What exactly is mushroom therapy?

mushrooms for therapy

Mushroom therapy

Combining the use of magic mushrooms with coaching or a form of therapy is mushroom therapy These mushrooms contain substances such as psilocybin and psilocin, which can cause hallucinations and a general mind-altering effect on the brain.

During a mushroom therapy session, the person is guided by an experienced trip coach or therapist. The person takes a dose of mushrooms and then embarks on an inner journey, with the trip coach providing support and guiding the person in exploring their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

According to scientific researchers, mushroom therapy can be used to treat various mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction. It can also be used for personal growth and spiritual development.

The goal of mushroom therapy is to gain deeper insights, release emotional blockages, and develop new perspectives. It can help break ingrained patterns, transform negative beliefs, and foster a sense of connection and well-being.

The subconscious and the mushroom

The magic mushroom, or psilocybin, has the ability to enhance communication between the subconscious and the conscious mind. During a magic mushroom trip, the normal thought patterns and filters of the conscious mind are temporarily reduced, allowing the subconscious to become more prominent. This can lead to deeper introspection and awareness of unconscious thoughts, emotions, and patterns.

Psilocybin binds to the 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, which are involved in serotonin regulation. This causes increased activity in certain parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. This increased activity can lead to new insights, pattern recognition, and the processing of unconscious fears and traumas.

mushrooms for therapy

During a mushroom trip, people can experience a deep inner journey and gain insights they wouldn't normally experience in everyday life. It can help break through certain blockages or negative beliefs and discover new perspectives. The subconscious mind often has access to information and wisdom that the conscious mind can't always reach, and the mushroom can help create that connection.

Mushroom therapy in the Netherlands

Magic mushrooms have been illegal in the Netherlands since December 1, 2008. This means that possession, sale, and cultivation of magic mushrooms are punishable. Due to the ban on magic mushrooms, it is no longer possible to offer sessions with magic mushrooms. This change in legislation is the result of several incidents in which people under the influence of magic mushrooms exhibited irresponsible behavior, sometimes with fatal consequences. However, the use of magic truffles, which contain the same active ingredients as magic mushrooms but in a lower concentration, is still legal in the Netherlands.

Magic mushrooms are illegal drugs

Magic mushrooms have been designated as illegal drugs. Not so much because scientific research has shown them to be so dangerous to health, but more due to lobbying by various stakeholders. Considering the harmfulness of magic mushrooms compared to other illegal and legal drug variants, one might conclude that the ban on magic mushrooms may have been overblown.

Drugs and harm

Truffles instead of mushrooms

Because magic mushrooms have been declared illegal in the Netherlands, we conduct our trips with magic truffles. Magic truffles contain exactly the same active ingredients as magic mushrooms, and magic truffles are legal. When we talk about magic mushroom therapy, or psilocybin therapy, we use magic truffles.

The active substance

The active ingredient in magic mushrooms and truffles is psilocybin. Psilocybin is converted in our bodies into psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects. Psilocybin and psilocin belong to the tryptamine group and have a similar structure to serotonin, a neurotransmitter in our brain. By interacting with the serotonin receptors in our brain, psilocybin and psilocin cause the hallucinogenic effects that people experience when using magic mushrooms and truffles.

Register for a truffle session

To register for a truffle session at Triptherapie, please complete the intake form using the button below. This form helps us better understand your background, goals, and any medical or psychological conditions you may have. Based on this information, we can provide you with personalized advice and the right guidance during the truffle session.

At Triptherapie, we work with experienced trip-sitters and therapists who specialize in facilitating psychedelic sessions. Our guides create a safe and supportive environment during the truffle session. They are knowledgeable about the effects and risks of psychedelics and can help you achieve your goals and integrate any insights you may gain. Use the button to view our team and choose a guide for your needs.