Psilocybin therapy has a wide range of applications
Psilocybin is currently the most researched psychedelic. Several scientific studies in progress demonstrate that psilocybin-assisted therapies have a very high success rate in treating various conditions. Below is an overview of the latest developments in science and various conditions.
Depression
Several clinical trials have shown that psilocybin therapy may be a promising treatment for depression, even in people resistant to traditional antidepressants.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Besides anxiety disorders, research is also underway into the effectiveness of psilocybin in treating PTSD. Preliminary results have been promising.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
A study conducted at the University of Zurich showed that a single dose of psilocybin reduced symptoms of SAD in participants with social anxiety disorder. According to the researchers, the long-term effects of the treatment are unknown.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
No results are yet available from studies of psilocybin for generalized anxiety disorder. However, a clinical trial is currently underway investigating psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of severe generalized anxiety disorder.
Addictions
Psilocybin is being investigated as a potential treatment for addiction disorders, particularly tobacco and alcohol addiction. Several studies have already demonstrated positive long-term effects in reducing cravings and promoting abstinence.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Recent research supports the idea that psilocybin can help treat OCD symptoms. Research suggests that microdosing patients can better manage their symptoms and more easily manage their daily activities.
Cluster headaches
Psilocybin has been studied as a potential treatment for cluster headaches, a severe and disabling form of headache. Some patients have reported positive results after treatment with psilocybin.
Migraine
Although research is still limited, some studies have shown that psilocybin may offer relief in the treatment of migraines. The positive effects appear to be due to a change in blood flow to the brain.
Anorexia nervosa
Some research is underway into the potential role of psilocybin in treating anorexia nervosa, but further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. Other studies have previously noted that it can improve relationships with food.
Psychosomatic complaints
There are currently no specific studies focusing on psilocybin therapy and psychosomatic complaints, but there are some broader studies and indications that may suggest that psilocybin may have a positive effect.
Why does psilocybin work?
The results of scientific studies on psilocybin therapy are very positive, and the success rate of these treatments is many times higher than conventional care. Some of the positive effects can be attributed to the physical effects in the brain, such as changes in neurochemistry, the anti-inflammatory function of blood flow, neuroplasticity, new brain connections, and brain waves. Besides these measurable effects, the subjective experience of the person undergoing the psilocybin session can also play a significant role.
Physical effects
Neurochemistry
Taking psilocybin will increase stimulation of the serotonergic receptors after its conversion to psilocin. The interaction of psilocybin with serotonin receptors leads to increased serotonin release and changes in serotonin transmission in various brain regions. This affects neurochemistry at several levels:
Increase in serotonin releasePsilocybin promotes the release of serotonin into the synaptic cleft, resulting in increased serotonin concentrations in certain parts of the brain. This can lead to altered neuronal activity and communication.
Stimulation of serotonin receptorsPsilocin binds to and activates 5-HT2A receptors, which are involved in regulating mood, perception, and cognition. By stimulating these receptors, psilocybin alters brain signaling, resulting in hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and other effects.
Increased neuroplasticityPsilocybin can also promote neuroplasticity, the ability of neurons to form new connections. The additional stimulation of serotonergic receptors leads to increased production of BDNF. BDNF has been shown to stimulate the growth of neural branches (dendrites) and the number of dendritic spines, which can contribute to long-term changes in brain structure and function.
Amygdala
The amygdala is a part of the brain involved in processing fear and stress. Research has shown that psilocybin can reduce amygdala activity, which can help reduce feelings of stress.
Blood supply
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has shown that psilocybin can alter blood flow in several brain regions. Psilocybin can reduce activity in the prefrontal cortex and the default mode network (DMN) due to the altered blood flow. The DMN is a network of brain regions involved in self-awareness, time perception, and memory.
Using arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI, we can demonstrate that psilocybin increases global cerebral blood flow, meaning more blood is delivered to the brain. This may indicate increased metabolism and increased neuronal activity in certain areas of the brain.
Brainwaves
Psilocybin can alter brainwaves. Brainwaves are measured with electroencephalography (EEG). A study conducted at Johns Hopkins University showed that psilocybin altered brainwaves by shifting them from alpha-like waves to theta waves. Alpha activity (8-13 Hz) indicates the brain is in a wakeful state, while theta activity (4-7 Hz) corresponds to a dreamlike and deeper meditative state.
Anti-inflammatory
The latest studies show that psilocybin has anti-inflammatory properties. For example, psilocybin acutely reduces TN-α and long-term CRP and IL-6. This anti-inflammatory function of psilocybin can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and various inflammatory conditions at the cellular level.
Subjective experience
Better mood
Due to increased stimulation of serotonergic receptors, psilocybin can induce a wide range of moods and experiences, ranging from positive to challenging. Some common aspects of the subjective experience that can occur particularly during the trip include:
Increased sense of connectednessMany people experience a deep sense of connection with themselves, others, and the natural world during a psilocybin experience. This can be accompanied by feelings of unity, empathy, and love.
Emotional intensity: Psilocybin can amplify emotions and can lead to intense feelings of sadness, joy, happiness and wonder.
Partly due to the addition of psilocybin, a substance that resembles serotonin, depressive symptoms caused by serotonin deficiency can disappear.
Less ego
With less self-awareness, things seem more connected because you're less likely to distinguish between yourself and the world around you. When you look at yourself with less self-awareness, it sometimes feels like it's about someone other than yourself. From this perspective, it's often easier to talk honestly about yourself without emotional blockages. This fosters openness, which can be a significant advantage for processing the past, as well as for talk therapy, self-exploration, and personal growth.
Less stress
An increased sense of connection and greater acceptance can make fears and stress more manageable, reducing their impact. During more intense psilocybin sessions, self-awareness sometimes disappears completely, and fear no longer plays a role, as self-protection is no longer necessary.
New insights
Under the influence of psilocybin, the brain functions differently than it's used to. New insights and connections can be discovered. Of course, there's no way to predict how this will unfold. An added benefit of these kinds of sessions is that curiosity is rewarded, and people often remain curious about themselves, others, and the world long after the session.
Spirituality
Some people report spiritual or mystical experiences during a psilocybin trip. This can be accompanied by feelings of transcendence, a sense of meaning, and a connection to something greater than oneself. Just as religion can bring some people peace and confidence, a spiritual experience can also bring greater peace and health.
Healthy choices
Many people who have experienced a deeper trip on psilocybin experience the importance of a healthy body and a healthy environment. By caring for their own body, mind, people, and environment, the love they feel for themselves and the universe can increase. This can contribute to a shift in perception, health, and a better life.
The dosage of psilocybin plays a major role
The effects of psilocybin during psilocybin therapy vary and depend on your personal sensitivity, personality, environment, state of mind, the additives, and dosage. The higher the dosage, the greater the chance of high stimulation of the serotonin receptor, called the 5HT2a receptor. The effects of psilocybin are produced by this increased stimulation of various receptors. The gradations of effects are divided into different three levels.
| Psilocybin Dosage | Trip level | Duration (h) | Suitability |
| Microdose | 1 | 2-3 | Beginner |
| Medium dose | 2-4 | 5-6 | Beginner |
| High dose | 4-5 | 6-7 | Some experience |
| Heroic dose | 5 | 7-8 | More experienced |
During trip level 1, the negative feelings of serotonin depression disappear. Because the brain hemispheres communicate differently, music sounds deeper, colors become brighter, and the environment becomes more tangible. During this phase, people are more open and socially engaged, and open and honest. Triple level 1 occurs with microdoses as the maximum triple level. With psilocybin therapy using medium, high, and heroic doses, you briefly enter triple level 1 at the beginning and return to triple level 1 at the end of the session.
A more vivid perception of colors, visual effects such as the movement and "breathing" of objects, walls, etc. With closed eyes, two-dimensional patterns can be perceived. Due to changes in short-term memory, the user experiences continuous distracting thought patterns, alternating with extreme focus. The brain's natural filter is bypassed, which, among other things, increases creativity. During this phase, one can already begin to discover interconnections. Interconnections, for example, about why certain things happen and how to deal with them.
Very clearly observable visual effects. Everything appears warped or distorted. Patterns can be seen on walls, objects, faces, etc. Mild hallucinations, such as the effect of flowing rivers in wood grain or other textures. Some sensory confusion, for example, perceiving sound as color, etc. Time distorts, making everything seem to take place in the "now." From this level onward, it is already quite possible to connect with the subconscious mind, while still being very easily controlled. Fears that cause stress can reside in the subconscious without conscious awareness. This level is useful for combating these fears from the subconscious. Fears often originate from the past and/or the future. These fears are not real in the present, and acceptance is possible during this triple level.
Strong hallucinations, such as objects morphing into other objects. Perception of the ego fades; for example, objects may start talking to you, or you may experience contradictory feelings simultaneously. Some loss of reality occurs; time becomes an incomprehensible concept. Possible out-of-body experiences (OOBs). Mixing of stimuli from different senses. Due to the loss of the ego and the resulting loss of self-protection, people are harsh but honest with themselves during this phase. Problems can be addressed and given a place. The connection with the subconscious is very strong at this triple level, allowing for a great deal to be learned about who someone is, even though it seems as if it is someone else due to the loss of the ego.
Complete loss of visual connection with reality; senses no longer function as "normal." A complete loss of ego. Users feel themselves merging with space, other objects, or the universe. The loss of reality becomes so severe that it is difficult to explain or put into words. This level differs from the other levels in that the actual universe in which things exist ceases to exist. During this phase, there is absolutely no control possible from the ego. The connection with the subconscious is now maximal. During level 5, just as in level 4, it is difficult to formulate words, and talking is therefore of little use. It is, as it were, a dream that you cannot influence yourself. This phase can provide insights in a way that is initially incomprehensible. Level 5 psychonauts often call their trip experiences mystical, the most beautiful experience of their lives, or even frightening. Control freaks, in particular, find it frightening at first. It is unwise to undertake this without experience with psychedelics.
More about psilocybin and psilocin
At Triptherapie, we offer legal psilocybin sessions using psilocybin-containing magic truffles. We also pay close attention to preparing for a psychedelic session. Based on the intake, we create personalized recommendations that can help you achieve your specific goals. The following components are standard in our services and are considered by many to be advantages:
Psilocybin sessions at Triptherapie
At Triptherapie, we offer legal psilocybin sessions using psilocybin-containing magic truffles. We also pay close attention to preparing for a psychedelic session. Based on the intake, we create personalized recommendations that can help you achieve your specific goals. The following components are standard in our services and are considered by many to be advantages:
Before the session
- Safety screening based on the intake
- Dietary advice in preparation for psilocybin use
- Supplement advice 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 session
- Introductory talk where the topics discussed can come to life during the peak
- Various playlists with treatment-specific music
- Aromatherapy
- Space for introspection
- Experienced guidance
- Home visits are possible
- Use of our locations is possible
After the psilocybin session
- Space for immediate discussion after the session
- Post-session psilocybin recovery tips will be emailed to you
- An integration conversation a few days after the session
- Motivational messages to maintain success after the psychedelic session
Contraindications and intake
Although psilocybin is one of the safest substances available, unfortunately, not everyone can simply choose psilocybin therapy. The most dangerous combinations are with psychoactive medications and opioids. The intake form lists the contraindications so you can perform the initial check yourself. After completing the intake form, we will also perform a second check. It is best to complete the intake form before booking a session.
Psilocybin ceremonies for groups
We regularly organize truffle ceremonies, where participants collectively utilize the spiritual and therapeutic effects of the psilocybin found in magic truffles. Another option is to assemble a group of your own to participate in a psilocybin ceremony. Learn more about these options using the buttons or book a private psilocybin session.
Frequently Asked Questions about Psilocybin Therapy
Is psilocybin therapy legal?
Psilocybin therapy is currently only legal under two conditions: first, it must be used magic truffles, which are legal in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the therapy may not be intended for medical treatment.
How many psilocybin sessions do I need?
It's difficult to estimate in advance how many psilocybin sessions someone will need to achieve their desired effect. Most clients generally have one, two, or three sessions. The first session is often the medium dose, and the second, relatively often, the high dose.
Where can I get psilocybin therapy?
At Triptherapie, you can choose to use our locations, such as the Psychedelic Loft in Schiedam. Another popular option is to have our therapists visit you at home. We work on location throughout the Netherlands and can visit homes, vacation rentals, Airbnbs, and hotels.
What is psilocybin therapy?
Psilocybin therapy is a form of psychedelic therapy that combines talk therapy and psychedelics. Furthermore, the preparation and integration of the psilocybin session are part of psilocybin therapy.
What does psilocybin do in the brain?
Psilocybin has virtually no effect on the brain. Only after psilocybin is converted into psilocin does it become psychoactive. Psilocin mimics the effects of serotonin by exhibiting activity at roughly the same receptors. It is primarily the 5HT2A receptors that are activated, altering the brain's impulse conduction. Because of this altered impulse conduction, the brain's state shifts to something resembling a dreamlike state.
Where in the Netherlands can I go for psilocybin therapy?
We make home visits almost everywhere in the Netherlands. We have several trip-sitters and psychologists spread across the Netherlands, each with their own work area. We also have our own location in Schiedam and will be adding additional locations in the coming years.
Is psilocybin therapy covered by health insurers?
Health insurers currently do not reimburse psychedelic therapy. For now, psychedelic therapy is still considered coaching under the influence of a stimulant. We expect that psychedelic therapy will not be partially reimbursed until 2026/2027, under certain conditions. By then, more research will have been completed, and health insurers may be less hesitant.
To enable people with low incomes to access psilocybin sessions now, we've set up a fund. Check here to see if you're eligible. discount on psychedelic therapy.
How much time between psilocybin sessions?
To prevent habituation/tolerance, a two-week break is recommended. However, after higher-dose psilocybin sessions, we recommend taking at least four weeks to process the experience and only then assess whether a new session is beneficial.
Does psilocybin help with depression?
Psilocybin is increasingly being investigated as a potential treatment for depression. The research results are promising. A recent study found that that psilocybin has an anti-inflammatory function on the brain, which may help in depression treatments.
How do I get psilocybin?
Buying psilocybin in the Netherlands is not possible for individuals or businesses. Psilocybin is listed in Schedule 1 of the Opium Act and is therefore only available with a research exemption. The psilocybin therapy we offer includes psychedelics, so you don't need to purchase psilocybin or other psychedelics yourself.
Who can benefit from psilocybin therapy?
Psychedelic therapies using psilocybin are increasingly being investigated in controlled clinical trials. Recent studies show potential in treating conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and (existential) anxiety.