What Can Psilocybin Therapy Do for You? Effects on Mental and Physical Health

Psilocybin therapy can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and emotional stagnation by temporarily quieting the default mode network and increasing connections in the brain. This creates space for new insights, emotional release, and a broader sense of meaning. Unlike conventional treatments, psilocybin supports both biochemical and psychological healing by combining neurochemical changes with intention-based self-reflection. It is non-addictive, physically safe, and can be used through macrodosing (ceremonial journeys) or microdosing (small daily doses) depending on your needs and comfort level.

Psilocybin therapy is gaining recognition not only for its psychedelic effects but also for its potential to support mental and physical well-being. We spoke with Pieter Meurs, a medical doctor and experienced guide who has offered his services for many years at the Nature Temple - psychedelic retreat centre - in the Netherlands, to understand how psilocybin works, its benefits, and the differences with conventional health care.

Pieter Meurs: From Medical Doctor to Psilocybin Guide

Pieter has a background in integrated psychiatry and addiction care. Since 2017, he has run his own practice, Dr. Aquarius, blending sound healing, meditation, and psychedelic therapy. Pieter is connected to Earth Awareness - Nature Temple retreats, helping with medical intake and

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“I’ve always been fascinated by the human psyche. Psilocybin allows us to explore consciousness and develop self-healing techniques in a guided, safe environment,” Pieter explains.

How Psilocybin Therapy works

Psilocybin therapy can be experienced through macrodosing or microdosing:

• Macrodosing: A full dose taken during a guided ceremony, often in a retreat setting.

• Microdosing: A fraction of a full dose (1/10) taken every other day over weeks, supporting integration into daily life.

  
  

Biochemically, psilocybin acts on serotonin receptors, enhancing mood and energy, while modulating brain activity to create new neural connections. This can reduce self-centered thinking and provide profound personal insights.

Psilocybin has already shown promising results in treating therapy-resistant depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Beyond the biochemistry, it can be approached as a conscious entity, guiding personal growth and self-reflection. Keeping a diary during the process helps deepen insights.

Psilocybin vs. Conventional Health Care

Unlike standard healthcare, which often focuses on quick fixes like medication, psilocybin emphasizes consciousness, self-responsibility, and personal growth.

“Psilocybin is not a panacea; it’s a tool. The medicine supports insight, but the work must be done by the individual,” Pieter explains.

Macro vs. Microdosing: Choosing What’s Right for You

Psilocybin therapy is non-addictive and has no harmful effects on the body. Long-term benefits include:

• Enhanced abstract thinking

• Increased spiritual consciousness

• Greater sense of meaning in life

  
  

Participants often describe their psilocybin experiences as among the most profound of their lives.

Bridging to Retreats

If you feel inspired to explore psilocybin personally, The retreats in the Nature Temple in the Netherlands offer legal and well guided retreats. These retreats do not define as therapy, but are offered as a tool for personal growth and exploration of consciousness. These retreats provide a safe and supportive space to experience the medicine, integrate insights, and connect with nature, art, and community.

Learn more about retreats: Nature Temple Psilocybin Retreats

Pieter is connected to Earth Awareness - Nature Temple retreat Centre. You can get in touch with him through his website: www.draquarius.com.

FAQ

What can I expect from the effects of magic mushrooms?

On an empty stomach, psilocybin truffles generally take effect within 30 minutes. The body may feel restless at first, which often fades as you relax into the experience. The journey usually lasts 4–6 hours and comes in waves. Some people feel mild nausea, which can be eased through breathwork, movement or relaxation.

Experiences can include visions, emotions, insights and shifts in perspective. The journey may move between clarity, emotional release and profound bliss. Our team supports participants before, during and after the ceremony.

Why do people attend a magic mushroom retreat?

People join retreats to:

• Heal past experiences

• Reduce anxiety or emotional burdens

• Gain clarity, insight or vision

• Reconnect with creativity and inner guidance

• Improve self-care and relationships

• Feel supported in an honest, open community

• Mark important transitions or life moments

  
  

Do you use truffles or mushrooms?

We use psilocybin truffles, which are legal in the Netherlands. Truffles contain the same active compounds as the mushroom fruiting bodies. We use the term “mushrooms” in our texts because visitors outside the Netherlands are more familiar with that term.

How do magic mushrooms compare to ayahuasca?

Although both psilocin and DMT are serotonergic compounds, each substance has a distinct character. Psilocybin tends to be gentler on the body, with less physical detox than ayahuasca. Psilocybin experiences are often described as playful and outward-focused, whereas ayahuasca journeys can be more introspective.We only serve psilocybin truffles at our centre — no ayahuasca or other plant medicines.

How should I prepare for a retreat?

Good preparation is essential. We recommend:

• Adequate rest

• Avoiding alcohol, drugs, red meat and heavy foods for one week

• Taking time for self-reflection

• Setting a clear intention

Once your intake is approved, we send detailed guidelines for preparation.

What are the contraindications?

Our retreats are for people in good mental and physical health. They are not a substitute for medical or psychotherapeutic treatment.

Psilocybin should not be combined with antidepressant or antipsychotic medication. Always consult your doctor if you are under medical care.

We cannot accept participants who:

• Are pregnant

• Have schizophrenia or psychosis sensitivity

• Have borderline personality disorder

• Are suicidal or severely traumatised

• Have serious cardiovascular or neurological conditions

  
  

Honesty in the intake form is essential for your safety and ours.