Egodood: what it is and what it does

ego

Ego therapy

During a high-dose psychedelic session, a temporary sense of ego loss may occur. We call this an ego death or ego-free experience. Some people find this valuable for self-insight, but it can also be intense or overwhelming. This type of guidance therefore requires careful preparation and experienced facilitation.

What is the ego?

That is usually functional: the reflex to pull your hand away from a hot pan, or to be careful in traffic, are forms of self-protection that help you. But that same inclination towards self-protection can also reinforce fixed thought patterns that no longer fit the current situation. Old fears or assumptions can in that way continue to shape how you view yourself and your life, even when they are no longer correct.

What happens during ego death?

During a high-dose session, the sense of a sharply defined “I” may fade. People sometimes describe this as the feeling of merging into something greater than themselves, or as being able to observe their own thoughts and behavioural patterns from a distance without the usual self-protection. That can be confrontational: things that you normally soften or rationalise away for yourself can then feel more direct.

Who is this not suitable for?

A high-dose session is not recommended for everyone. Participation may be advised against in cases of a personal or family predisposition to psychosis, a history of mania or bipolar disorder, severe psychological instability, or certain physical conditions. Medication and the use of other substances can also affect safety.

Never stop prescribed medication on your own initiative in order to take part in a session. Always discuss this with your prescribing doctor and mention it during the intake.

How we can help you with this

We guide people who, following a careful intake, choose a higher-dose session. We discuss your situation, expectations and any risk factors beforehand, and ensure a calm, safe environment during the session. Afterwards, there is space to look back together, and where necessary we schedule a separate integration discussion.

We do not promise healing or a fixed result. After such a session, some people experience more peace or a clearer overview of recurring patterns; for others, it remains primarily an intense experience that takes time to process.

Would you like to investigate whether this is right for you? Complete the intake. Read more about psychedelic therapy in general, or about how a session unfolds physically and mentally.

Author:
Marcel van der Putten
Marcel van der Putten
About the author

Marcel van der Putten is the founder of Triptherapie and a psychedelic facilitator. He has a background in chemistry and biochemistry and combines his scientific interest in neurochemistry, psychology, nutrition, and well-being with years of practical experience in psychedelic guidance.

Since the founding of Triptherapie in 2018, Marcel has guided thousands of people through psychedelic sessions and is thus the expert in the field of psychedelic experiences in the Netherlands. He has delved into the psychological, biological, and personal aspects of psychedelic experiences and has focused on preparation, personal alignment, and integration.

His interests include the interplay between neurochemistry, lifestyle, emotions, and consciousness. In addition to his guidance work, he regularly writes about psychedelic research, psychological processes, nutrition, and the application of psychedelics within personal development.

Marcel works throughout the Netherlands and conducts sessions in Dutch and English.

Contents