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Triptherapy with therpist or sitter

Is psychedelic therapy always with a therapist?

When people hear about psychedelic therapy, they often assume it’s a clinical, psychotherapeutic intervention led by a licensed psychologist or therapist. While that can certainly be the case, it’s not the only option — especially at Triptherapie, where clients can choose between psychologists, psychosocial therapists, and highly experienced non-clinical guides (also known as tripsitters).

In this article, we’ll explore what psychedelic therapy really means, highlight the different types of facilitators available, and dive into the unique qualities of Triptherapie’s team. Whether you’re looking for trauma resolution, emotional insight, spiritual growth, or personal development, this guide will help you make the right decision for your journey.

Understanding Psychedelic Therapy

At Triptherapie, psychedelic therapy refers to guided psychedelic experiences using legal substances like psilocybin truffles, MDMA analogues, and LSD analogues. These sessions are designed to foster insight, emotional healing, and mental well-being. Preparation and integration are part of every experience — and guidance during the journey itself can range from light-touch support to full psychotherapeutic involvement.

Crucially, psychedelic therapy at Triptherapie is not limited to working with a licensed psychotherapist. Depending on your goals and comfort level, you can opt for:

  • Psychologists with clinical training (e.g. Sascha, Reineke)
  • Psychosocial or holistic therapists (e.g. Ronald, Gijs)
  • Experienced guides or tripsitters with hundreds to thousands of sessions under their belt (e.g. Marcel, Janneke)

Tripsitter vs. Therapist – Pros and Cons

Choosing between a therapist and a tripsitter for your psychedelic session is one of the most important decisions in preparing for your journey. Both roles can offer transformative experiences, but they come with different styles, qualifications, and benefits. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide:

Tripsitters – The Intuitive Guides

Pros:

  • Experience over credentials: Tripsitters like Marcel and Janneke have guided hundreds or thousands of sessions, often more than most therapists.
  • Holistic approach: Many tripsitters incorporate elements like music therapy, breathwork, aroma, nutrition, and spiritual insight, offering a broad, integrative experience.
  • Personal connection: Without the clinical structure, tripsitters often form deeply personal, intuitive bonds with clients — making the space feel informal, safe, and human.
  • Spiritual focus: Ideal for those seeking mystical experiences, personal insight, or emotional catharsis not tied to clinical goals.

Cons:

  • No psychological diagnosis: Tripsitters typically don’t diagnose or treat specific psychiatric conditions like depression or PTSD (though they can support these journeys holistically).
  • Less focus on integration therapy: While many offer post-session integration advice, they may not have formal tools like EMDR or CBT.
  • Not always suitable for complex trauma: For those with a history of severe trauma, dissociation, or personality disorders, a therapist’s clinical training can offer safer containment.

Therapists – The Clinical Professionals

Pros:

  • Psychological insight: Therapists like Sascha, Reineke, and Ronald offer deep understanding of trauma, mood disorders, and mental health.
  • Structured integration: Clinical tools like IFS, EMDR, CBT, and psychodrama enhance your ability to process and anchor insights.
  • Ideal for high-risk clients: Those with a history of anxiety, PTSD, or past therapy often feel safer with a therapist at their side.
  • Works well with existing care: If you’re in ongoing therapy, a psychedelic session with a therapist can complement your existing treatment.

Cons:

  • Less flexible: Therapists may follow stricter protocols or spend more time in talking frameworks, which may feel limiting during non-verbal psychedelic states.
  • May focus less on the mystical/spiritual: Some therapists may prioritize clinical outcomes over emotional or spiritual exploration.
  • Availability and cost: Clinical facilitators are in high demand and may have longer wait times or slightly higher session rates.

Which One Should You Choose?

The answer depends entirely on your goal:

  • Choose a therapist if you’re dealing with complex trauma, mental illness, or want structured psychological integration.
  • Choose a tripsitter if you’re seeking spiritual insight, emotional release, or a non-clinical, heart-centered approach.

Marcel van der Putten – The Senior Guide

Marcel is a guide with over 2100 psychedelic sessions of experience. As the founder of Triptherapie, Marcel combines deep knowledge of biochemistry, nutrition, human behavior, and evolutionary psychology with a warm, grounded presence. His sessions are particularly appreciated by those who want an intuitive, music-driven, and holistic experience — rather than a clinical one.

He specializes in depression, anxiety, burnout, and low self-esteem. Marcel operates across the Netherlands and is also available at the Psychedelic Loft in Schiedam.

Book Marcel at your own location:
Marcel’s booking page

Check his agenda:
Availability of Marcel

Janneke van de Geijn – Intuitive & Holistic Support

Janneke’s profile presents her as a compassionate and intuitive medior guide. With training in lifestyle coaching (OERsterk) and studies in applied psychology, Janneke is perfect for clients who appreciate a nurturing and grounded presence. She draws from her personal transformation through psychedelics, and integrates knowledge of nutrition, hormones, breathwork, and mindset into the process.

Operating from Vlaardingen, Janneke covers areas like Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague, and Gouda. She’s known for her careful preparation and warm follow-up support.

Book a session with Janneke:
Book Janneke at your location

Check her schedule:
Availability of Janneke

Ronald Hochstenbach – Trauma Specialist & Therapist

Ronald’s profile shows a psychosocial therapist with over 30 years of experience. His sessions are ideal for deep trauma work, emotional blockages, and pattern release. Ronald integrates psychodrama, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness into psychedelic sessions — offering both individual journeys and group integration sessions.

He’s based in the Eindhoven area and works across North Brabant and parts of Limburg. Ronald is also fluent in English, Dutch, and German.

Book Ronald for a private session:
Book Ronald at your location

Ronald’s calendar:
Availability of Ronald

Sascha de Waal – Clinical Psychologist

Sascha’s profile introduces a registered psychologist with extensive experience in the GGZ (Dutch mental health care system), addiction care, and trauma treatment. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and self-esteem work, and specializes in depression, PTSD, and personal growth through psychedelic therapy.

Sascha operates from Bussum and covers a wide range of cities including Amsterdam, Utrecht, Arnhem, and The Hague. Her sessions are ideal if you’re looking for a structured therapeutic process alongside your psychedelic experience.

Book Sascha at your own location:
Booking page for Sascha

Check Sascha’s agenda:
Availability of Sascha

Gijs Tecklenburg – Mindful & Compassionate Guidance

Gijs’s profile highlights his decades-long career in therapy, meditation, and mindfulness. His approach is deeply compassionate and spiritual without being abstract. He works with psilocybin, MDMA analogues, LSD analogues, and Psiloflora, and offers his sessions from a beautiful retreat-like space near ‘s-Hertogenbosch, which includes the option of an overnight stay.

He integrates elements of ACT, yoga, breathwork, and IFS, and is a wonderful fit for those navigating existential questions, emotional blockages, or burnout.

Book Gijs at your location:
Book a session with Gijs

See availability:
Check Gijs’s calendar

Reineke Brandt – Gentle, Multilingual Psychologist

Reineke’s profile presents a therapeutic psychologist who blends Western psychology with mindfulness, bodywork, and aromatherapy. Fluent in Dutch, English, and German, Reineke is a great choice for international clients — especially from Germany, where psychedelics are still restricted.

She offers sessions with psilocybin and MDMA analogues from Maassluis and serves clients in Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague, Schiedam, and beyond. She also works at the Psychedelic Loft in Schiedam.

Book Reineke at your own location:
Booking page

Book at the Psychedelic Loft:
Book Reineke in Schiedam

Check availability:
Reineke’s schedule

So… Is It Always with a Therapist?

No. At Triptherapie, you have the choice. You can work with a clinical psychologist like Sascha or Reineke, a trauma therapist like Ronald, or a guide like Marcel or Janneke. The key is matching the right guide to your intent.

  • Want deep trauma integration? Choose a therapist.
  • Looking for emotional healing or burnout support? Either a guide or therapist might suit.
  • Seeking a spiritual journey or personal insight? An experienced guide could be ideal.
  • Prefer someone who’s walked the path themselves? Opt for a guide with personal psychedelic experience.

And if you’re unsure, just start with the Triptherapie intake form — a free, non-binding assessment to match you with the right facilitator.

Triptherapy -psychedelic therapy

Additional Resources

Final Thoughts

Psychedelic therapy is evolving — and so is the definition of what makes someone a qualified guide. At Triptherapie, the emphasis is on safety, preparation, and personalized guidance. Whether you work with a psychologist or a senior guide, what matters most is the connection, trust, and integrity of the process.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey, explore the guides above and take the first step with a free intake. The right guide is waiting to walk beside you — therapist or not.