MDMA
MDMA is considered a hallucinogen even though it is not as likely to cause hallucinations. The chemical substance name MDMA stands for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, an organic compound whose gross formula is C₁₁H₁₅NO₂. MDMA is also sometimes confused with XTC (ecstasy) because it also contains MDMA in addition to a drug such as speed. For therapeutic purposes, only pure MDMA or similar substances (analogues) are used.
MDMA as therapy
Because of the release of serotonin and dopamine in particular, after taking MDMA, a lot of receptors are stimulated more than otherwise. Because of this change, 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.
Better 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. So exposure therapy works very well under the influence of MDMA because the triggers no longer immediately result in an anxious state.
Less ego
With less self-awareness, things seem more connected because you are less likely to distinguish between yourself and the world around you. When you look at yourself with less self-awareness, it sometimes seems like it's about someone other than yourself. From these thoughts, it is often easier to talk honestly about yourself without emotional blockage. So it creates 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 can 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.
Scientific research on MDMA therapy
The use of MDMA as an aid during therapy is not new. In the middle of the last century, many experiments were conducted with psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin and MDMA to see if these substances could help with certain mental disorders. Unfortunately, new laws stopped these studies. Since the beginning of this century, the studies have slowly started up again, and with MDMA, the studies are mainly focused on trauma and PTSD. These studies are all completed very positively with mostly high success rates.
MDMA and substances similar to MDMA are not suitable for everyone. Especially combining certain medications and MDMA can be dangerous to health. Certain conditions can also be aggravated by the use of psychedelics including MDMA. MDMA cannot be combined with the following.
Contraindications conditions/situations
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding situation
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline
- Psychosis susceptibility (or past history of psychosis)
- Severe Blood pressure/heart disease
- Brain Hemorrhage
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
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 analog. In chemistry, by analogue is meant a substance that is chemically related such that it is similar regarding the structure of the molecule with subtle differences. In the case of the MDMA analogue, this is also the case. The structure is almost the same and the minute difference makes it first of all legal, it gives less energy than MDMA and produces more positive and empathic feelings. For most individuals, during the days following the session, there is less of the well-known Tuesday dip that is common with MDMA use. These differences, in our opinion, make it even more suitable for MDMA sessions. An advantage and disadvantage of the MDMA analog is that the effects last a little longer.
| Features | MDMA | MDMA Analogue |
| Duration of operation | 4-6 hours | 5-7 hours |
| Energy | Raising | 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 | A little more visual effects (color, geometry) |
| Memory | Better memory | Better memory |
| Music | Stronger perception/appreciation | Stronger perception/appreciation |
Signing up for an MDMA session
Before a session can be booked it is required to complete the intake. Based on this intake we can assess whether you can book a session with us because of your health and safety. We can also indicate what kind of session and dosage is suitable. In addition to the intake you will receive personal advice on how to best prepare for the upcoming session and advice on nutrition and lifestyle.
Which supervisor do you choose?
The facilitators you can choose for MDMA sessions, the maximum travel distance for client-site sessions and which in-house locations our facilitators work at can be found through the overview below. Learn more about our counselors through the personal pages.
Book an MDMA session
Book an MDMA session at a location of your choice. Want more information about our locations? Then click on the 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.
