Truffle ceremonies vs psilocybin retreats: which format is right for you?

Choosing between a truffle ceremony or a retreat

Psychedelic group sessions

Anyone wishing to work with psilocybin in a group setting to foster personal growth and development will soon find themselves considering two main options: a one-day truffle ceremony or a multi-day psilocybin retreat. At Triptherapie, we offer three options for participating in a group psychedelic event involving moderate to high doses: an overnight truffle ceremony, a two-day psilocybin retreat and a multi-day psilocybin retreat with extensive integration.

In this blog, you'll read about the similarities, the main differences, and how to discover which form is best for you.

What do all three options have in common?

Whether you opt for a truffle ceremony or a psilocybin retreat, at Triptherapie the focus is on a safe and well-prepared inner journey.

All group formats offer, in principle:

  1. An intake to screen for contraindications and clarify your request for help.

  2. A personal preparation plan with lifestyle advice to support your process.

  3. Guidance by experienced trip facilitators and therapists in small groups (max 6).

  4. Working with legal psilocybin in the form of truffles in a setting designed for these types of ceremonies.

  5. Attention to integration through debriefing and a follow-up contact moment.

The main differences lie in the duration, the intensity of the therapeutic support and the amount of time you allow for integration.

Truffle ceremony with overnight stay (two days)

The truffle ceremony with an overnight stay is the most compact group format. You come for one day of ceremony and then stay overnight, so you don't have to go straight back into the hustle and bustle and can land peacefully.

Features of the truffle ceremony:

  • Duration: One-day ceremony + overnight stay.

  • Focus: a profound inner journey in a group setting, with a focus on personal intentions.

  • Group: small, ensuring there is plenty of personal attention.

  • Integration: debrief on the day itself, a partial circle the following morning, and a telephone integration a few days after the ceremony.

This option is suitable if you:

  • For those with some experience of self-inquiry or therapy and especially seeking a powerful ceremony.

  • You may not have much time, but you still want to benefit from professional guidance and aftercare.

  • First, you’d like to get a feel for what working with psilocybin in a group is like for you, without booking a multi-day retreat straight away.

Two-day psilocybin retreat (ceremony + integration day)

The two-day psilocybin retreat is designed as an intensive yet compact programme: day 1 is devoted to the ceremony, whilst day 2 is entirely dedicated to integration. The retreat concludes following the integration session on day 2.

Features of the two-day retreat:

  • Duration: 2 days, including overnight stay.

  • Day 1: preparation, truffle ceremony and initial debrief.

  • Day 2: an integration day featuring therapeutic exercises, group sharing and time to consolidate insights. 

  • Onboarding: an in-person onboarding session + a follow-up meeting via a group Zoom call or a private telephone conversation.

This option is suitable if you:

  • You would like more guidance on how to apply what you’ve learnt to your daily life.

  • I’ve noticed that, after previous sessions at home, you’ve found it difficult to really retain the insights.

  • You’ve deliberately set aside two days to both embark on a deep journey and integrate your experiences immediately, with the support of therapists.

  • See your therapeutic work in connection with a truffle ceremony as an advantage

Four-day psilocybin retreat with extensive integration

The multi-day psilocybin retreats have been designed for people who wish not only to experience the ceremony, but also to undertake the entire process—including preparation, the ceremony itself and integration—as a single, continuous therapeutic journey.

Features of the multi-day retreats:

  • Duration: Four days, including three nights’ accommodation.

  • Structure: online preparation session, ceremony day, intensive integration day, and a closing day with space to land and share experiences.

  • Supervision: two therapists with experience in IFS, (psycho)drama, body-orientated exercises, and interpersonal mindfulness, among other areas.

  • Integration: ongoing integration throughout the retreat + follow-up afterwards (via video call or telephone).

This option is suitable if you:

  • You want to work on deep-seated issues, such as trauma, attachment patterns or ingrained beliefs.

  • The programme combines psychedelic experiences, therapy, bodywork and group processes.

  • You don’t want to go home after just one day, but rather take the time to process everything and.

Accommodation and integration: how does it work exactly?

“Accommodation is always included in the truffle ceremonies and psychedelic retreats at Triptherapie. We do this so that, for example, you can rest after the truffle ceremony and leave at your leisure the following morning. The integration process largely takes place after you return home via a telephone consultation, during which you review the experience with a facilitator and translate it into concrete next steps.

The psilocybin retreats are longer: they include several nights’ accommodation and a full integration day (or several integration days) with live guidance. This extra time allows for more opportunities for exercises, sharing, moments of rest, and processing what was experienced during the ceremony.

Those who live nearby are also welcome to stay at home, provided they arrive on time for the group activities. Some people who prefer more privacy may choose to book a hotel room near the ceremony venue. Accommodation is included, but not compulsory.

Overnight psychedelic session

How to choose between a truffle ceremony and a psilocybin retreat?

When choosing between a truffle ceremony and a psilocybin retreat, it helps to first consider three things: how much time you have available, how much guidance you want, and how deeply you wish to work. A truffle ceremony is a compact option with a single ceremony day, potentially with accommodation before or after (you can even be collected directly after the ceremony). It offers a powerful inner experience, followed by further guidance via a telephone integration call. A psilocybin retreat typically lasts two to four days, requiring you to take several days off, and combines the ceremony with a live integration day (or multiple integration days). This allows ample time with the therapists and the group to process your insights and anchor them into your daily life.

In practice, many people opt for a truffle ceremony as their first experience in a group setting or as a kind of booster after previous therapy, while they are more likely to go for a two-day or multi-day psilocybin retreat if they feel they genuinely want to take the time to break patterns and directly integrate what they've learned with more intensive guidance.

Need help with your choice?

Are you still unsure about a truffle ceremony or a psilocybin retreat, or between 2 or more days? Through the intake and contact with us, we will look together to see which form best suits your request for help, experience, and resilience. After completing the intake, we will discuss expectations, wishes, and any medical considerations, so that you make a choice that is both safe and effective for your situation.

Overview of upcoming ceremonies & retreats

View all currently scheduled events here. If you click the 'book now' button, you can read more about the planned group session, such as the facilitators present, the programme, and the languages spoken.