Properties of MDMA
MDMA, which can be taken during MDMA therapy, is seen as a hallucinogen, although it cannot easily cause hallucinations. The chemical name MDMA stands for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, an organic compound with the chemical formula C₁₁H₁₅NO₂. MDMA is sometimes confused with XTC (ecstasy) because it also contains MDMA in addition to a substance such as speed. Only pure MDMA or similar substances (analogs) are used for therapeutic purposes.
In recent years, MDMA therapy has become increasingly known and, in addition to being used as a treatment against PTSD and trauma, it is also increasingly used during relationship therapy. This is because this drug is considered an anti-anxiety drug and it gives people more freedom to speak. You can read on this page why MDMA can be an effective tool during psychotherapy.
MDMA during therapy
Due to the increased release of serotonin and dopamine in particular, many receptors are stimulated more than normal after taking MDMA. Due to this increased activity on the receptors in the brain, there will be some changes in stimulus conduction in the brain, causing a number of effects that we can use to our advantage during a therapeutic session.
During the MDMA-assistive therapy, the MDMA therapist will use the changes below. If possible, exposure therapy can also be done to change triggers.
Better mood
Feelings of connection, happiness, euphoria and satisfaction are relatively common when using MDMA. If you start talking about your trauma or the triggers of your PTSD during this phase of satisfaction, the brain stores it in a different way. It might be a bit crazy for the brain. You feel satisfied and safe while talking about your trauma. You can also be gently exposed to your anxiety triggers while you are in that safe state. The brain will eventually associate the triggers with the positive state you are in. Exposure therapy works very well under the influence of MDMA because the triggers no longer immediately result in an anxious state.
Less ego/sense of self
With less sense of self/ego, things seem more connected because you are less likely to have to distinguish between yourself and the rest of the world. As soon as you look at yourself with less self-awareness, it sometimes seems as if it is about someone other than yourself. From these thoughts it is easier to talk honestly about yourself without an emotional blockage and there is less self-protection that can slow down the conversation. Less ego and self-consciousness can therefore lead to more openness and that can have a great advantage for processing the past, but also for conversation therapy, self-examination and personal growth.
Increased empathy
Releasing trauma often also includes forgiveness of the perpetrator and yourself as a victim. The victim must forgive themselves for the situation they were in and this also requires empathy for yourself in order to let go. Forgiving the perpetrator can also help in the process of dealing with the trauma. Greater empathy for the perpetrator without the ego's self-protection can often make forgiveness easier and more effective.
New insights
By using MDMA or an MDMA analogue, the brain will work in a different way than you are used to in a fasted state. Possible new insights can be gained, because the perspective on certain matters can temporarily shift. This effect cannot of course be predicted in advance, but changing perspective can play a role in progress. An additional advantage of these types of sessions is that curiosity for new insights is stimulated and can last long after the session.
Spiritual experience
It is more common with other psychedelics, but a spiritual experience can also occur during a session with MDMA. During the onset and peak effects of MDMA, the reduction in self-awareness can lead to a mystical experience. Spirituality can contribute to general well-being and is seen as a bonus during MDMA therapy.
Better memory
The anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect of MDMA offers many possibilities during the MDMA session. One of the advantages is that the memory can work better. Without inhibition of fear, certain difficult memories can be more easily retrieved and discussed.
Scientific research into MDMA
The use of MDMA as an aid during psychotherapy is not new. In the middle of the last century, many experiments were conducted with psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin and MDMA to see whether these substances could help with certain psychological disorders. Unfortunately, these investigations have been halted by new laws. Since the beginning of this century, research has slowly started again and with MDMA research is mainly focused on trauma and PTSD. These studies are all completed very positively with often high success rates.
MDMA sessions are not for everyone
MDMA and substances similar to MDMA are not suitable for everyone. Combining certain medications and MDMA can be particularly dangerous to your health. Certain conditions can also be worsened by the use of psychedelics, including MDMA. MDMA cannot be combined with the medications, conditions and/or situations listed below.
Contraindications conditions/situations
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding situation
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline
- Psychosis sensitivity (or history of psychosis)
- Severe Blood Pressure/heart problems
- Brain hemorrhages
Contraindications to medication
- Lithium
- Heart and/or blood pressure medications
- Opoids (tramadol, morphine and codeine)
- TCA (Tricyclic antidepressants)
- MAOi (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
- SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
- SNRI (Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
- Antipsychotics
Legal MDMA therapy
In the Netherlands, MDMA is an illegal substance. We therefore work with a substance that is closely related to MDMA, the so-called MDMA analogue. In chemistry, analog means a substance that is chemically related in such a way that the structure of the molecule is the same with subtle differences. This is also the case with the MDMA analogue. The structure is almost the same and the minimal difference ensures that it is legal, provides less energy than MDMA and produces more positive and empathetic feelings. For most people, the well-known Tuesday dip that often occurs with MDMA use is less noticeable in the days after the session. In our opinion, these differences make it even more suitable for MDMA sessions. An advantage and disadvantage of the MDMA analogue is that the effects last a little longer.
| Characteristics | MDMA | MDMA Analog |
| Duration of operation | 4-6 hours | 5-7 hours |
| Energy | Increasing | Unchanged/dreamy/relaxed |
| Emotional | Stronger emotions (all), Empathy, Ecstasy, more social | Stronger emotions (all), More empathy and euphoria than with MDMA, more social |
| Visual | Very small chance of hallucinations | Slightly more visual effects (color, geometry) |
| Memory | Better memory | Better memory |
| Music | Stronger experience/appreciation | Stronger experience/appreciation |
MDMA analog information page
For more information about the MDMA analog, the legal status of this drug, the risks, break time between sessions and how the body metabolizes MDMA, please refer to the information page below.
Sign up for an MDMA session
Before a session can be booked, it is required to complete the intake in advance. Based on this intake, we can assess whether you can book a session with us due to your safety and health. In addition, we can also indicate what type of session and dosage is suitable. In addition to the intake, you will receive personal advice regarding optimal preparation for the upcoming session, including advice on nutrition and lifestyle.
Which supervisor do you choose?
Which supervisor suits you best? We have both male and female supervisors from different backgrounds. Our supervisors/therapists can make a home visit as long as it is within Dutch borders and within the range of their distance restrictions. For this on-site service you can use your own home, holiday home, private Airbnb or hotel.
Marcel van der Putten
Category: Senior guide
Languages: Dutch and English
Psychedelic session €775 : MDMA/psilocybin/Heroic dose/LSD/Psiloflora/Psilohuasca/Hippie flip/etc.
Duo €1350
I work throughout the Netherlands and in our country location in Schiedam. I can also be booked for sessions at your home, in an Airbnb, holiday home or a hotel of your choice. For the sessions at home, I travel from my current home town of Noordwijkerhout and the travel costs of 50 cents per km driven are therefore deducted from zip code 2211BM calculated. Do you live far away or are you coming from abroad? In that case, you can also choose to rent a house/hotel/Airbnb closer to the beautiful Noordwijkerhout or you can use our space in Schiedam.
For the sessions at the customer's location, the cities and places between the following cities are easy to reach for me: Alkmaar, Amsterdam, The Hague, Leiden, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zaandam. Do you prefer a place with more nature and/or beach? Noordwijk, Scheveningen and Zandvoort are nearby coastal towns that I recommend.
Janneke van de Geijn
Category: Medior guide
Languages: Dutch and English
Sessions €675: MDMA/Psilocybin/psiloflora/Hippie flip
Duo €1150:
I have limited availability per month for individual psychedelic sessions. The maximum distance I can drive is 45 minutes travel time from Vlaardingen and this includes the following places or cities: Delft, The Hague, Dordrecht, Gouda, Hellevoetsluis, Hoek van Holland, Naaldwijk, Rotterdam, Schiedam and Zoetermeer.
Ronald Hochstenbach
Category: Therapist
Languages: Dutch English German
Sessions €875 : MDMA/Psilocybin/Hippie flip
Duo €1400: MDMA/Psilocybin/Hippie flip
To reduce the workload for me, I prefer not to drive more than 45 minutes each way from my home address in the Eindhoven region. And I like to drive outside rush hours. I will then work with you to determine the most suitable starting time for the session. In general my work area is the following:
North Brabant: region Eindhoven, Tilburg, Den Bosch
Limburg: region Roermond, Weert
The travel costs charged are 50 cents per km driven to and from zip code 5554 SH.
Sascha de Waal
Category: Therapist (psychologist)
Languages: Dutch and English
Sessions €775 : MDMA/Psilocybin/Heroic dose/LSD/Psiloflora/Hippie flip/
Duo €1350
From my home in Bussum I come to location for the psychedelic sessions. My maximum travel time for a one-way trip is 60 minutes from zip code 1404 Bussum. Do you live further away than my work area? Then consider renting an AirBNB nearby or contact me for consultation.
My work area includes various places and cities in the provinces of Flevoland, North Holland, South Holland, Overijssel, Utrecht and North Brabant:
Alkmaar, Almere, Alphen aan den Rijn, Amsterdam, Amersfoort, Apeldoorn, Arnhem, Den Bosch, The Hague, Deventer, Dordrecht, Dronten, Ede, Emmeloord, Gouda, Hoorn, Leiden, Lelystad, Purmerend, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Zaanstad, Zoetermeer , Zutphen and Zwolle.
The travel costs charged are 50 cents per km driven to and from zip code 1404 Bussum.
Reineke Brandt
Category: Therapist
Languages: Dutch, English and German
Sessions €675 : MDMA/Psilocybin
Duo €1200 MDMA/psilocybin
I work in an area that covers a large part of South Holland and a small part of the province of Zeeland. I use a maximum travel time for a single journey of 45 minutes. For the sessions at home, I come from my current place of residence in Maassluis, with travel costs of 50 cents per kilometer driven to and from the zip code. 3142 CA.
The places where I come to your home or hotel or AirBNB include:
Delft, The Hague, Dordrecht, Gouda, Hellevoetsluis, Hoek van Holland, Naaldwijk, Rotterdam, Schiedam, Vlaardingen and Zoetermeer.
In addition to the home visit sessions, I also work at the Psychedelic Loft location in Schiedam.
Gijs Tecklenburg
Category: Therapist
Languages: Dutch, German and English
Sessions €675 : Psilocybin/MDMA
Duo €1200: Psilocybin/MDMA
I am available in an area around 's-Hertogenbosch, a maximum of 60 minutes' drive away. Outside rush hour this may be more kilometers than during rush hour. So I like to take that into account when planning. I can come to your location in and the area between the following cities:
Breda, Den Bosch, Dordrecht Eindhoven, Gorinchem, Nijmegen, Tilburg, Uden, Utrecht, Waalwijk and Zaltbommel.
The travel costs charged are 50 cents per km driven to and from zip code 5231 EK.
Another option is to use my practice space including booking an overnight stay, a nice space on a beautiful estate near 's-Hertogenbosch. Please contact me for this.
Cécile Nougué-Cazenave
Category: Tripsitter/coach
Languages: French, English and Spanish
Sessions €675 : Psilocybin
Duo €1200: Psilocybin
I work on client premises. I can come to your (own) home, Airbnb, hotel or holiday home.
To reduce my workload, I prefer to drive no more than 45 minutes there and back from my home address in the Amsterdam Zuid region (Amstelveen), preferably outside rush hours. I then decide together with you the most suitable starting time for the session.
The places where I come to your home or hotel or AirBNB include:
Aalsmeer, Almere, Alphen aan den Rijn, Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Beverwijk, Haarlem, Heemskerk, Hoofddorp, IJmuiden, Leiden, Maarssen, Purmerend, Schiphol, Uitgeest, Utrecht and Zaandam.
Reserve an MDMA session
Reserve an MDMA session at a location of your choice. Would you like more information about our locations? Then click on one of the images to open the location page. After booking and completing the deposit you will receive further advice on how to get the most out of the MDMA session with us.
