Eligibility
Am I eligible to participate?
You are welcome to participate if:
The retreats are not a good option for you if:
Can I attend a retreat if I have never used psilocybin truffles before?
Yes, our retreats are designed to accommodate both beginners and experienced users. We will provide all the necessary guidance and support to make this the best experience possible for you.
Can I attend with a friend or partner?
Yes, you can definitely attend with a friend or partner. Please indicate this when booking so we can accommodate you accordingly.
General Information about Psilocybin Truffles
What are psilocybin truffles?
Psilocybin truffles, also known as sclerotia, are a type of fungi that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. Unlike mushrooms, which grow above ground as the fruiting part of the fungus, truffles grow underground. You can read more information about it in our psilocybin information sheet.
What is psilocybin and what are its effects?
Psilocybin, upon ingestion, is converted into psilocin, which affects brain chemistry by activating serotonin receptors. This leads to a variety of effects, such as altered perception, enhanced sensory experiences, and significant changes in thought and mood. Commonly reported effects include visual and auditory hallucinations, heightened sensory perception, euphoria, intense emotions, deep introspective insights, altered thought patterns and a sense of interconnectedness. These experiences can facilitate profound shifts in consciousness, promoting emotional and psychological healing. You can read more about what psilocybin is and its effects in our psilocybin information sheet.
What does research say about the healing potential of psilocybin?
Extensive research is being conducted on psilocybin’s benefits for various mental health conditions, focusing primarily on depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and existential distress in terminal illness. Key institutions involved in this research include Johns Hopkins University, Imperial College London, and New York University.
For detailed research findings, see the evidence report submitted to the Oregon Health Authorities.
Are psilocybin truffles legal?
In the Netherlands, it is legal to buy and consume psilocybin truffles. However, psilocybin is illegal in many other countries.
Can I take some truffles away with me after the retreat?
If you reside in a country where psychedelic mushrooms or truffles are illegal, you cannot take psilocybin truffles back with you. Psilocybin possession and consumption are illegal in most countries, and border controls and airport might be in place. Please note that truffles provided during the retreat cannot be taken away from the room where the psilocybin session takes place.
Safety Matters
Is it safe to consume psilocybin truffles?
When consumed responsibly and in a supportive environment, psilocybin truffles are generally safe. Psilocybin has low toxicity, making life-threatening events like breathing or heart problems rare (National Institute on Drug Abuse, US National Institutes of Health, 2024). However, individuals with certain medical or psychological conditions should avoid psilocybin or exercise extra caution.
Is psilocybin addictive?
Current research indicates that psilocybin use does not typically lead to addiction. Repeated use can weaken its effects, reducing the potential for dependence (National Institute on Drug Abuse, US National Institutes of Health, 2024).
Can I take psilocybin truffles if I am on medication?
Some medications can interact negatively with psilocybin. It is inadvisable for individuals on neuroleptics or antidepressants to take psilocybin due to overlapping neuronal action. Antidepressants that increase serotonin levels can lead to potentially lethal serotonin syndrome. Caution is also needed for those on blood pressure or blood thinning medications. Medical advice is recommended in such situations.
Consult a doctor before considering consuming psilocybin if you are taking the following medication:
Avoid high doses of psilocybin if you are using the following:
Psilocybin consumption is not recommended if you are taking the following medication:
If you have been prescribed this type of treatment in the last three years, please seek medical advice before joining one of our retreats.
Should I stop taking my antidepressants?
If you are being treated for depression, consult a doctor before considering a psychedelic retreat. Some antidepressants increase serotonin levels, and consuming psilocybin can lead to serotonin syndrome which is potentially lethal. If you are being treated for depression, we strongly recommend that you first consult with a medical practitioner who can assess the benefits of such a retreat for you and be able to help you transition towards a temporary pause in your treatment, or, on the contrary, may firmly discourage it. Stopping any treatment for depression should be done gradually and under medical supervision due to the risks entailed. It might be a good idea to consult multiple doctors to get a well-informed professional opinion.
Are there any medical contraindications to taking psilocybin truffles?
Psilocybin truffles are not recommended for people who:
Chemical shifts in the brain induced by psilocybin can make it more likely for people suffering from a psychiatric condition to experience problems even after the psychedelic experience is over. In these cases, the psychedelic experience risks triggering more long-term disorders such as depersonalisation and manic or psychotic behaviour.
We also strongly recommend that you consult with a doctor if you are considering consuming psilocybin truffles and are being treated for, or have a history of, any of these conditions:
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
No, you don’t need any referral from a doctor to attend our retreats. We might, however, ask you for a letter from your doctor in certain cases.
Can I take psilocybin truffles if a member of my family is receiving treatment for a psychiatric condition?
If a member of your immediate family (parents or siblings) has been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, there is a risk that it could be hereditary. We advise against participating in a psilocybin retreat and recommend seeking medical advice.
What precautions are taken to ensure safety during the retreat?
Our retreats are conducted by ourselves and so you will be in the hands of experienced facilitators who are also trained psychotherapists. We will accompany you throughout the whole process from preparation, during the psychedelic journey, and post-retreat through integration support. We are also trained in the use of basic first aid and the retreat location is less than a 15-minute drive from a major hospital.
What if I have a bad trip?
A “bad trip” is a distressing experience that occurs when using psychedelics during which one can experience intense negative emotions and possibly frightening visual and auditory hallucinations. One might also feel a loss of control over one’s thoughts and emotions, leading to panic or a sense of impending doom. As long as the setting is well taken care of, as we do in our retreats, such experiences often stem from mental blockages resisting the psychedelic process. Psychedelic journeys can bring up difficult stuff and the more one resists this process, the more physically and psychologically challenging it becomes.
As facilitators, we provide the necessary guidance and support to help you navigate such challenging experiences should they arise. If a trip needs to be stopped, trip stopper supplements are available to significantly shorten its duration. Once taken, no more psilocybin can be consumed.
Can I drive after the retreat?
Driving or operating machinery should be avoided for at least 12-16 hours after ingesting psilocybin as it impairs sensory perception and reflexes, posing safety risks.
Retreat Details
How long are the retreats?
Our retreats span 3 days, beginning on Friday afternoon (arrival between 15:00 and 17:00) and concluding after lunch on Sunday. For safety reasons, it is important that you can attend for the entire duration.
Where are the retreats held?
Located in the serene Olst region of the Netherlands, our retreats take place in a beautiful house surrounded by greenery, approximately 2 hours by train from Amsterdam Central station. This secluded setting ensures privacy, while the modern design and thoughtful decor provide comfort and tranquillity.
How many people will attend the retreat?
Each retreat accommodates a maximum of 10 participants, along with ourselves and support staff. This small group size allows for personalised attention to each participant’s journey.
What happens during the psilocybin truffle retreat?
The retreat begins on Friday afternoon with activities focused on enhancing present-moment awareness, including body-centred practices. You’ll be invited to engage in individual and group activities aimed at building trust with fellow participants. Saturday morning continues with preparation before the guided psilocybin journey, where truffles are consumed in a safe, supportive setting. Sunday morning is dedicated to further individual and group activities to aid integration of the psychedelic experience.
How many psychedelic journeys will I experience during a retreat?
Our approach prioritises maximising the impact of the psilocybin session during the retreat. The entire retreat is dedicated to preparing you for one psilocybin session and equipping you with tools and support to get the most out of this experience.
How long does a psychedelic experience with psilocybin last and how strong will it be?
A psilocybin experience typically lasts between 4 and a half and 5 and a half hours. At our retreats we work with medium to high doses, as we want to ensure that you enter into the psychedelic experience that truffles offer. We might adjust the dose during the experience, if needed.
Will music be used during the psychedelic journey?
Music plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting you during the psychedelic journey. We carefully select and adjust music throughout the experience to enhance and complement your journey’s unfolding process.
Are scents used during the retreat?
We incorporate scents at various moments throughout the retreat to enhance sensory sensitivity and aid in grounding. If any participant has allergies, we ensure those specific scents are not used.
What is included in the retreat experience?
Our comprehensive retreat package includes preparatory meetings, transfers to and from the retreat location from a nearby train station, accommodation in shared rooms, meals, one psilocybin truffle session, group dynamics activities with a strong body focus, integration workshops, and follow-up integration meetings. We also offer phone support during the week following the retreat.
Are meals provided during the retreat?
Yes, we provide nutritious vegetarian meals throughout the retreat, with vegan options available. If you have any special dietary requirements, please contact us to see whether we can cater for that.
How can I ensure a transformational experience?
Psilocybin has the potential to induce profound psychological insights and lasting personal changes. In fact, research has consistently found that a single dose of psilocybin administered in a supportive setting can lead to transformative effects such as enhanced well-being, increased openness and a greater sense of interconnectedness with others and the universe. However, individual experiences vary based on factors like mindset, setting, dosage and personality. Rather than focusing solely on ensuring a transformational experience, approach the retreat with openness to whatever arises. This mindset allows the psychedelic experience to unfold naturally, potentially leading to subtle yet highly significant personal growth.
Does a retreat with psychedelics solve all my problems?
No, a retreat with psychedelics does not solve all challenges in life. Change is multifaceted and requires ongoing integration, which we support you with through our post-retreat integration sessions. Our role is to create a space where you can connect with your inner resources, facilitating a significant step forward in your personal journey. Like planting a seed, the retreat provides initial growth; sustained care and effort nurture ongoing transformation.
Support and Integration
What kind of support is available during the retreat?
In addition to comprehensive preparation sessions, we provide continuous personal support throughout the retreat where we are available for any conversations and assistance you might need. Post-retreat, our integration support helps you process and apply your experience to daily life, as well as offering ongoing phone support in the week following the retreat as needed. There is also the option of signing up for additional follow-up integration or psychotherapy sessions.
How do you ensure confidentiality?
Your privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance. Personal information is strictly kept within our team unless there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others. Experiences shared during the retreat remain confidential, and we expect the same commitment to confidentiality from all participants.
Why do you combine psilocybin with somatic practices?
Combining psilocybin with somatic practices harnesses your body’s innate ability to process stuck emotions and traumas and helps you remain grounded. While psychedelics often provide profound cognitive insights, they also heighten emotional and sensory perception. Engaging in body-focused activities like breathwork and movement during a psilocybin journey can facilitate the release of deeply rooted physical and emotional blockages. This approach creates a secure container, anchoring the mind to the present moment and making the overall experience more manageable and meaningful. By incorporating somatic practices in preparation and integration sessions, we deepen your connection to your body to better prepare you for the psychedelic journey and aid in its integration.
Should I discontinue therapy after the retreat?
Psilocybin facilitates the breaking down of psychological defences and increases emotional openness. Engaging in therapy and personal development activities after the retreat can further deepen and integrate the insights gained from the psychedelic experience. If after some weeks after the retreat you still feel inclined to discontinue therapy, we recommend discussing this decision with your therapist or mental health provider.
Registration and Payment
How can I get more information before applying?
Start by scheduling a free information call with one of us. You can easily book this call through our website, where you’ll find available dates listed.
How can I register for a retreat?
You can reserve your spot by completing the registration form on our website which includes a medical history section. Please answer this as accurately as possible to ensure your safety. Payment is not required at this stage. If no major contraindications arise, we’ll schedule a call with you to discuss further details. Afterward, we’ll send you some documents to sign and provide payment instructions for the deposit. Your registration will be confirmed once the deposit is received, with the remaining balance due up to 3 weeks before the retreat.
How will I know my spot is confirmed?
To complete your registration, you’ll need to read and sign the retreat agreement and the Terms and Conditions. You will also need to transfer the deposit (or the full payment if you register less than 4 weeks before the retreat). Once we receive everything, we’ll send you a confirmation, securing your spot at the retreat.
What happens between my registration and the retreat?
Six weeks before the retreat, you’ll receive another questionnaire to help you start preparing and to provide us with additional information. Please submit it by the deadline, as delays could affect refund possibilities if new contraindications arise. After submission, you’ll have an individual preparatory session with one of us and a group call with other participants to start getting to know each other. The group call date is listed on our website.
What is the cost for the retreat?
Our retreat pricing depends on your choice of accommodation. If you pay in full more than 6 weeks in advance, you’ll receive a discounted Early-bird rate. Due to high demand we suggest that you secure your spot early.
We believe in creating more social equality by increasing accessibility to transformative experiences for people with lower incomes. To support this, we propose a sliding scale of up to €2500 for those who can contribute more. This helps us provide spaces for participants who are struggling financially.
What are the payment details?
For registrations made more than 4 weeks before the retreat:
For registrations made 4 weeks or less before the retreat:
Please ensure you transfer the due balances on the appropriate dates as attendance is subject to full payment. For more details, refer to the Terms and Conditions.
Do you have any space for people with more limited financial resources?
We reserve a number of spots for individuals who may require financial assistance. If you find that it is not reasonably possible to pay the regular fee, please reach out to us. We’ll ask you for a brief statement explaining your situation. These discounted spots are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Why do you offer a sliding scale and when do I choose how much to pay?
We believe that everyone should have access to the transformative potential of psychedelics, regardless of financial means. We also believe in the social responsibility that we all have where we the more privileged we are, the more we can help others who are less so. Our sliding scale reflects this commitment as it allows us to offer reduced rates to accommodate those with fewer resources. You can select your payment amount at any time, right from when you make your payment to any time after the retreat ends.
Are the truffles included in the price?
For legal reasons, the price of the truffles is not included in the retreat price. Please cater for about €20-30 to be paid on site for the truffles, just before the start of the retreat.
Do you offer any discounts?
We offer a lower rate if payment is made up to 6 weeks before the retreat starts. Additionally, keep an eye on our website or subscribe to our newsletter for occasional special offers.
What is the cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy is as follows. All percentages refer to the total amount that has been paid:
If any other medical contraindications arise after confirmation of registration that would prevent you from attending, you’ll receive a full refund of any amount paid minus a €120 administrative charge. Otherwise, the cancellation provisions apply.
Should your circumstances change after your registration is confirmed, you may only transfer your spot to another person by informing us in writing. The new participant will need to complete the full registration process, and an additional administrative charge of €120 applies.
What if you have to cancel the retreat?
If we need to cancel the retreat for any reason, you can choose between a full refund of the amount paid or attending a future retreat at the same price (even if there is a price difference). However, please note that we do not refund any additional expenses you incur. For this reason, we strongly recommend taking out individual cancellation insurance to cover fees for reasons such as illness or transportation issues in case you cannot attend the retreat.