The Ketamine Intensive
Are you struggling with Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or chronic pain? Traditional treatments may not always work for everyone. Join Pollinate Ritual and Ampersand Holistic Wellness, for The Ketamine Intensive where we offer an innovative approach to mental health treatment through Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) along side a supportive retreat experience featuring group integration work, nourishing food and complimentary therapeutic modalities.
Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic medication that has been used for decades in hospitals and clinics. However, recent research has shown that ketamine can also be a powerful tool for treating mental health conditions. KAP involves the use of Ketamine in a therapeutic setting, under the guidance of a licensed therapist, to help you explore and process difficult emotions and experiences.
KAP has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and addiction. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or months to take effect, Ketamine can produce rapid and profound improvements in mood and outlook.
The Ketamine Intensive is a small group, two-day retreat. You have the option to overnight with us at The Pollinate Hive House or return home and come back for Day 2. All food and integration programming/materials are included. Ketamine is available with a prescription only. You will need to acquire and pay for your ketamine through a third-party provider and we have several referrals to help you do so.
Massage services are available for an additional cost and can be booked with registration for the weekend. Sessions are 60 minutes and will be schdeduled for you inside of the weekend's schedule.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out to julie@ampersandhw.com.
Your Team …
Julie Mertz
Originally from a suburb of Chicago, I moved to Iowa to obtain my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Iowa. After graduation, I was given the opportunity to have a job in Iowa doing social work. This job was challenging and valuable at the same time. It gave me experiences and a new drive to further my commitment to help others. I held this job for 4 years before returning to obtain my Masters Degree from Mount Mercy in Marriage and Family Therapy.
After practicing for several years, I attended a wonderful training on trauma-informed yoga. Up to that point, I really only used yoga as a tool for exercise and enjoyment. It was this training that connected my personal and professional practices. Building upon this vision and working to create a space for mind, body and spiritual wellness. In May 2020, I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training. I feel there is a lot of benefits incorporating yoga, breathwork, meditation and mindfulness practices within sessions, as well as supporting clients in learning and developing the tools that work for them to support themselves. I have obtained training in Trauma-Focused CBT and IoWA- PCIT (Integration of Working Models of Attachment into Parent Child Interaction Therapy). In 2020, I was trained to be a trainer in IoWA-PCIT by creator and founder Dr. Beth Troutman at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. In May 2023, I completed a year long, 200-hour Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy training through Integrative Psychiatric Institute to become a Certified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Provider. I provide outpatient mental health services for adults, teens, couples and families.
Kathryn Dickel
Kathryn Dickel is the Founder of Pollinate Ritual, among other businesses and projects. She is a certified Spiritual Director working with individuals and groups. Through her work at Pollinate Kathryn has produced dozens of retreats. She specializes in magical food, innovative ritual, therapeutic tarot and narrative therapy.
Kathryn is not a coach, she is a guide. “Coaching assumes that you know how to do something and you are teaching someone how to do it your way. I don’t do that with those for whom I am in service to. I don’t presume anything. I guide them through their transformation with deep self exploration, modalities that fit their specific energy and resources from an amazing well of creative humans that have collaborated with me over the years. That is the beauty of the work. I don’t apply the same roadmap or system to every person, project or organization. I guide each person(s) individually so that the journey can be truly comprehensive based on their transformational needs.”
Kathryn has worked with artists, municipalities, CEOs, politicians, parents and non-profits to guide them through their transformation. She also specializes in creating retreat experiences for groups exploring transformation.
Parking is available on the street in front of the house!
Your Space . . .
We will convene at the Pollinate Hive House. Conveniently located in Windsor Heights Iowa (suburb of Des Moines). Comfy confines and great food await you.
