Psilocybin coaching as therapy

Psilocybin coaching is a unique form of therapy that uses psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms of the genus Psilocybe. Other names for psilocybin coaching are: Psilocybin session, psilocybin therapy, Truffle session, truffle therapy, mushroom session, or mushroom therapy. All this psychedelic coaching involves the active substance psilocybin.

What is psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in more than 200 species of mushrooms. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which has a powerful effect on the serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perceptions and thoughts.

However, psilocybin is a prodrug, meaning it has no biological activity itself. It must first be converted into psilocin in the body through a process called dephosphorylation. This process occurs quickly due to the acidic conditions in the body.

Psilocin is the compound that mimics the structure of serotonin and acts as an agonist or partial agonist of several 5HT receptors, including the 5-HT2A receptor. An agonist is a substance that can activate a receptor in the nervous system to produce a biological response.

In the case of psilocin, it exhibits functional selectivity by activating phospholipase A2 instead of activating phospholipase C as the endogenous ligand serotonin does. This means that although psilocin acts on the same receptors as serotonin, it can activate different intracellular pathways, resulting in unique psychotropic effects.

How does psilocybin coaching work?

Psilocybin coaching uses the psychedelic experience as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth. Our experienced coaches guide you through the experience, helping you navigate your thoughts and feelings and providing support in integrating your experiences after the session. A well-functioning process for this form of psychedelic coaching contains a preparatory phase, a psilocybin session and an integration.

What are the benefits of psilocybin coaching?

There are numerous benefits associated with psilocybin coaching. From reducing anxiety and depression to promoting creativity and self-awareness, psilocybin coaching can be a powerful tool for personal growth.

What does science say about psilocybin coaching?

Most recent research on psilocybin with more than 100 participants was a phase 2 clinical trial conducted from December 2019 to June 2022 at 11 different locations in the US. For this trial, the research team recruited 104 participants who had been diagnosed with moderate to severe depression for at least 60 days. All participants were in the age range of 21 to 65 years, with a mean age of 41.1 years, and half of the participants were women.

The research team randomly assigned approximately half (51) of the participants to receive a single dose of 25 mg of psilocybin and the remainder (53) to receive a single dose of 100 mg of niacin (a placebo). This was a double-blind study, as neither study staff nor participants could see who received what during the trial.

The study suggests that psilocybin treatment contributed positively to several aspects of mental health and well-being, not only by reducing depressive symptoms, but also by improving overall functioning, anxiety symptoms and quality of life in the study participants.

Would you also like to qualify for a psilocybin session?

The registration procedure for a psilocybin session is via Triptherapie Nederland. The registration and the entire process are as follows:

  1. Registration, neurotransmitter test and intake: This is the first step where you register for the session and undergo a neurotransmitter test. This test helps determine the neurochemistry of your brain.
  2. Advice on nutrition, exercise and supplements: Based on the results of the intake and the neurotransmitter test, you will receive advice about nutrition, exercise and supplements. This advice is intended to improve your brain's neurochemistry before the psychedelic session.
  3. Preparation time: There is usually a preparation time of two weeks for the psilocybin processes. During this period, we are working on implementing the advice given based on the intake and neurotransmitter test1.
  4. Additional preparation: In the week prior to the psychedelic session you will receive extra tips and advice. This can also include reading certain books or watching videos on platforms such as Netflix or YouTube.
  5. Individual psychedelic session: The actual psilocybin session takes place. This is usually an individual session unless a group would be of additional benefit or preference.
  6. Debriefing: After the psychedelic session, a debriefing will take place on the same day.
  7. Integration of insights: Contact will be maintained in the days following the session to help integrate the insights gained during the session
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