Silicon Valley Turns to Ketamine for Leadership Coaching Amidst Stress

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In a trend gaining traction among tech executives, some Silicon Valley leaders are participating in “psychedelic slumber parties” that utilize ketamine as a mental health treatment. According to Elon Musk, the dissociative drug is effective in breaking negative thought patterns. Ketamine, originally an anesthetic and often misused recreationally, is now being offered in controlled settings to enhance neuroplasticity during leadership coaching sessions, as described by Aria Stone and Shuang Shuang, cofounders of a Bay Area organization.

These sessions, priced at approximately $2,600 for three days plus a medical fee, cater mainly to high-pressure executives from Fortune 100 companies. During the off-site events, participants experience multiple ketamine sessions designed to foster relaxation and promote emotional insights. Participants engage in activities like intention-setting and integration coaching to process their experiences.

While proponents speak to the benefits of ketamine therapy, experts caution against potential risks, emphasizing that its use should be medically supervised due to risks of substance abuse and mental health complications.

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