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Paddotherapy: therapy with mushrooms, psilocybin and truffles

Paddotherapy is an informal term for guidance involving psilocybin-containing mushrooms or truffles discussed or used in the context of self-exploration, personal development, or mental health issues.

The term “paddotherapy” can mean several things. Sometimes it refers to research into psilocybin in a clinical setting. Sometimes it refers to a guided experience with magic truffles. These situations are not the same and must be clearly distinguished from each other.

In the Netherlands, we cannot offer sessions with magic truffles ourselves. Therefore, we work with legal psilocybin-containing magic truffles, within the limits of current Dutch legislation.

We have also written a blog explaining why mushroom therapy should be legalized again in our opinion. In this blog, we highlight the subtle differences and also how similar mushrooms and truffles are. You can read this blog by using the button below.

Legalizing psychedelic therapy
Book psychedelic accompaniment

What are mushrooms?

Mushrooms are fungi that can contain psychoactive substances such as psilocybin and psilocin. After ingestion, these substances can affect perception, mood, thoughts, and time perception.

The composition and strength of mushrooms can vary greatly. Therefore, it is not always easy to determine the amount of active substance. Furthermore, experience depends on:

  • the species and composition;

  • the quantity;

  • individual sensitivity;

  • voting and expectations;

  • environment and guidance;

  • physical and mental health;

  • medication and other remedies.

What is psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a psychedelic substance that is found in certain mushrooms and truffles. In the body, psilocybin is converted into psilocin. Psilocin affects various serotonin receptors, including the 5-HT2A receptor.

Possible effects are:

  • changed sensory perception;

  • changed the perception of time;

  • heightened emotions;

  • intropective thoughts;

  • changes in mood;

  • nausea or physical discomfort;

  • anxiety, confusion or panic.

Not everyone experiences the same effects. Even a positive intention or good preparation does not guarantee a pleasant experience.

How psilocybin works

Mushrooms and magic truffles

Mushrooms and magic truffles can both contain psilocybin and psilocin. However, they are not identical in all respects:

PartMushroomsMagic truffles
Biological materialAbove-ground parts of a mushroomSclerotia, underground structures
Active ingredientsMay contain psilocybin and psilocineMay contain psilocybin and psilocine
StrengthCan vary greatlyCan vary greatly
Legal status in the NetherlandsNot available legally as a psilocybin-containing productLegal status differs from mushrooms
Guidance in TriptherapieNot offeredWell discussed/offered within the legal framework

The presence of the same active substance does not mean that every experience, dose or legal situation is identical.

How does herbal therapy work?

Puffwort therapy works because there are hallucinogenic substances in the mushrooms. These are different substances, but psilocybin is the most well-known. How psilocybin works has already been explained in detail on the page about psilocybin and psilocybin therapy. You can find more information there about how psilocybin and puffwort therapy work.

Psilocybin therapy

Psilocybin as a therapeutic tool

Psilocybin can act as a therapeutic tool by interacting with the serotonin receptors in the brain, specifically the 5HT2A receptors. When psilocybin is converted into psilocin, it mimics the effects of serotonin, leading to changes in the conduction of impulses in the brain. This can result in a state resembling a dreamlike state, in which connections between different parts of the brain are strengthened. This hyperconnectivity can help break through fixed thought patterns and promote emotional processing, which can be particularly beneficial for people suffering from mental disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, and addictions.
 
There is also evidence that psilocybin from magic mushrooms can contribute to the formation of new nerve connections, which could help with neurodegenerative diseases. Clinical studies have shown that psilocybin can have a long-lasting antidepressant effect, even after just one dose. This makes it a promising option for patients who do not respond to traditional treatments such as antidepressants.
 
The combination of psilocybin with talk therapy and lifestyle coaching can further enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. During a psilocybin session, patients are encouraged to explore their thoughts and feelings, which can lead to deeper insights and personal growth.

For whom is psilocybin suitable?

Psilocybin is suitable for people suffering from depression, anxiety disorders or addiction, but not for individuals with psychogenic susceptibility, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder or other severe mental illnesses. Furthermore, various medications cannot be combined with psilocybin or psilocybin alone.

Paddotherapy: therapy with mushrooms, psilocybin and truffles

More information

Would you like to know how we can help you with psychedelic therapy? We offer help in several areas. We coach you through the psychedelic journey and also provide nutritional and physical exercise advice to complete the picture. Your health in all aspects determines the quality of your life.

You can count on us for the best trip coach for your situation. Everyone is different and everyone needs a different plan. We can help you. For example, you can take a free intake by filling out the intake form. Would you like more information first? Feel free to read all the information or contact us.

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Are you already convinced and want to take immediate action by registering yourself? You can do that via the website. There is a link in the footer to start the registration process. So scroll down to start the intake process.

Contact

After registration, we will contact you and explain the options available. If you have any other questions, you can contact us or ask our chatbot Trippy. See the buttons below:

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Frequently asked questions

The most frequently asked questions about mushroom therapy

People may have different reasons for seeking information about psilocybin or truffles. For example:

  • self-examination;

  • personal development;

  • processing of life experiences;

  • support for change goals;

  • interest in psychedelic research.

A session is not suitable for everyone. During an intake, psychological history, physical health, medication, substance use, and expectations must be discussed, among other things.

A guided session is not a substitute for treatment by a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist or other healthcare professional.

Mushrooms and psilocybin do not automatically fall under the same legal regulations as magic truffles. The legal status depends on the substance, the product, and the way it is offered.

Triptherapie does not offer mushroom therapy with mushrooms. The guided sessions use legal magic truffles or other variants that fall within the law.

Extra caution is required in cases such as:

  • a personal or familial predisposition to psychosis;

  • a history of mania or bipolar disorder;

  • serious mental instability;

  • cardiovascular problems;

  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure;

  • epilepsy;

  • pregnancy or breastfeeding;

  • serious liver or kidney problems;

  • use of medicines or substances that may interact.

This list is not exhaustive. Only an individual screening can determine whether a session is appropriate. Never stop taking medication on your own in order to use psychedelics.

Read also the risks of a truffle ceremony.

A guided process consists of:

  1. an intake and safety check;

  2. preparation for the experience;

  3. determining personal points of attention;

  4. guidance during the session;

  5. rest and aftercare at the end;

  6. integration of experience.

The guidance is intended to support the setting, safety, and processing. Guidance cannot prevent someone from experiencing difficult emotions or unexpected effects.

Read more about a guided truffle session.

If you have your own magic mushrooms and you want to use them under supervision, then we can only help you if you have a doctor’s prescription. tripsitter Guiding you. This means that you are responsible for the possession, quantity and quality yourself. We then help you with harm reduction.