The mind in action is conscious, subconscious and superconscious. We are aware of all conscious activity, but the vast part of subconscious activity never rises to the plane of consciousness. Research shows that we are conscious of up to maximum 5% of our mind’s activity. And although 95% remains unconscious, we are always influenced by our subconscious mind. It manifests through habits, addictions, anxiety, psychosomatic pains, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This is why, the most effective way to “rewire” our brains for the better is to work with the subconscious. In my coaching practice I combine Generative Trance Coaching and Psilocybin Assisted Therapy to achieve the best results.
You can read more about Generative Trance here. To learn more about my own journey and how I came to this work visit this page.
What is Psilocybin?
Psilocybin, is a naturally occurring compound produced by more than 200 species of mushrooms and truffles, collectively known as psilocybin mushrooms. It is a powerful neuro-pharmacological agent that has a strong modulatory effect on our brain processes and affects the way our brains work. The active ingredient found in “magic mushrooms,” a term many people are more familiar with is quite potent, and even low doses may cause notable psychoactive effects. When used correctly and with appropriate supervision, the effects of psilocybin have proven to be impressively positive.
Psilocybin Assisted Therapy
Clinical trials have shown that psilocybin assisted therapy can improve mental health and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety along with a range of other conditions. Studies show improvements in depression lasting for up to 5 weeks after taking psilocybin just once. My clients have even reported improvements with longstanding drug, alcohol and cigarette addictions.
Is Psilocybin Legal?
Magic Truffles remain absolutely legal, even though Magic Mushrooms have been banned by the Dutch government in 2008. Apart from the visual appearance, there are no major differences between magic mushrooms and magic truffles. Truffles are essentially the subterranean part of a mushroom, ready to be utilized as food reserves by the rest of the organism.
What Effects Can I Expect?
Psilocybin has a wide range of effects that are often subjective and context-dependent. They include breakthroughs, creative thinking, deep relaxation, spiritual experiences, hallucinations and sometimes synesthesia (a mind-bending neurological phenomenon in which a person is temporarily able to, for example, taste colors and see sounds). Clearly, psilocybin has a powerful effect on the brain and its neurological processes. This is why it is considered to be “mind-altering.”
Medical vs Recreational Use of Psilocybin
The internet is full of cases that list the negative side-effects of using psychedelic drugs. This information usually comes from people that used psychedelics in unsupervised, non-therapeutical situations. Psilocybin helps us tap into the subconscious but we must know what to do when we find ourselves there. The risk of experiencing negative effects or the nightmarish “bad trip” increase significantly when psilocybin is used in inappropriate settings or unsupervised.
The medicinal use of psilocybin, on the other hand, has not shown any likelihood of increased risks, due to the dosages and guidance provided. In fact, the the use of psilocybin in a therapy or clinical setting has been shown to slow down overactive and hyper-connected higher-level brain functioning (scientists call this the brain’s “Default Mode Network”) and increase flexibility and fluidity between other parts of the brain; including the areas involved in fear, relaxation, and memory.
Ultimately, along with coaching and guidance, this leads to a recalibration of the brain. This “recalibration” affects the brain in such a way that it increases alternate ways of thinking and perception along with decreasing oppressive self-reflections that are associated with depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.
Breakthrough Therapy
When used therapeutically psilocybin produces impressive results, even in just one or two sessions. If you want rapid effects this therapy might be the right way to go.
Currently, the most popular anti-depressants used to treat depression are Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Psilocybin differs from these medicines in the sense that it inhibits serotonin-dependent neurons and essentially “resets” the brain. The results have been so promising that psilocybin has received “Breakthrough Therapy” Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after evidence showed that it may be more beneficial than current treatments.
What Happens During a Session?
The sessions usually take place in four main phases: assessment, preparation, administration, and finally “integration.”
During the administration, you will ingest a pre-determined dosage of psilocybin in the form of tea. Once the effects start to kick in (about 60 minutes after ingestion), myself, or another therapist will offer guidance and assistance where needed (without interfering too much). A few hours later, the integration session happens during which we discuss and reflect upon your experience. I use coaching, therapeutic and interviewing skills to solidify the meaning of the experience by delving into your perceptions, sensations, and experiences.