Psilocybin therapy has a wide range of applications
Psilocybin is the psychedelic that is currently the most researched by science. Multiple scientific studies being completed show that psilocybin-assisted therapies have a very high success rate in treating various conditions. Below is the latest on the science and various conditions.
Depression
Several clinical studies have shown that psilocybin therapy can be a promising treatment for depression, with good results achieved even in people resistant to traditional antidepressants.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
In addition to anxiety disorders, research is also underway into the effectiveness of psilocybin in the treatment of PTSD. The preliminary results have proven 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, it is not known what the long-term effects of the treatment are.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
No results are yet known from studies of psilocybin in generalized anxiety disorder. However, a clinical trial is now underway investigating psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of severe generalized anxiety disorder.
Addictions
Psilocybin is being investigated as a possible treatment for addictive disorders, particularly tobacco and alcohol addiction. Various studies have already shown positive long-term effects in reducing cravings and promoting abstinence.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
There is recent research supporting evidence that psilocybin can help treat OCD symptoms. Research claims that microdosing sufferers can better manage their symptoms and manage their daily activities more easily.
Cluster headache
Psilocybin has been investigated 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 limited research, some studies have shown that psilocybin may provide relief in the treatment of migraines. The positive effects appear to be due to a change in blood flow in the brain.
Anorexia nervosa
Some research is underway into the potential role of psilocybin in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, but further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. Other studies have previously noted that relationships with food can improve.
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 influence.
Why does psilocybin work?
The results of scientific studies on psilocybin therapy are very good and the success rate of treatments compared to regular care is many times higher. Part of the positive effects can be attributed to the physical effects in the brain such as the change in neurochemistry, the anti-inflammatory function of blood supply, neuroplasticity, new brain connections and brain waves. Besides these measurable effects, the subjective experience of the person undergoing the psilocybin session can also play an important role.
Physical effects
Neurochemistry
By taking psilocybin, more stimulation will take place on the serotonergic receptors after the conversion to psilocin. Psilocybin's interaction with serotonin receptors leads to increased serotonin release and changes in serotonin transmission in several brain regions. This affects neurochemistry at several levels:
Increase in serotonin release: Psilocybin 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 receptors: Psilocin binds to and specifically activates the 5-HT2A receptors, which are involved in the regulation of mood, perception and cognition. By stimulating these receptors, psilocybin alters signal transmission in the brain, resulting in the experience of hallucinations, altered consciousness, and other effects.
Increased neuroplasticity: Psilocybin may also promote neuroplasticity, the ability of neurons to form new connections. Due to the extra stimulation on the serotonergic receptors, more BNDF is produced. BDNF has been shown to stimulate the growth of neural branches (dendrites) and the number of dendritic spines, which may 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 activity in the amygdala, which can help reduce feelings of stress.
Blood supply
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), it can be noted that psilocybin can alter blood flow in several brain areas. Psilocybin may reduce activity in the prefrontal cortex and the default mode network (DMN) due to the change in blood supply. The DMN is a network of brain regions involved in self-awareness, time perception and memories.
Using arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI, we can show that psilocybin increases global cerebral blood flow, meaning more blood is delivered to the brain. This may indicate increased metabolism and an increase in neuronal activity in certain areas of the brain.
Brain waves
Psilocybin can change the brain waves in the brain. Brain waves are measured with electroencephalography (EEG). A study conducted at Johns Hopkins University showed that psilocybin changed brain waves by shifting from alpha-similar waves to theta waves. Alpha activity (8-13 Hz) means the brain is in alert mode, while theta activity (4-7 Hz) corresponds to a dream-like and deeper meditative state.
Anti-inflammatory
The most recent 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
Through increased stimulation of serotonergic receptors, psilocybin can induce a wide range of moods and experiences, ranging from positive to challenging experiences. Some common aspects of the subjective experience that may occur mainly during the trip are:
Increased sense of connection: Many 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 heighten emotions and 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 sense of self, things seem more connected because you are less likely to have to distinguish between yourself and the world around you. If 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 often easier to talk honestly about yourself without an emotional blockage. It therefore ensures openness and that can have a great advantage for processing the past, but also for conversation therapy, self-examination and personal growth.
Less stress
An increased sense of connection and more acceptance allows fears and stress to be better accepted, which means they have less control. With stronger psilocybin sessions, sometimes the sense of self disappears completely and then fear no longer plays a role at all since no self-protection is needed.
New insights
Under the influence of psilocybin, the brain works in a different way than you are used to. New insights and connections can be discovered. Of course, it is impossible to predict in advance how this will turn out. An additional advantage of these types of sessions is that curiosity is rewarded and that 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 connection to something greater than oneself. In the same way that religion can give some people peace and confidence, a spiritual experience can also bring more 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 being better for your own body, mind, people and the environment, the love you feel for yourself and the universe can increase. This can contribute to a change 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, character, environment, state of mind, additives and dosage. The higher the dose, the more chance of high stimulation of the serotonin receptor, called the 5HT2a receptor. The effects of psilocybin arise due to the higher stimulation of various receptors. The degrees of effects are divided into different trip levels.
| Psilocybin Dosage | Trip level | Duration (h) | Eligibility |
| 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 communication of the hemispheres of the brain changes, music will sound deeper, colors will become brighter and the environment will become more tangible. During this phase people are more open and socially involved and open/honest. Triple level 1 occurs in microdosages as the maximum trip level. With psilocybin therapy with medium, high and heroic doses, you will initially briefly enter trip level 1 and return to trip level 1 at the end of the session.
Brighter perception of colors, visual effects such as the movement and “breathing” of objects, walls, etc. With closed eyes, 2-dimensional patterns can be observed. Due to changes in short-term memory, the user experiences continuous distracting thought patterns, alternating with extreme focus. The natural filter in the brain is bypassed, which increases creativity, among other things. During this phase, cross-connections can already be discovered. Cross-connections about, for example, why certain things happen and how you can deal with them.
Very clearly noticeable visual effects. Everything seems bent or distorted. Patterns can be seen on walls, objects, faces, etc. Mild hallucinations, such as the effect of flowing rivers in wood grains or other structures. Some confusion of the senses, for example seeing sound as color, etc. Time distorts, making everything seem to take place in the “now”. From this level it is already possible to connect with the subconscious brain, while it can still be controlled very well. There may be fears in the subconscious that cause stress without people consciously realizing it. This level is useful to combat those fears from the subconscious. Fears often come from the past and/or the future. These fears are not realistic at the moment and acceptance is possible during this trip level
Strong hallucinations, such as objects morphing into other objects. Perception of the ego fades, for example objects can start talking to you or you feel contradictory things at the same time. Some loss of reality, time becomes an incomprehensible concept. Possible experience of out-of-body experience. Mixing stimuli from different senses. Because of the loss of ego and therefore the loss of self-protection, one is harsh but honest about oneself during this phase. Problems can be addressed and given a place. The connection with the subconscious is very high at this trip level, which means that a lot can be learned about who someone is, while it seems as if it is someone else because of the loss of ego.
Total loss of visual connection with reality, senses no longer work in the “normal” way. A total loss of ego. Users feel themselves merging with space, other objects or the universe. The loss of reality becomes so bad 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 are located ceases to exist. During this phase there is absolutely no control possible from the ego. The connection with the subconscious is now maximum. During trip level 5, just like at trip level 4, it is difficult to formulate words and there is therefore little point in talking. It is, as it were, a dream that cannot be influenced by yourself. This phase can give you insights in an initially incomprehensible way. Level 5 psychonauts often call the trip experiences mystical, the most beautiful experience of their lives or frightening. Control freaks in particular find it scary at first. It is not wise to do this without experience with psychedelics.
More about psilocybin
At Triptherapie we offer legal psilocybin sessions using psilocybin-containing magic truffles. We also pay a lot of attention to the preparation for a psychedelic session. Based on the intake, we make personal advice that can help with your specific objectives. The following components are standard in our services and are considered by many to be an advantage:
Psilocybin therapy in Trip Therapy
At Triptherapie we offer legal psilocybin sessions using psilocybin-containing magic truffles. We also pay a lot of attention to the preparation for a psychedelic session. Based on the intake, we make personal advice that can help with your specific objectives. The following components are standard in our services and are considered by many to be an advantage:
Before the psilocybin session
- Screening for safety based on the intake
- Nutritional 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 psilocybin session
- Introductory conversation whose 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 to discuss immediately after the session
- Tips for recovery after the psilocybin session will be sent by email
- An integration conversation a few days after the session
- Motivational messages to maintain success even after the psychedelic session
Contraindications and intake
Although psilocybin is one of the safest substances available, unfortunately not everyone can simply opt for psilocybin therapy. The dangerous combinations are mainly those involving psychoactive medications and opioids. The contraindications are listed on the intake page so that you can carry out the first check yourself. After completing the intake, we will also carry out a second check. Preferably complete the intake before booking a session.
The private psychedelic sessions
This overview lists the prices for both the individual sessions and the duo sessions with two participants. The calculated rate is based on the experience level and/or training of your chosen supervisor/therapist.
The reservation for a duo session or for a closed group is made in the name of one main booker and additional participants are added to the appointment later.
* A psychedelic session lasts 6 hours. If the session lasts longer than an hour, you will be charged 75 euros per hour. With LSD, psiloflora and combinations of psychedelics, there is a chance that the session lasts 7 hours.
All our psychedelic sessions include:
- Personal advice based on the intake
- Support via email/chat/telephone
- Personal advice based on the intake
- Automatic updates by email
- Preliminary discussion on psychedelic therapy
- Psychedelic session with guidance*
- All materials and aromatherapy used
- Aftercare and integration discussion
Price per trip leader category
Psilocybin therapy in a group setting
We regularly organize truffle ceremonies, in which participants jointly use the spiritual and therapeutic effects of the psilocybin contained in magic truffles. Another option is to put together a group with whom you would like to do a psilocybin ceremony. Read more about these options via 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. Firstly, truffles must be used, which are legal in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the therapy may not be intended to treat someone medically.
How many psilocybin sessions do I need?
It is difficult to estimate in advance how many psilocybin sessions someone needs to achieve the intended goal. Most clients generally do one, two or three sessions. The first session is often the medium dose and the second relatively often the high dose.
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 does virtually nothing in the brain. Only after psilocybin is converted to psilocin is it psychoactive. Psilocin mimics the action of serotonin by exhibiting approximately the same receptor activity. It is mainly the 5Ht2a receptors that are activated, which changes the conduction of stimuli in the brain. Because the stimulus conduction changes, the brain's state will change to something that resembles a dreamy state.
How do I get psilocybin?
Buying psilocybin in the Netherlands is not possible for private individuals and companies. Psilocybin is on list 1 of the Opium Act and is therefore only available with an exemption from research. The psilocybin therapy we offer includes psychedelics, so you do not have to purchase psilocybin or other psychedelics yourself.
Where in the Netherlands can I go for psilocybin therapy?
We make home visits almost throughout the Netherlands. We have several tripsitters and psychologists spread across the Netherlands, each with their own field. We also have our own location in Schiedam and we will be deploying additional locations in the coming years.
Is psilocybin therapy reimbursed by health insurers?
Health insurers currently do not cover psychedelic therapy. For the time being, psychedelic therapy is still seen as coaching under the influence of a stimulant. We expect that psychedelics will only be partially reimbursed under certain conditions in 2025/2026. By then, more studies will have been completed and health insurers can be less reluctant.
How much time between psilocybin sessions?
A two-week break is recommended to prevent habituation/tolerance. However, after higher-dose psilocybin sessions, we recommend taking at least 4 weeks to process the experience and only then assess whether a new session is useful.
Does psilocybin help with depression?
Psilocybin is increasingly being investigated as a potential antidepressant. Thee research results are promising. A recent study found that psilocybin has an anti-inflammatory function on the brain, which can help with depression treatments.
