Info

We would like to highlight that taking psilocybin-containing truffles is not the primary goal and intention of our development programs. Rather, we perceive legal psychedelics and altered states of consciousness as an instrument for insight and development, an extraordinarily powerful “consciousness technology”.  Given the right mindset, ceremonial setting, preparation and integration, psychedelic experiences can catalyze profound development.

Experiences outside of everyday consciousness (altered states of consciousness, ASC) are particularly effective to promote development, not least because they help disintegrate or “melt” rigid mental or behavioural structures temporarily and thus create new options for thinking, behaving and being in the world. Under ASC, there is an increased openness to experience and thus to change in the system (on a brain level, we would say there is enhanced neuroplasticity). So we harness the power of ASC and peak experiences in our personal development programs to catalyse profound change and growth.

We induce altered states of consciousness (ASC) using a diverse methodological toolkit, such as breathwork, mindfulness meditation, or bodywork. One of the technologies our participants use constitutes legal psilocybin-containing truffles (colloquially called “magic truffles”), which they need to purchase themselves in a licensed Dutch smartshop. These truffles provide a reproducible way to induce ASC.

In addition, we use techniques such as breathwork, bodywork, and meditation to provide you the opportunity to see yourself from a “different-than-normal” perspective.

To induce a deep state of altered consciousness, our participants consume legal, psychoactive psilocybin truffles (colloquially called “magic truffles”) on the day of their guided psychedelic ceremony. For legal reasons, participants purchase their own truffles from a licensed vendor in the Netherlands. 

The truffles you consume for ceremony contain the psychedelic molecules psilocin and its phosphorylated counterpart psilocybin. Once ingested, psilocybin is metabolized by the body into psilocin, and then unfolds its serotonergic effect – what people usually refer to as “the trip”. Clinical evidence shows that psilocybin is a physiologically safe substance with no known addictive effects and virtually no toxicity (e.g. see here). Still, there might be certain conditions (some physical / mental diseases and medications) that might make it less safe. In our assessment prior to admission, we do our best to make you aware of any risks factors so that you can make an informed decision.

We maximize your safety by the right assessment, preparation, facilitation, and integration.

Assessment:
We undertake a physical / mental health screening via an online questionnaire and a screening call to minimize the risk of any potentially adverse health-related outcome. The application process and our programs are not designed to diagnose, make medical recommendations, or offer treatment solutions. However, for your safety, we may determine that a participation in our programs is not advisable. The motivation of screening process is to assist you in understanding potential risks of participating in Evolute programs. Please note that the screening does not aim to reach any final conclusions about whether it is safe for you to participate in our programs. Only you and your medical doctor and/or other medical professional can make that determination.

Preparation:
Participants will learn about a responsable approach to working with psilocybin-containing truffles (risk and harm reduction). Latest scientific evidence will be presented about the potential upsides and downsides of using psychedelics. In addition, they will receive guidance in how to navigate during states of altered consciousness. You will receive 1-on-1 coaching to get the best possible preparation.

Facilitation:
The psychedelic ceremonies, where you may decide to consume your own psilocybin-containing truffles, are supervised by experienced facilitators. Our experts give you enough freedom to make your own steps and will be always at your side in case you need their support.

Integration:
Psychedelic experiences with psilocybin-containing truffles can be very profound and feel seismic. Journeyers can go through intense emotions days and weeks after their ceremony. This is why we crafted an integration program that will help you incorporate your insights into your life in a sustainable manner. You will receive 1-on-1 coaching to get the most out of your journey.

In the Netherlands, psychedelic psilocybin-containing truffles are legal. In contrast, psychedelic mushrooms were classified as a scheduled substance in 2007. You will have to buy these legal truffles from authorized vendors (e.g. smartshops) in the Netherlands and bring them to the retreat. 

Because we want to maximize your safety and minimize the risk of any potentially adverse health-related outcome, we require all applicants to fill out a screening questionnaire on their mental and physical health as well as to perform a screening call prior to admission.

The application process and our programs are not designed to diagnose, make medical recommendations, or offer treatment solutions. However, for your safety, we may determine that a participation in our programs is not advisable. The motivation of screening process is to assist you in understanding potential risks of participating in Evolute programs. The screening does not aim to reach any final conclusions about whether it is safe for you to participate in our programs. Only you and your medical doctor and/or other medical professional can make that determination.

While we strive to adhere to the best known practices and professional standards, we do not treat mental illnesses nor offer any form of therapy. This is why we do not admit, among others, participants with diagnoses of depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorders.