Holistic Nurse Academy Podcast

A Conversation with Cassandra Riding about Ketamine Healing

Holistic Nurse Academy Podcast

Show Notes

Are you encountering patients curious about ketamine therapy and unsure how to guide them? This conversation with Cassandra Riding equips nurses and healthcare professionals with a foundational understanding of ketamine-assisted therapy, its potential benefits, and crucial considerations for patient safety and appropriate referrals. This isn't about advocating for or against ketamine, but about empowering you to have informed, evidence-based discussions with your patients. This recording features a conversation between the Holistic Nurse Academy and Cassandra Riding, a clinical mental health counselor and founder of Soul Pathways Wellness. Cassandra provides a comprehensive overview of ketamine therapy, drawing from her clinical experience and training through the Integrative Psychiatric Institute. She shares her personal experiences with the treatment alongside patient anecdotes to illustrate the potential for neuroplasticity, symptom reduction in treatment-resistant depression, and addressing underlying trauma. Key topics covered include: Understanding the legality and mechanisms of ketamine therapy: Differentiating it from traditional SSRIs and explaining its FDA-approved use. Exploring different administration methods (troches, IM, IV) and their effects: Gaining insights into dosage considerations and patient preferences. Identifying environmental and therapeutic supports for safe and effective ketamine therapy: Recognizing the importance of trauma-informed therapists, preparation sessions, and creating a safe setting ("set and setting"). Recognizing red flags when choosing a ketamine therapy provider: Evaluating the therapeutic versus medical model, and the level of support offered. Practical considerations for nurses and healthcare professionals: including how to answer questions that patients ask when seeking information on ketamine. Ultimately, this conversation helps you understand how ketamine impacts neuroplasticity and how this affects symptom reduction, which enables you to offer informed options to your patients. Discover now how ketamine-assisted therapy can rewire the brain, and gain the practical knowledge to support your patients in exploring this evolving treatment option. Listen now and confidently navigate the complex landscape of ketamine therapy.

More from Holistic Nurse Academy Podcast

Oct 19, 2026

This is a recorded conversation with Janet Peacock, Licensed Massage Therapist, on Thai massage and manual lymphatic drainage for nurses and healthcare professionals. The discussion covers the ancient history and philosophy of Thai massage, its correlation with yoga, and its adaptability for diverse patient needs, including bedbound individuals and post-surgical recovery. Janet Peacock, an instructor with over 26 years of experience, shares insights from her extensive training in Thailand, where she leads a Thai government-certified 150-hour program. The conversation also explores a specific manual lymphatic drainage comfort protocol applicable in clinical settings.

Oct 12, 2026

This is a recorded conversation with Alexandrea Lettieri, BSN, RN, CHt, RYT-200, a certified hypnosis specialist and HypnoFertility practitioner, on integrating hypnosis with nursing care for nurses and healthcare professionals. The discussion explores how principles of Eastern and Western medicine can blend, focusing on the spiritual dimensions of health and the application of hypnotherapy in patient care. Clinicians will understand how to leverage their foundational nursing skills, such as care planning and patient assessment, within complementary modalities. Lettieri shares her journey from a Johns Hopkins float nurse and travel nurse to developing expertise in past life regression and Life Between Lives therapy, having trained with a former president of the Michael Newton Institute.

Oct 5, 2026

This is a recorded conversation with Sharon Lemoine, a Nurse Practitioner (NP), on integrating faith-based holistic care and entrepreneurial practice development for nurses and healthcare professionals. Lemoine, with 18 years as an RN and 7 years as an NP in emergency medicine, discusses her transition from corporate healthcare to building a successful private practice specializing in weight loss, hormone optimization, and functional medicine. The conversation covers her personal health journey with Type 1 Diabetes, surgical menopause, and thyroid disease, illustrating how these experiences inform her patient-centered approach. Clinicians will understand the value of a comprehensive, personalized healthcare model and the practical application of therapies like GLP1s, advanced hormone optimization, and peptide therapy within a holistic framework.

Sep 28, 2026

This is a recorded conversation with Miriam Barger, RN, on a nurse's journey of healing and growth after leaving the hospital, for nurses and healthcare professionals. Barger, with 13 years of nursing experience including frontline COVID care and international disaster response, details the emotional and professional impact of her experiences. The conversation explores the challenges of hospital administration, the importance of professional boundaries, and the transformative power of self-care. Clinicians will gain insight into the profound effects of high-stress nursing environments on personal well-being and career longevity.

Sep 20, 2026

This is a recorded conversation with Alexandra Brisky, a nurse entrepreneur, on "Becoming a Holistic Nurse Entrepreneur" for nurses and healthcare professionals. The discussion explores Brisky's career transition from various traditional nursing roles, including TCU, LTAC, acute care, home care, and chronic care management, to establishing her own private nursing practice. Listeners will learn about the motivations, challenges, and successes of creating an independent, community-based nursing business. Brisky shares insights from her seven years of nursing experience, detailing the legal frameworks that enable private practice and strategies for building a sustainable client base. If you are a nurse feeling constrained by the current healthcare system and envision a path where you can provide more personalized, patient-centered care, this conversation is for you. Discover how to leverage your clinical expertise to create an independent practice that fills critical gaps in community health.What you will learn:This content empowers nurses to redefine their professional role, offering viable alternatives to conventional care pathways. Apply these insights to provide comprehensive support for patients managing multiple chronic conditions, navigating complex medical systems, or seeking holistic health guidance within their own homes and communities. Listen now to explore how an entrepreneurial mindset can transform your nursing career, allowing you to deliver meaningful, accessible care while fostering trust within your community. About Alexandra Brisky Alexandra Brisky, a registered nurse since 2017, shares her journey from diverse clinical roles to founding a community-based nursing service. Her experience underscores the power of patient-centered care and offers valuable insights into navigating state regulations for autonomous practice. FAQQ: What is a holistic nurse entrepreneur? A: A holistic nurse entrepreneur establishes their own private nursing business, focusing on patient-centered care and addressing gaps in conventional healthcare. They leverage clinical expertise to provide personalized, community-based services. Q: Who is Alexandra Brisky, RN? A: Alexandra Brisky, RN, is a registered nurse and independent practitioner who has been a nurse since 2017. She founded a community-based nursing service and emphasizes patient-centered care. Q: What will nurses learn about in this conversation? A: Nurses will learn how to leverage state licensure for independent practice, identify healthcare gaps, develop community-based nursing models, and navigate financial and insurance complexities. They will also gain insights into strategic networking. Q: How can independent nurses help patients? A: Independent nurses can function as vital care coordinators and patient advocates, offering direct access and tailored care plans. This is particularly beneficial for elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions or those needing home-based support to prevent hospital readmissions. Q: What challenges of nurse entrepreneurship are discussed?A: The conversation addresses managing fluctuating client loads, financial planning, prioritizing self-care to avoid burnout, and navigating professional insurance complexities, including malpractice and commercial auto insurance for independent practice.#nursingeducation #holisticnursing #integrativehealth

See all episodes →