What are psychedelics?
Psychedelics are psychoactive substances that can temporarily alter perception and emotional world. Psychedelics can enable people to resolve the conflicts and traumas underlying mental illnesses. Enormous neuroplasticity and reorganizations are triggered by serotonin 2A receptors in the neocortex, which are stimulated by psychedelics and endogenous neurotransmitters. These non-patentable compounds are unattractive to big pharma, and as a result, research progresses slowly. Research funded by smaller organizations is showing promising results, at least.
Read more about the ongoing research into psychedelics
Psychedelics are primarily substances found in nature. Think of magic mushrooms, fungi, plants, and animals. Psychedelics have been used by humans for thousands of years as sacred and medicinal substances. Some even argue that religion originated from the use of psychedelics.
MDMA 
Truffles 
LSD
5HT2a receptors and the DMN network
Psychedelics have a significant impact on serotonin 2A receptors in the neocortex. These receptors increase connectivity between cortical neural networks that normally don't communicate with each other. This enhances neuroplasticity in the brain. Another nice side benefit of the psychedelic state is that the default mode network (DMN) becomes less active. The DMN is active in a neural "resting state" and causes people who are idle to have more thoughts about the past, the future, and self-image (such as "ego"). A less active DMN due to psychedelics therefore leads to less self-awareness, less fear of the future, and therefore less signaling from the amygdala to the adrenal glands, resulting in less cortisol secretion. Furthermore, the activation of 5HT2A receptors triggers neuroplastic changes, both functional and structural. This is because more BDNF hormone is produced, which ensures the repair and creation of new nerve cells/neurons.
Read more about it here Default Mode Network and psychedelics
Read more about it here BDNF and psychedelics
What do you experience during a psychedelic trip?
Besides the physical (biochemical and electrochemical) changes, there is also a subjective experience that differs from everyday life. Depending on the dosage and the individual, other effects occur, and their intensity can vary. Besides hallucinations, other effects also occur. Patients' subjective experiences include ego death (breaking down the thought-filled, controlling, and rigid aspects of our minds), connection, access to emotions, memories, access to the subconscious, and a shift in previously firmly held beliefs about themselves and the world. Sometimes the beginning of such a session can be challenging because, alongside the positive effects, tension can initially arise due to the need for control over the effects of the psychedelics. A good therapist or counselor will help you through the initial stages, thereby increasing the therapeutic potential. During the peak of a therapeutic session, emotions are allowed to surface so that they no longer pose a blockage in the future.
Read more about the different dosages and effects of psilocybin (magic mushrooms/truffles)
Read more about it here hallucinations caused by psychedelics
Psychedelics against PTSD, trauma, depression, addiction, social anxiety and burnout
In trip therapy, we use psychedelics primarily to treat depression and addiction. We also help many clients with anxiety-related issues. Each approach is slightly different, and we take individual circumstances into account. We provide personalized advice based on an intake interview, during which we assess how we can improve the neurochemistry before the session. We also offer tips for preparing for the session. The preparation and the psychedelic session synergistically enhance the effect, increasing the chance of success. Curious about the different programs? Then read more via the links below.