Yann Woldemar shares testimony on CMTV: "It was a surprise to me on the very first day"
Yann Woldemar was invited by CMTV to share his testimony about Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy, a treatment he underwent at The Clinic of Change to combat resistant depression and anxiety.
During an interview lasting approximately 15 minutes on the morning show “Manhã CM,” Yann recounted his experience, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Victor Amorim Rodrigues, a psychiatrist and clinical director of The Clinic of Change (with professional license number 31127, issued by the Portuguese Medical Association).
Yann explained that he has been living with depression and anxiety for nearly 20 years. “There comes a point when we lose hope and start considering other therapeutic approaches,” he confides. The patient completed the Kare Program, which combines psychotherapy sessions with the controlled administration of off-label ketamine, an innovative approach to treating mental disorders.
When asked about the effects of the first treatment, Yann was direct:
"The experiences are intense, but from the first session you can already see a significant difference. The protocol evolves gradually - in my case, with ketamine applications on Saturdays and psychotherapy sessions afterwards. Right after the sessions, the feeling of well-being and the reduction in anxiety become visible."
What surprised him most was the speed of the therapeutic effects, something unusual in cases of depression and anxiety - conditions that affect millions of people around the world.
Safety in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
During the broadcast, Yann emphasized the sense of security he felt throughout the entire process, highlighting the close monitoring provided by the clinical team. “The team kept me well informed at all times, which helped me feel safe and at ease with this approach. Talk to a doctor, find a clinic you trust, and prepare properly for each session,” he advises.
Prof. Dr. Victor Amorim Rodrigues, psychiatrist and clinical director, was asked about the main difference between conventional antidepressants and ketamine. The specialist explained:
“The key difference lies in where these drugs act within the brain’s biochemical pathways. While traditional antidepressants act predominantly on serotonin, ketamine acts mainly on glutamate, a neurotransmitter that plays a central role in neuroplasticity. Ketamine affects brain neuroplasticity, and [the brain] becomes very eager to form new neural circuits.”
Watch the full video here.
Prof. Dr. Victor Amorim Rodrigues stresses that the positive results associated with the therapeutic use of ketamine are only achieved effectively when integrated with psychotherapy sessions, as provided for in The Clinic of Change protocol.
In the interview, the expert assures that there is no risk of addiction when ketamine is used in a clinical setting, under medical supervision, and for therapeutic purposes—unlike recreational use, which is discouraged and potentially dangerous. “In fact, we also use ketamine in the treatment of addictions, such as alcohol addiction, ”the psychiatrist emphasizes.
Learn more about our programs HERE.
The Clinic of Change is a healthcare provider registered under number E166508, located at Rua das Picoas, 12, Ground Floor, 1050-173 Lisbon, with operating license number 22863/2023, and registered with the ERS under number 39467.
Clinical Director: Professor Victor Amorim Rodrigues, M.D., Psychiatrist, with professional license no. 31127, issued by the Portuguese Medical Association.
