Many people ask us about the role of the guide at Noma. It’s a role that’s somewhat unique to our program, so I wanted to take some time to explain why it’s so important!
As a guide, I play a central role in every patient’s journey. This starts from the moment I meet with patients for their free consultation. I discuss the program with them, understand why they are seeking treatment, and we collectively determine whether it’s a good fit. From that point on, I’m with patients every step of the way. I answer questions about the program, help schedule appointments, and even give friendly nudges from time to time to help keep patients on track!
To my knowledge, we are the only at-home ketamine provider with a guide that stays online with their patients throughout the entire dosing session.
However, the most important and fulfilling part of my role is supervising the ketamine dosing sessions. I meet with patients over a video call at the start of every dosing session and stay online with them throughout the session. This is critical, because it enables Noma to ensure that our at-home dosing sessions are safe and effective. To my knowledge, we are the only at-home ketamine provider with a guide that stays online with their patients throughout the entire dosing session.
You may have heard that “set” and “setting” are critical for a successful dosing session. The “set” refers to the mindset that the patient has. I help the patient set an appropriate intention for the program, answer any questions they have in order to put them at ease.
The “setting” refers to the environment the patient is in. I help ensure that the setting is appropriate, helping them make some quick adjustments when needed.
Next, the patient takes the rapidly dissolving ketamine tablets. Patients must hold the tablets in their mouth while they dissolve for 10-15 minutes. I help patients keep track of the time and let them know when it’s time to spit it out. During this time, I also deliver a guided meditation to help them relax and ease into the experience. From here on out, people generally lay down, close their eyes, and relax for the remainder of the session. I am just there to monitor their well-being. After about an hour, the dosing wears off. I check in with the patient, and we may do a short debrief ahead of their official integration session with the therapist.
This work is much more than a job, it’s a calling. It’s the work that I was always meant to do.
Being a guide is incredibly fulfilling work. I love being able to play a critical role in our program and see the transformative impact that it has on people’s lives. In fact, for me, this work is much more than a job, it’s a calling. It’s the work that I was always meant to do. This passion drives me to constantly develop my expertise, including completing training as a certified guide through the Psychedelic Sitters School in Boulder, Colorado.
If you are interested in the Noma Program, please reach out! I’d be happy to meet with you for a free consultation. And if you’re interested in becoming a guide, please reach out as well. Noma is growing and looking for more guides, so I’d love to chat.
Angela manages the patient experience at Noma Therapy. Certified as a guide in mindfulness based psychedelic therapy, she is committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable and excellent experience. Angela is also certified in adult mental health first aid and is trained to provide initial help to individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
