Psilocybin therapy in the Netherlands
Psilocybin therapy is a form of guided psychedelic therapy that uses psilocybin, the active substance found in magic mushrooms and truffles. In the Netherlands, psilocybin itself is an illegal substance (Schedule I of the Opium Act), but the truffles in which it is found are legal. That is why we work with psilocybin truffles: the same active substance, in a legal form. If you want a legal session with psilocybin, check the truffles session page immediately or enter your location to see availability and price.
Why does psilocybin work?
Psilocybin itself is hardly active. Your body converts it into psilocin after ingestion, and that is the substance that causes the psychedelic effects. Psilocybin binds to the 5-HT2A receptor, the same receptor that serotonin also binds to, and thereby temporarily changes the way brain regions communicate with each other. You can read more about this mechanism on our page about psilocybin and in the effect of psilocybin on the brain.
Physical effects
Neurochemistry
After ingestion, psilocybin is converted in the body into psilocin. Psilocybin affects various serotonergic receptors in the brain, with the 5-HT2A receptor playing a particularly important role.
What does the research say?
Research in humans has shown with PET scans that psilocybin binds to 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. The degree of receptor occupancy is related to certain subjective effects of the psychedelic experience.
It is more accurate to speak of a change in serotonergic signaling than of a simple increase in the amount of serotonin in the synaptic cleft.
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Neuroplasticity
Research indicates that psychedelics can influence processes involved in neuroplasticity, the ability of the nervous system to adapt and form new connections.
What does the research say?
Preclinical research in particular shows indications of changes in neuroplasticity. Furthermore, research has shown that psilocybin can directly bind to TrkB, the receptor for BDNF.
In cell and animal models, this interaction was associated with processes that promote neuroplasticity. However, it has not yet been shown that every psychedelic experience in humans automatically leads to new neural connections.
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Amygdala
The amygdala plays an important role in the processing of emotional information, including signals associated with fear and threat.
What does the research say?
fMRI research has shown that psilocybin can reduce the amygdala's response to negative emotional stimuli. In the same study, reduced amygdala reactivity was associated with a more positive mood.
This does not mean that psilocybin always reduces anxiety during an experience. Intense or challenging emotions can also occur.
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Blood supply and brain networks
Psilocybin changes the activity and communication between different brain regions. Neuroimaging research shows clear changes in brain regions and networks.
What does the research say?
fMRI research has found changes in areas that are part of the default mode network (DMN). The original idea that psilocybin simply causes more blood to flow to the brain is too simplistic.
Some studies, however, show regional decreases in cerebral blood flow.
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Default Mode Network
The default mode network is involved in self-directed thinking, autobiographical memories, and the constant interpretation of experiences from the perspective of the self.
What does the research say?
Psilocybin alters the normal communication within the DMN and between different brain networks. Research shows that the normal synchronization between brain networks during the psychedelic state can be strongly altered.
This is associated with changes in the normal experience of the self and with the phenomenon of ego dissolution.
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Brain waves
Psilocybin changes the electrical activity of the brain. EEG research shows clear changes in different frequency bands during a psychedelic experience.
What does the research say?
A recurring finding is a decrease in alpha activity, approximately 8 to 13 Hz. Additionally, changes have been found in other frequency bands, including theta, beta, and gamma.
Therefore, it is too simplistic to talk about a simple shift from alpha waves to theta waves.
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Inflammatory reactions
Research shows that psilocybin can affect certain immune and inflammatory markers. This research area is still relatively new.
What does the research say?
In a controlled study in healthy volunteers, a rapid decrease in TNF-α was found. Seven days later, lower values of IL-6 and CRP were also measured.
These results are interesting, but do not prove that psilocybin is a general anti-inflammatory agent or treats inflammatory diseases.
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Subjective experience
Mood state
Psilocybin can intensify emotions during the experience. This can manifest itself in feelings of joy, wonder, connection and love, but also in sadness, fear or other challenging emotions.
What does the research say?
In clinical research, reductions in depressive symptoms have been found after treatment with psilocybin in people with depression.
However, its action cannot be simply explained as a supplement to a serotonin deficiency. Psilocybin affects multiple neurobiological and psychological processes.
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Bonding
A psychedelic experience can be accompanied by a strong sense of connectedness with oneself, other people, or the world around you.
What does the research say?
Researchers have now investigated connectedness through specific questionnaires. In prospective research, changes were found in feelings of connectedness with the self, others, and the world.
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Less ego
During a strong psychedelic experience, the normal sense of a separate self may temporarily become less strong. This is often called ego dissolution.
What does the research say?
Neuroimaging research has linked ego dissolution with changes in the communication between brain regions involved in self-directed processing.
A changed self-perception can therefore provide space for a different way of looking at personal thoughts, emotions, and patterns. However, that does not mean that every thought or conclusion during an experience is automatically correct.
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Stress and anxiety
Psilocybin can change the processing of emotional information. Some people experience greater acceptance or a different relationship to fear and stress as a result.
What does the research say?
Research on the amygdala shows that psilocybin can alter the processing of negative emotional stimuli. However, during the psychedelic experience, temporary feelings of anxiety or tension can also arise.
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New insights
Under the influence of psilocybin, the usual way in which someone looks at themselves and their surroundings can change. Some people are reporting new insights as a result.
What does the research say?
Psychological insight is now also being scientifically studied. The Psychological Insight Questionnaire was developed to measure changes in insight during psychedelic experiences.
Research shows links between such experiences and later changes in psychological functioning.
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Spirituality
Some people experience feelings of unity, transcendence, meaning, and connection during a psilocybin experience with something greater than the individual self.
What does the research say?
Mystical experiences have been extensively studied within psychedelic research. In controlled studies, experiences were described that were considered personally and spiritually meaningful by the participants.
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Healthy choices
Some people report changes in their lifestyle after a psychedelic experience, for example in the areas of nutrition, exercise, social contacts, or time spent in nature.
What does the research say?
Observational research has described various changes in health behaviors following psychedelic experiences. Because these studies are largely based on self-reporting, it cannot be concluded that psilocybin directly causes these changes.
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View the research
The dosage of psilocybin plays a major role
The effects of psilocybin during psilocybin therapy are variable and depend on your personal sensitivity, character, the environment, mood, the supplements, and the dosage. The higher the dosage, the greater the chance of a high stimulation of the serotonin receptor, called the 5HT2a receptor. The higher stimulation of various receptors produces the effects of psilocybin. The degrees of effects are divided into different triple levels.
| Psilocybin Dosage | Trip level | Duration (h) | Suitability |
| Microdose | 1 | 2-3 | Beginner |
| Medium dose | 2-4 | 5-6 | Beginner |
| High dose | 4-5 | 6-7 | Any experience |
| Heroic dose | 5 | 7-8 | More experienced |
During trip level 1, the negative feelings of a serotonin depression disappear. Because the communication between the brain hemispheres changes, music will sound deeper, colours become vivid and the surroundings more tangible. During this phase, one is more open and socially engaged and open/honest. Trip level 1 occurs with microdoses as the maximum trip level. In psilocybin therapy with medium, high and heroic doses, you briefly enter trip level 1 at the beginning and return past trip level 1 again at the end of the session.
More vivid perception of colours, visual effects such as the moving and “breathing” of objects, walls, etc. With closed eyes, 2-dimensional patterns can be perceived. Due to changes in the short-term memory, the user experiences continuously distracting thought patterns, alternated with an extreme focus. The natural filter in the brain is bypassed, increasing creativity, among other things. During this phase, one may already begin to discover cross-connections. Cross-connections about, for example, why certain things happen and how you can deal with them.
Very clearly perceptible visual effects. Everything appears bent or distorted. Patterns can be seen on walls, objects, faces, etc. Mild hallucinations, such as the effect of flowing rivers in wood grain or other structures. Some sensory confusion, for example seeing sound as colour, etc. Time distorts so that everything seems to take place in the “now”. From this level onwards, it is quite possible to connect with the subconscious brain, while this is still very manageable. The subconscious may contain fears that cause stress without a person being consciously aware of it. This level is useful for combating those fears from the subconscious. Fears often originate from the past and/or the future. These fears are not real for the present and acceptance is possible during this trip level
Strong hallucinations, such as objects transforming into other objects (morphing). Perception of the ego fades; for example, objects may start talking to you or you feel contradictory things simultaneously. Some loss of reality, time becomes an incomprehensible concept. Possible experience of an out-of-body experience. Blending of stimuli from different senses. Because of the ego loss and the associated loss of self-protection, during this phase one is harsh but honest with oneself. Problems can be addressed and put into perspective. The connection to the subconscious is very high at this trip level, allowing a great deal to be learned about who someone is, while it seems as though it concerns someone else because of the ego loss.
Total loss of visual connection with reality, senses no longer work in the “normal” way. A total loss of ego. Users feel themselves merging with space, other objects or the universe. The loss of reality becomes so severe that it is difficult to explain or put into words. This level differs from the other levels in that the actual universe in which things are located ceases to exist. During this phase, it is entirely impossible for the ego to exert any control. The connection with the subconscious is now at its maximum. During trip level 5, just as with trip level 4, it is difficult to formulate words and talking therefore makes little sense. It is, as it were, a dream that cannot be influenced by yourself. This phase can provide you with insights in a way that is initially incomprehensible. Level 5 psychonauts often call the trip experience mystical, the most beautiful experience of their lives or, conversely, frightening. Control freaks in particular find it scary at first. It is not advisable to do this without experience of psychedelics.
Psilocybin sessions at Triptherapie
At Bij we Triptherapie offer legal psilocybin sessions using psilocybin-containing magic truffles. Furthermore, we pay great attention to the preparation of a psychedelic session. Based on the intake, we provide personalized advice that can help you achieve your specific goal. The following elements are standard in our service and are considered by many to be an advantage:
Before the session
- Safety screening based on the intake
- Nutrition advice for preparing for psilocybin use
- Supplement advice to improve neurochemistry
- Video and reading suggestions that can be brought to life during the session
- Small tasks that can help prepare for the session
During the session
- Introductory conversation whose discussed topics can come to life during the peak
- Several playlists with treatment-specific music
- aromatherapy
- Space for introspection
- Experienced guidance
- Home visits are possible
- Use of our locations is possible
After the psilocybin session
- Space to discuss immediately after the session
- Tips for recovery after the psilocybin session are sent by email
- An integration interview a few days after the session
- Motivational messages to maintain success even after the psychedelic session
Contraindications and introduction
Although psilocybin is one of the safest substances available, unfortunately not everyone can choose to undergo psilocybin therapy. The dangerous combinations are especially those involving psychoactive medication and opioids. The contraindications are listed on the intake page so that you can carry out the initial assessment yourself. After completing the intake form, we will also carry out a second assessment. We recommend filling out the intake form before booking a session.
Psilocybin ceremonies for groups
We organize truffle ceremonies on a regular basis, where participants jointly experience the spiritual and therapeutic effects of the psilocybin found in magic truffles. Another option is to form your own group to conduct a psilocybin ceremony. Learn more about these options via the buttons or book a private psilocybin session.
Frequently asked questions about psilocybin therapy
Hier vind je antwoorden over psilocybine therapie in Nederland, de legaliteit, beschikbare locaties, kosten, veiligheid en het verloop van een begeleid traject.
Is psilocybine therapie legaal in Nederland?
Psilocybine zelf staat op lijst I van de Opiumwet en is daarom niet vrij verkrijgbaar. Bij Triptherapie werken we daarom met magische truffels, die psilocybine bevatten en legaal in Nederland verkrijgbaar zijn.
Onze begeleiding richt zich op persoonlijke ontwikkeling, zelfonderzoek en integratie, niet op medische behandeling. Meer over deze vorm van begeleide sessie lees je op onze pagina over de truffle session.
What is psilocybin therapy?
Psilocybine therapie is een vorm van psychedelische begeleiding waarbij een psilocybine-sessie wordt voorbereid, begeleid en nadien geïntegreerd.
Bij Triptherapie bestaat een traject uit intake en screening, persoonlijke voorbereiding, een begeleide sessie met magische truffels en een integration achteraf. Meer over de werkzame stof lees je op onze pagina over psilocybin.
Waar kan ik terecht voor psilocybine therapie in Nederland?
Je kunt kiezen voor een sessie op een Triptherapie-locatie, zoals de Psychedelische Loft in Schiedam, of voor begeleiding op jouw eigen adres.
Onze begeleiders werken in heel Nederland en kunnen ook naar een huisadres, hotel, Airbnb of vakantiewoning komen. Bekijk de beschikbaarheid en prijs via de Price calculation per work area .
Hoeveel kost psilocybine therapie?
De prijs hangt af van de gekozen begeleider, locatie en eventuele reiskosten. Een privésessie start bij €750 op eigen adres, exclusief reiskosten, of bij €850 inclusief overnachting.
For an exact price, use the Price calculation per work area . You can find all the rates on the page about rates and reservations.
Hoeveel psilocybine-sessies heb ik nodig?
Dat verschilt per persoon en doel. De meeste deelnemers kiezen voor één, twee of drie sessies. Een eerste sessie is vaak medium gedoseerd; een vervolgsessie kan, indien passend, hoger worden gedoseerd.
Tussen sessies adviseren we voldoende tijd voor integration. Voor een persoonlijk traject kijk je naar de mogelijkheden voor een individuele psilocybine-sessie.
Hoe verloopt een psilocybine therapie traject?
Je start met de gratis intake. Daarna volgen screening, persoonlijke voorbereiding en een voorbereidingsgesprek. Op de sessiedag word je begeleid door de begeleider van jouw keuze op de afgesproken locatie.
Na de sessie bespreken we de ervaring en ontvang je adviezen voor integratie, zodat je inzichten kunt vertalen naar je dagelijks leven. Start met de Inclusion and contra-indication check.
Is psilocybine therapie veilig?
Een psychedelische sessie is niet voor iedereen geschikt. Daarom controleren we bij de intake je gezondheid, medicatie, achtergrond, wensen en mogelijke contra-indicaties.
Vooral combinaties met bepaalde psychoactieve medicatie en opioïden vragen extra aandacht. Vul daarom eerst de Inclusion and contra-indication check in; daarna beoordelen wij of een sessie voor jou mogelijk is.
Helpt psilocybine bij depressie of PTSS?
Psilocybine wordt steeds vaker onderzocht in klinische studies, onder andere bij therapieresistente depressie, PTSS, verslaving en existentiële angst.
Triptherapie biedt geen medische behandeling en stelt geen diagnose. We bieden begeleide sessies aan voor persoonlijke ontwikkeling, zelfonderzoek en integratie. Meer over de stand van het wetenschappelijk onderzoek lees je op onze pagina over onderzoek naar psilocybine therapie .
Wordt psilocybine therapie vergoed door de zorgverzekeraar?
Nee, psychedelische therapie wordt momenteel niet vergoed door zorgverzekeraars. De sessies vallen buiten de reguliere zorg en worden daarom als privétraject aangeboden.
Moet ik zelf psilocybine kopen?
Nee. Bij de psilocybine therapie van Triptherapie zijn de magische truffels inbegrepen. Je hoeft zelf geen psilocybine, paddo’s of andere psychedelica aan te schaffen.
Wat is het verschil tussen psilocybine therapie en een truffelsessie?
A truffle session is de praktische vorm van een begeleide sessie met magische truffels. Psilocybine therapie is de bredere benaming voor het volledige traject: voorbereiding, begeleide sessie en integratie.
Bij Triptherapie gebeurt psilocybine therapie dus legaal via magische truffels.
Kan ik ook een psilocybine retraite doen?
Ja. Naast een individuele sessie of truffelceremonie kun je kiezen voor een meerdaagse psilocybin retreat , met extra ruimte voor voorbereiding, meerdere sessies, rust en integratie.