16 November 2022 14:58
Topic starter
0
Dear,
Lately, I have been trying to learn more and more about the amazing world of psychedelic therapy. Primarily because I personally see strong potential in it. Now I have decided to do my part to make this form of therapy bigger and more accessible in the Netherlands. My only question is: how do you get started? Are there specific prior educational backgrounds that might be necessary or useful? What would be a good route for me to eventually enter this sector?
I am currently thinking about studying Psychology; this would seem like a good stepping stone to me.
I look forward to hearing from you!
16 November 2022 15:04
I just cut and pasted the text below from an earlier post about vacancies and internships in psychedelic therapy.
Our requirements for future staff
For this work, we are not simply looking for people who have used psychedelics and guided a few other people. It goes beyond just tripsitting or space-holding. Triptherapie stands for a holistic approach, and therefore we are looking for potential future employees with broad knowledge in the field of physical and mental health. The basic knowledge should cover several of these disciplines:
- Psychedelics
- Neurochemistry
- Dietetics
- Naturopathy
- Aromatherapy
- Psychology
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Trauma therapy
- NLP
In addition to basic knowledge, there must be a field within psychology in which specialization and certification have been obtained.
Supplement
We do not yet know what the future requirements from health insurers will be. The necessary training required in the future may therefore change.
2 Answers
1
15 April 2025 11:20
Your intuition to study Psychology is absolutely a sensible and strategically strong first step — certainly with a view to future regulation and recognition of psychedelic therapy as a medical treatment model.
Currently, there is no officially recognized training path to become a "psychedelic therapist" in the Netherlands, but that is likely to change. Triptherapie expects that future legislation and health-insured pathways will require a basic education in psychology or psychotherapy, supplemented by a specialized six-month course focused on psychedelic therapy. Studying Psychology at a university or college will therefore give you a head start once this regulation takes effect.
What is already possible:
-
You can gain experience through self-study, trip experiences (personal and as a tripsitter), and relevant additional training such as trauma therapy, mindfulness, or IFS (Internal Family Systems).
-
Consider working as psychedelic coach or tripsitter in a non-medical context. Please note: this market is quite saturated, so differentiation based on education and vision is important.
-
You can strengthen your knowledge and network through organizations such as Triptherapie, for example by first doing a to do intake and participate in a session to experience the process from within.
Be critical of commercial “training courses for tripsitters or spaceholders” — these currently have little to no value for future recognition. Focus instead on a solid substantive foundation in psychology, neurochemistry, and trauma work.
0
16 November 2022 17:39
Topic starter
Thank you!