MDMA group sessions
The MDMA ceremony
At the MDMA ceremonies we organize, you participate as one of a maximum of six participants. You do the preparation for this session individually, working on the personal advice we give you. On the day of the ceremony, during the first period of about one to two hours, we are a group and you get to talk about yourself and the goals you have. Once the MDMA begins to take effect (45 minutes after ingestion) we operate a silent phase of 2 to 3 hours where the music takes you on a loving introspective journey. After this phase we switch back to connection and there is space to share the experience and feelings with the group and/or facilitators.
The role of music
Music plays an important role during MDMA sessions. As with the psilocybin and LSD sessions, the MDMA ceremony creates space to turn inward. We call this the introspective phase and we also motivate everyone to take advantage of this for about two to three hours during MDMA group sessions. During the MDMA ceremony during introspection you will be guided mainly by the music to places in your memory, thoughts and especially with positive feelings/emotions. It is a loving journey inward for most people.
The positive effects of the MDMA ceremony
After about 45 minutes after ingesting the MDMA analog offered by us, the first effects appear. In this initial phase, you may feel some resistance to the effects of MDMA and this may manifest itself in shakiness and perceived temperature fluctuations. After habituation, the positive effects occur, characterized mainly with positive feelings and connection. The effects below are the most valuable for these sessions.
Improvement in state of mind
Feelings of happiness, euphoria and contentment are relatively common when using MDMA. If during this phase of contentment you start talking about your trauma or the triggers of your PTSD the brain stores it in a different way. To the brain, it may be a little crazy. After all, you feel satisfied and safe while talking about your trauma. Also, you can be gently exposed to your triggers for anxiety as long as you are in that safe state. The brain eventually starts to connect the triggers with the positive state you find yourself in. Exposure therapy thus works very well under the influence of MDMA since the triggers no longer immediately result in an anxious state.
Less ego
With diminished self-awareness, subjects seem more connected because you are less likely to distinguish between yourself and the world around you. In this state, it may seem like it is about someone other than yourself. From these thoughts, there is room for honest self-reflection without the familiar emotional block. So it allows for openness and that can be of great benefit for processing the past but also for talk therapy, self-exploration and personal growth.
Increased empathy
Releasing trauma sometimes involves the forgiveness of the perpetrator and victim. The victim needs to forgive themselves for the situation they were in, and that requires empathy for yourself as well. Forgiving the perpetrator can also help in the process. Having more empathy for the offender without the self-protection of the ego, forgiving is often an easier process.
New insights
When using most psychedelics, the brain starts working in a different way than you are used to. New insights and cross-connections may be discovered. In advance, of course, it is impossible to imagine how this will play out. An added benefit of these types of sessions is that curiosity is rewarded and people usually remain curious about themselves, others and the world well beyond the session.
The benefits of an MDMA ceremony at Trip Therapy
At Trip Therapy, we pay a lot of attention to preparation for all psychedelic sessions. Even at the MDMA ceremony, we give personalized advice for preparation. The following components are standard with our services and are considered by many as benefits:
Before the ceremony
- Screening for safety based on intake
- Nutritional advice in preparation for psychedelic use
- Supplement recommendation to improve neurochemistry
- Video and reading suggestions that can come to life during the session
- Small assignments that can help prepare for the session
During the ceremony
- Time to get acquainted and unwind
- A group theme which can support goal setting
- Small groups so there is room for group feeling AND:
- Taking space for yourself is possible by temporarily withdrawing into separate cabins
- Experienced supervision with always at least one supervisor for every two participants
After the ceremony
- Food and drinks are included and are mostly healthy
- The overnight stay is included by default but not required
- Any breakfast is included
- Post-session tips will be sent by email
- An integration talk a few days after the ceremony
Who is the MDMA ceremony suitable for?
MDMA and substances similar to MDMA are not suitable for everyone. In particular, combining certain medications and MDMA can be dangerous to health. Certain conditions can also be aggravated by the use of psychedelics.
MDMA cannot be combined in the following situations:
Contraindications conditions/situations
- Severe Blood pressure/heart disease
- Brain Hemorrhage
- Borderline
- Psychosis susceptibility (or past history of psychosis)
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Breastfeeding situation
- Pregnancy
Contraindications medication
- Lithium
- Heart and/or blood pressure medication
- 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
Book a group MDMA session
Intake and booking
You can participate in the MDMA ceremonies on the days when we organize these group sessions. By making a reservation you secure your spot for a specific date. When booking, a deposit of 125 euros is requested and the rest of the payment can be made during the week of the ceremony.
Before you reserve a spot for an MDMA ceremony, we first ask you to fill out the intake and mention that you want to participate in an MDMA ceremony. We then verify that it is safe for you to participate in this beautiful and potentially life-changing experience. We also base personal advice on the information you have filled out. After completing the intake we will respond within 48 hours and you will know for sure if you can participate. After booking you will then receive a confirmation and the personal advice to get the most out of the MDMA ceremony.