Bad trips? When do you really have a bad trip?

Everyone who delves into psychedelic therapy asks themselves the question sooner or later: What if I have a bad trip? The image of a confusing, frightening, or overwhelming experience scares many off — and that is understandable. Yet a bad trip is far from always what it seems. In her recent, in-depth blog, Janneke van de Geijn explains why so-called "bad trips" are often actually the gateway to healing. In it, she rightly asks: When do you *really* take a bath?

What we often call a bad trip is, in fact, an inner confrontation with repressed emotions, traumas, or limiting beliefs. Fear, sadness, anger, or existential panic are not uncommon during a psilocybin session or truffle session. But that doesn't automatically make it bad. As Janneke states: “The experience itself might feel overwhelming, but it is often precisely *that* which needs to be felt.”

The key lies in the guidance. An unsafe environment, inadequate preparation, or the absence of an empathetic facilitator can turn an intense session into a traumatizing experience. That is why Triptherapie works with highly experienced facilitators like Janneke, who know exactly when to give space and when a loving hand or a reassuring word is needed.

At Janneke's guidance Safety is paramount. She is trained to guide people through deep processes without judgment. As a result, even the most intense moments can transform into valuable insights. As many people share, “taking the bath” often led to a breakthrough, liberation, or a renewed connection with oneself.

So when do you really have a bad trip? When you undergo a psychedelic session without proper preparation, without safe guidance, and without aftercare. But within the framework of a professional setting, such as at Triptherapie, even a 'difficult trip' is not a failure, but an invitation. As Janneke beautifully puts it: ‘You only really have a bad trip when you refuse to feel what wants to be felt.’

Do you want to prepare thoroughly or be guided by Janneke herself? You can find her availability. here and you can start an intake via this intake page.