Short answer: both matter, yet a guide’s inner state often matters at least as much as credentials. Research in psychotherapy and psychedelic settings suggests that alliance, set, and setting are strongly linked to how sessions are experienced and integrated. I cannot verify every individual study, but this pattern appears consistently across the literature.
Why this counts: during altered states people tend to be more sensitive to tone, breath, and micro-signals. A grounded, well-regulated guide can help the space feel stable and supportive, while unaddressed inner tension can be felt as unease.
Credentials still count for ethics, first aid, trauma awareness, and supervision. When choosing a guide, look for both solid training and lived qualities like calm presence, clear boundaries, deep listening, and substantial hands-on experience.
Practical tip: have a call, notice how your body feels with them, and ask about their self-regulation practices and supervision. Some providers, such as Triptherapie, aim to combine formal training with ongoing inner work.
Bottom line: choose the person whose presence and professionalism you trust.