we explore how you first learned about sex. This sexual narrative lays the foundational groundwork to diagnose relational issues, sexual dysfunctions, and sexual identity problems.
- Following self-definition, the act of striving towards self-actualization is the process of reaching one’s highest potential. A concept popularized by Maslow. When individuals heal all aspects of themselves—emotional, mental, psychological—they can discover their authentic selves (the self before the trauma occurred). With new found compassion and understanding for themselves, they can begin self-mastery work.
- Once grounded in your true identity (the self before trauma), one is well primed to begin the work of remaining differentiated in the face of relationships, family settings, or group settings that demand sameness. One can confidently, calmly, and assertively remain who they truly are instead of people-pleasing, or using other maladaptive methods to relate with others.
(S)exual Trauma Healing
Deep‑seated trauma of any kind often severs individuals from their innate power. KISSS Therapy™ offers:
- Trauma Re-Processing: When trauma happens, particularly sexual trauma, people become disconnected from their true authentic selves. The second "S" in KISSS refers to the healing of deep-seated sexual traumas and other traumas, returning victims to the self before the trauma occurred. Ketamine allows clients to enter a brain state where they can confront painful memories in a neutral emotional state. In this state, clients can give their full attention to re-processing the trauma, often gaining profound insights, and allowing them to reframe past experiences without an over-acting amygdala (the fear centre of the brain). This process helps individuals detach from the painful memory and store it away as something that has happened to “then and there”, rather than “here and now”.
- Rewiring Triggers: Trauma often entrenches negative patterns that can hinder intimacy. Ketamine's neuroplasticity-enhancing properties facilitate the rewiring of these pathways, allowing clients to break free from patterns of fear, shame, and avoidance. This process is particularly vital for those healing from sexual trauma, as it helps individuals get rid of unwanted somatic reactions. By creating new neural connections, KISSS Therapy™ empowers clients to develop more favorable reactions, paving the way for deeper intimacy and more fulfilling relationships.
(S)ynchronization of Self, Sexuality & the Other
- Authentic Sexual Expression: The third "S" in KISSS represents helping clients synchronize their core self with their sexual self, fostering congruence between their values, desires, and intimate experiences. This process encourages individuals to embrace their sexuality without shame, fear, or societal conditioning.
- Synergistic Relationships: Mystics have long said, “I can do nothing for you but work on myself”. KISSS Therapy™ helps clients bring their full, integrated selves into shame-free transparency with their romantic relationships. By synergizing their personal and sexual identities, individuals can engage in partnerships with greater emotional presence, fewer triggers, and a deeper sense of intimacy. After all, intimacy is just another path to “into me I see”.
- Tantra‑Inspired Practices: The deep intrapsychic and interpersonal synchronization found through ketamine and psychotherapy allows us to be more energetically attuned to Tantric practices. Western sex therapy interventions have long been inspired by Eastern teachings. Incorporating tantra-inspired sex therapy techniques such as breathwork, eye gazing, conscious touch, primal energy embodiment, and ritual can deepen intimacy, enhance erotic connection, and foster emotional attunement and mutual healing. These practices practiced within the ketamine‑assisted neuroplastic window help couples cultivate presence, sensuality, and a deeper understanding of each other's deepest desires.
Summary:
KISSS Therapy™ is a bio-psycho-spiritual approach that harnesses Ketamine as both a neuroplasticity agent and a psychedelic catalyst for healing and personal transformation. The therapy offers a unique opportunity for clients to experience deep mystical states, which open the door to deeper levels of understanding than talk therapy alone. Ketamine allows clients to transcend their ordinary sense of self, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and oneness that can lead to a spiritual awakening. This, combined with its ability to promote Neuroplasticity, facilitates lasting changes in how individuals and couples relate to themselves and ultimately each other. When one person changes, the entire system changes. Through KISSS Therapy™, clients experience a Synchronizing of Self and Sexuality, where their emotional, psychological, and sexual selves come into alignment. Psychotherapy enables one to develop self-awareness and identify the area of change they want to make. Ketamine helps them to process trauma and re-wire connections, while Tantra-based Sex and Couples Therapy reconnects them with their partner’s sexual energy. Together, these three elements create a powerful process of healing, transformation, and spiritual growth, helping individuals and couples achieve self-actualization, deepen intimacy, and experience greater love and joy in their relationships.
Why Vancouver is a Hub for Ketamine-Assisted Couples Therapy
Vancouver has a reputation for being a very cannabis-friendly city. However, in recent years, it has expanded its reputation from being a cannabis-forward city to a city that is also supportive of psychedelic-assisted therapy due to its progressive mental health policies, strong community of integrative therapists, and increasing accessibility to legal ketamine treatment. Therefore, Vancouver may be gaining a new reputation for being a great destination for couples seeking innovative therapy options.
Canada has been at the cutting edge of psychedelic research, with Health Canada granting exemptions for the use of substances like psilocybin and ketamine in therapeutic settings. These regulations have allowed for the growth of clinics in Vancouver that have begun offering ketamine-assisted therapy, creating more opportunities for couples to explore this modality legally and safely. Vancouver is also home to a vibrant wellness and mental health community, with many psychologists and therapists continuously adopting new holistic methods for healing. Couples in Vancouver have access to some of the most forward-thinking counselling practices in North America, allowing them to gain access to a plethora of choices for therapy and healing.
What to Expect from a KISSS Method Session
Pre-Therapy Preparation
Before engaging in a ketamine-assisted therapy session, couples must undergo an assessment with a licensed Vancouver psychologist or counsellor to determine if they would be suitable for this treatment. This includes:
- Medical and psychological screening
- Setting therapeutic intentions
- Learning about the effects of ketamine
- Establishing trust and comfort with the Vancouver therapist
The Ketamine Experience
During the session, ketamine is administered in a controlled setting, either via oral lozenges, intramuscular injection, or intravenous infusion. The effects typically last between 45 minutes to two hours, during which couples experience:
- Altered perception of self and reality
- Reduced ego defenses and increased emotional openness
- Heightened sensory awareness and introspective insights
The therapist helps to facilitate guided conversations and emotional processing, which will help the couple to navigate their emotions and experiences together. Having a Vancouver therapist to guide the sessions can ensure that you meet your intentions and that the time spent is productive.
Post-Session Integration
Any insights gained during the ketamine session are processed in follow-up counselling sessions where couples can work on:
- Applying newfound awareness to relationship dynamics
- Strengthening communication and emotional intimacy
- Reinforcing positive behavioral changes
Every clinic in Vancouver is unique, and An Elegant Mind Counselling, founded by Angela Ivy Leong, worldwide recognized for its KISSS Method, is the pioneer in Ketamine-Assisted Sex & Couples Therapy. We believe that deep intimacy with others starts with healing the self, and we are here to support you energetically, emotionally, and psychologically throughout your Ketamine journey. If you have any questions, feel free to book a free consultation call through our website, and we will be more than happy to help start the process for you.
Is the KISSS Method Right for You?
Ketamine-Assisted Sex & Couples Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it’s safe and can be a highly effective alternative, especially when incorporating all elements of the KISSS Method. Couples who have struggled in the past or have tried traditional couples counselling may still have trouble with feeling emotionally stuck or disconnected, have unresolved trauma, persistent conflict that feels unsolvable, or they are simply open to exploring altered states of consciousness as a therapeutic tool.
However, ketamine therapy may not be suitable for individuals with a history of psychosis, uncontrolled hypertension, or other contraindicated medical conditions. A thorough evaluation by a licensed professional is necessary to determine eligibility.
The Future of Ketamine in Couples Counselling
The KISSS Method represents a groundbreaking fusion of neuroscience, psychology, psychedelic therapy, and tantric practices. Additionally, by leveraging ketamine’s ability to dissolve emotional barriers and enhance self-awareness, couples can embark on a profound journey toward deeper intimacy, healing, and relational harmony. This diverse model allows couples in Vancouver to embrace a path that incorporates multiple methods of healing, creating a 360 approach to deeper transformation and intimacy.
As research continues to expand and mental health professionals refine their approaches, ketamine-assisted couples therapy is poised to become a mainstream option for those seeking to reignite love and connection in their relationships. For couples in Vancouver looking to go beyond traditional therapy modalities, the KISSS Method offers a promising path forward.
Are you ready to explore a groundbreaking approach to healing and intimacy? With Ketamine-Assisted Therapy and the KISSS Method, you and your partner can move beyond traditional counseling to unlock profound emotional and relational growth.
At An Elegant Mind Clinic, our dedicated therapists are here to guide you every step of the way. Curious about how the KISSS Method could transform your relationship?
Book your free 20-minute consultation today and begin your journey toward deeper love, connection, and self-discovery.
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