Experiential Training Institute

The Experiential Training Institute runs legal psilocybin truffle retreats in Amsterdam and trains psychedelic practitioners. Psychiatrist Hans van Wechem and clinical psychologist Jeanine Souren founded it in 2022, and it offers three-day small group retreats, Private Journeys for one person and couples programmes.

Approach

Medical director Van Wechem is a registered psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 30 years in psychiatry. Head therapist Souren is a registered psychotherapist and sexologist who lectures at the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. A group retreat moves from a preparation day to the dosing day, about 9:30am to 5pm, then a day of integration therapy, with an online follow-up two weeks later. Breathwork, movement, meditation and art therapy run alongside, and facilitators avoid stepping in during the experience unless it is needed to prevent harm.

Who it is for

Group retreats are the core of the work; the private format is for those with a specific need to work alone. Its core and advanced trainings for clinicians include a retreat in which trainees act as both participant and facilitator. People with epilepsy, psychosis, severe depression, suicidal thoughts, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia cannot take part.

Practical details

An Amsterdam group retreat costs €2,650 without accommodation, a retreat in rural Culemborg, an hour from the city, €3,250 with accommodation, and a private retreat €2,900; couples prices are on request. Prices exclude 21% VAT. Groups hold up to eight people, and meals are plant-based. Bookings can be withdrawn free within 14 days.

Care and safety

Applicants fill in a health questionnaire and then have an online intake with a psychologist on medical history, medication and possible interactions. The retreats are medically supervised and, the institute says, comply with Dutch law, under which psilocybin truffles are legal. Aftercare brings an integration workbook, a follow-up group session and referrals for individual integration therapy.