Therapy with psychedelics

Therapy with psychedelics is becoming increasingly known and accepted in society. This is due to several factors. First of all, there are the many documentaries that pay attention to the potential of psychedelic therapies. These documentaries have contributed to greater awareness and understanding of this form of therapy and have thus contributed to better public opinion. In addition, more and more studies are being completed that show that psychedelic therapies can be effective in treating various mental disorders. These studies show that this form of therapy is safe and has relatively few side effects. This contributes to confidence in the therapy. Due to these various factors, psychedelic therapy is gaining popularity and more and more people want to use the healing powers of psychedelic therapy to treat a variety of mental health problems or as a spiritual experience.

Psychedelic therapy

Legal psychedelic sessions

For the time being, therapy using psychedelics is not yet recognized as a medical treatment. The sessions we offer are currently only legal if we label them as non-medical in nature and we may only use legal variants of the aforementioned substances. We expect this to remain the case in 2024 and that there will be changes in the law in or after 2025 to allow psychedelic therapy to be labeled as a medical treatment. Until then, health insurers will not reimburse psychedelic sessions.

Psychedelics are not for everyone

Additionally, psychedelics are not safe for everyone, especially people who have certain medical conditions, such as heart or liver disease or a family history of mental illness. That is why anyone who wants to do a session must first be screened for safety.

Different psychedelic therapy

MDMA, LSD and Psilocybin all belong to the group of psychedelic drugs, but each have their own unique characteristics and effects. MDMA is known for its euphoric and empathogenic effects, where users experience a sense of connection and intimacy. LSD causes hallucinations, changes in perception and a sense of unity with the environment. Psilocybin produces visual effects, such as colors that appear more vivid and patterns that appear to move in objects, and can also induce spiritual or mystical experiences.

While these drugs have some similarities, such as their influence on perception and feelings of connection, there are also important differences in their effects and pharmacology. For example, MDMA works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. LSD and psilocybin owe their effect by showing activity, mainly on the serotonin receptors. In addition, these psychedelic drugs also have various risks and side effects such as neurotoxicity in the case of MDMA and reduced control over reality with LSD and psilocybin use. When using these substances during psychedelic therapy it is checked in advance which one suits the client best. Read more about the different psychedelic therapies via the buttons.

Frequently asked questions about psychedelic therapy

What psychedelic drugs are there?

There are several psychedelic drugs available, including LSD, psilocybin (mushrooms), mescaline (peyote cactus), MDMA (ecstasy), DMT (ayahuasca) and 2C-B. Most cause visual hallucinations.

What does psychedelics do to you?

Psychedelics can have various effects on you, such as visual hallucinations, changes in perception, heightened emotions and an altered state of consciousness. However, each psychedelic has its own unique effect.

What is psilocybin therapy?

Psilocybin therapy is a form of treatment in which: psilocybin is used to achieve therapeutic effects during a trip with supportive (psycho)therapy.

Which psychedelics are legal?

In general, most psychedelics in the Netherlands are legal or there is a legal variant. For example, psilocybin is legal in the form of magic truffles and LSD and MDMA are legal if an analogue is used.