Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about psychedelic-assisted care and psilocybin services? Find answers about safety, eligibility, expectations, and what to know before beginning your journey with The Center Origin.
How do you prevent bad trips?
We have learned from experience that the likelihood of "bad trips" is significantly reduced and practically non-existent when set/setting are properly addressed in the preparation phase. Bad trips occur when one experiences terrifying challenges that cannot be integrated into meaning/purpose or learning. This is why working with a licensed facilitator is so important because addressing set/setting properly in preparation allows for the difficult experiences to be useful to the client where growth can occur. -Daniel S. Schoenwald, PhD, NMCF
What should I expect throughout the admin session?
This can be looked at through a couple of different lenses: the facilitator's and the client's. The facilitator's role is to ensure you have a safe and supportive environment that allows you to trust the experience, go inwards, and explore. At the most basic level, we will help you with biological needs, such as making sure you get to the bathroom safely, grabbing an extra blanket, and getting you water if you need it. But we are also there to help ground you, provide reassurance, stay attuned, and be a supportive presence as you navigate challenging moments if they come up. We are there to make you feel safe and comfortable enough to experience all that the medicine wants to show you. From the client's perspective, the sessions begin in the morning, usually around 9am. Your facilitator may provide some sort of grounding or intention-setting practice before you have the medicine. Then you have the option of lying down or sitting in a zero gravity chair. You may choose to wear an eye mask and headphones, which helps many people "go inward." The journey lasts about 4-6 hours and follows an arc, with an onset, peak, and "landing" phase. Colorado regulations state that you must stay at the healing center for a minimum of 5 hours, and while most clients are ready to leave by then, there is no time limit and you can stay as long as feels good to you and together with your facilitator you get to decide when it's time to go. At The Center Origin, we offer nourishing soup, fresh fruit, tea, and snacks when you're landing to help ground you before you leave. -Anna Desmarais, BSN, RN, HWNC-BC, NMF, LMH
Will my psilocybin experience be similar to what I’ve heard or read about from others?
It’s natural to hear about someone’s psychedelic experience on a podcast, YouTube, or in a book and wonder, “Will that happen for me?” But when we enter a psilocybin session hoping for a particular experience, those expectations can get in the way of what is actually unfolding. Many clients come in expecting something very specific, yet one of the things we hear over and over at the end of a journey is, “I got exactly what I needed.” And very often, what they needed was quite different from what they thought they were looking for when they began. There is no one experience that is better, deeper, or more meaningful than another. One way to think about it is a little like a self-driving car: instead of gripping the wheel and trying to steer where you think it should go, you practice letting go and trusting the process as it unfolds. Psilocybin experiences are deeply individual; they meet you where you are and what emerges is exactly what you need to feel, understand or work on in your life. -Jewel Lauer, NMF
How much time should I set aside after my session to rest, ground, and ease back into everyday life?
Whenever possible, it’s helpful to create some spaciousness not only for the remainder of your session day, but for the days that follow as well. A psilocybin experience can continue to unfold long after the session itself. New perspectives can continue to emerge over the following days. Ideally, give yourself a gentler week afterward if your life allows for it. That doesn’t mean you need to clear your entire schedule, but it can be helpful to avoid overloading yourself with demanding work, intense social commitments, major decisions, or an unusually busy calendar. Leave some room for rest, time in nature, journaling, quiet reflection, supportive conversation, and simply noticing what continues to unfold. Not everyone has the flexibility to create this much space, and that’s okay. Even small choices to reduce unnecessary demands can help. When you do have the ability to plan ahead, protecting this time can make it easier to stay connected to your experience and begin integrating it into your life without immediately being pulled back into the usual pace and pressures. -Jewel Lauer, NMF
Is Psilocybin for everyone?
No, psilocybin is not for everyone. Individuals who have experienced mania in the context of Bipolar Disorder or psychosis (hallucinations or delusions) in any form are not recommended to have a psychedelic journey because the risk for a manic or psychotic episode is greatly increased after psilocybin. Furthermore, if you have a first degree relative who has experienced mania or psychosis you are also at increased risk for these episodes after psilocybin. Please disclose your psychiatric and family psychiatric history to the intake coordinator or facilitator. Additionally, one should have achieved a degree of emotional regulation, learned coping skills, and have adequate social support before embarking on a psilocybin journey. -Daniel S. Schoenwald, PhD, NMCF
How do you help me if I'm struggling?
Will psilocybin help my mental difficulties?
Research with psilocybin in structured settings has shown it can reduce symptoms experienced from depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance misuse in most indiviudals, although the degree of symptom relief varies by client, and there are no guarantees. Other mental difficulties such as identifying purpose/meaning in life or processing grief can also be addressed with a psilocybin journey. -Daniel S. Schoenwald, PhD, NMCF
How many sessions will I need?
Most people get what they came for with only one session. Some clients choose to do two sessions back-to-back (or with a day or two in between) because they want to explore a low or moderate dose journey followed by a high dose. Some decide they're ready for another journey in a few months, but others may never have another session again. I think it's important to rely on your own intuition when deciding if and when you have another journey. In my own personal experience and from what I've observed in clients, you "just know" when it's time for another one. -Anna Desmarais, BSN, RN, HWNC-BC, NMF, LMH
Why should I pursue psilocybin opposed to other avenues?
Pursuing psilocybin treatment over other options is a personal choice. Typically, clients choose psilocybin treatment when traditional methods (therapy and/or psychiatric medication) have failed or not yielded satisfying results. Other clients choose psilocybin journeys because they do not want to take a daily medication for their symptoms and are looking for more long-term relief. Others decide they want to supplement their existing treatments with a psilocybin journey. There is no "correct" answer and a facilitator can help you decide what is best for you. -Daniel S. Schoenwald, PhD, NMCF
What is the difference between ketamine and psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a classic psychedelic and part of the tryptamine family whereas Ketamine is a dissociative analgesic that can create psychedelic effects at certain doses and administrations. A psilocybin journey tends to be longer (about 4 to 6 hours) and typically involves more preparation, support, and integration than Ketamine treatments, which last about 1 hour. Furthermore, Ketamine treatment protocols usually require multiple administrations whereas some individuals only need one psilocybin journey to meet their needs. -Daniel S. Schoenwald, PhD, NMCF
How much mushrooms do I take?
At this point in psilocybin practice, we recommend dosing by mg of psilocybin. Different strains of mushrooms have different potencies so the required amount of mushrooms depends on the specific strain. The standard research dose is 25mg of psilocybin or 25mg/70kg. However, some clients choose to dose at lower or higher levels based on their experience and goals. -Daniel S. Schoenwald, PhD, NMCF
Is this experience a one and done deal?
Since clients have different needs and goals, the number of journeys desired or needed can vary. Some individuals meet their goals after one journey, while others choose to journey 1x/year or more frequently. It is possible that individuals with more significant or long-standing symptoms may benefit from multiple journeys within a period of several months. -Daniel S. Schoenwald, PhD, NMCF
Can I walk to your space from a hotel?
Here are a list of Recommended Hotels within Walking Distance: Aloft Denver Downtown – $150–$250 – 0.5 miles Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver $110–$230 – 0.48 miles Hyatt Place Denver Downtown $150–$250 – 0.66 miles Le Méridien Denver Downtown $250–$400 – 0.6 miles Limelight Hotel Denver $250–$350 – 0.3 miles Magnolia Hotel Denver $130–$250 – 0.6 miles The Crawford Hotel $260–$450 – 0.27 miles The Slate Hotel Denver Downtown $110–$200 – 0.63 miles Thompson Denver, by Hyatt $220–$350 – 0.16 miles Tru By Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center $120–$220 – 0.43 miles
What is there to do in Denver after my journey?
Here is a list of Local Wellness & Recovery Spots Urban Sanctuary Denver – Yoga, meditation, and breathwork classes. Samana Float Center – Float therapy and infrared sauna (great for integration). ONUS IV Hydration – IV vitamin drips and rehydration services, helpful for altitude adjustment. The Woodhouse Day Spa – Calming massages and wellness treatments. Alchemy Ritual Goods – Spiritual and integration tools (crystals, herbal blends, etc.). Nearby Attractions for Rest Days Denver Botanic Gardens: Quiet, nature-filled environment for reflection. Confluence Park: Scenic riverside walking paths just outside Union Station. City Park: Great for easy nature walks and grounding. Tattered Cover Bookstore (LoDo): Cozy reading spots with a calming atmosphere. Cherry Creek Trail: A peaceful urban trail perfect for light movement or biking.
How do I get to the center?
Here is a list of Transportation Options: From Denver International Airport (DIA): Uber/Lyft: ~35–40 minutes, $35–$50. A-Line Train: Direct from DIA to Union Station, $10.50, ~37 minutes. Light Rail & Buses: RTD light rail connects many parts of Denver. Union Station is the main hub. Car Rentals: Available at the airport or downtown (Hertz, Enterprise, Zipcar).
Is psilocybin for everyone?
Psilocybin has been used in ceremonial and spiritual settings safely for thousands of years. It is found all over the globe. However, some people may have more risk than benefit when seeking a therapeutic outcome. Those people include, but are not limited to, individuals with active psychosis or a diagnosis of schizophrenia or unstable bipolar disorder, those with active suicidality, people who are taking multiple medications that interact with the serotonin receptors in the brain, and those with unstable cardiac or metabolic disorders. These issues must be assessed for each individual to determine if this medicine could cause harm and not benefit. Careful medical and psychological screening can determine this. Is there potential for my symptoms becoming worse? There are times when elements of a disorder become more prominent when they are focused upon, especially if there is not adequate support for the individual. The majority of people see a lessening of symptoms, but this is not universal. Every individual should have close follow up to assess what may be happening physically and emotionally that could effect the outcome of the journey.
What does current research say about psilocybin therapy?
Research into psilocybin-assisted therapy is expanding rapidly, with encouraging findings across several areas of mental health. Clinical studies have demonstrated promising results for depression, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety associated with serious illness, and alcohol use disorder. Researchers are also investigating psilocybin for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anorexia nervosa, PTSD, and other conditions involving persistent patterns of thinking, emotion, and behavior. Beyond mental health, emerging research is exploring psilocybin's potential anti-inflammatory effects and whether psychedelic compounds might eventually play a role in treating neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. While these newer applications remain preliminary, they raise fascinating questions about the relationship between brain health, inflammation, neuroplasticity, and psychological well-being. As a cognitive scientist and psychedelic facilitator, what excites me most is the possibility that psilocybin may help us approach healing in new ways. But the research also reminds us that preparation, professional support, and integration remain essential. - Dara Cunningham, PhD, NMFIT
How does psilocybin affect the brain?
When we consume psilocybin, our bodies convert it into psilocin, which interacts primarily with serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. Brain-imaging studies show that psilocybin temporarily changes communication between brain networks, including the default mode network, which plays a role in self-reflection, autobiographical memory, and our sense of identity. These changes may allow the brain to process information in less familiar ways, creating opportunities for new perspectives, emotional experiences, and insights. By temporarily altering established patterns of brain communication, psilocybin creates opportunities for new perspectives, emotional insights, and different ways of understanding ourselves and the world. - Dara Cunningham, PhD, NMFIT
How does psilocybin affect neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change and adapt through learning, experience, and the formation of new neural connections. Laboratory and animal studies suggest that psilocybin may stimulate processes associated with neuroplasticity, including the growth and strengthening of connections between neurons. Researchers are also investigating whether these effects, along with possible anti-inflammatory properties, could have implications for brain health and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. While we haven't yet established whether psilocybin can prevent or slow these diseases in humans, what I find particularly interesting is the possibility that psilocybin may create a temporary window of increased adaptability. Integration helps us use that opportunity to practice new ways of thinking, feeling, and responding. - Dara Cunningham, PhD, NMFIT
Can psilocybin help change established thought patterns?
Potentially, yes. This is one of the most compelling aspects of psychedelic research. Our brains develop familiar patterns of thinking and responding, some of which can become deeply ingrained. Rumination, self-criticism, anxiety, and avoidance are examples of patterns that can be difficult to change through conscious effort alone. Research suggests that psilocybin increases psychological flexibility, allowing people to experience familiar thoughts and emotions from a different perspective. This possibility is particularly relevant to emerging research involving depression, OCD, anorexia nervosa, and other conditions characterized by persistent or rigid thought patterns. Of course, having an insight doesn't automatically change a behavior. That's where integration becomes important, helping people translate new perspectives into meaningful changes in their everyday lives. - Dara Cunningham, PhD, NMFIT
Can psilocybin create lasting changes in the brain?
Research suggests that psilocybin can produce changes in brain activity and connectivity, and some clinical studies have documented psychological improvements lasting months after treatment. Animal studies have also demonstrated persistent changes in neural structures associated with neuroplasticity. Whether similar structural changes occur in humans, and how long they last, remains an active area of research. Scientists are particularly interested in whether psilocybin's effects on neural flexibility, emotional processing, and potentially inflammation could have longer-term therapeutic implications. What we do know is that meaningful psychological changes can outlast the psychedelic experience itself. I like to think of psilocybin as a catalyst for change rather than a cure. The journey opens new possibilities, but what we do afterward helps determine whether those possibilities become lasting changes in our lives. - Dara Cunningham, PhD, NMFIT
What is psilocybin therapy?
Sometimes we understand perfectly well why we’re stuck and still can’t seem to move. Psilocybin therapy brings together a supported mushroom experience with preparation beforehand and help making sense of it afterward. It’s an opportunity to explore your inner life with someone alongside you who is comfortable with big feelings, big questions, and the occasional cosmic joke. Jeremy Nickel
How does psilocybin therapy work?
Psilocybin changes how we perceive, feel, and think, sometimes loosening patterns we’ve been living inside for years. You might encounter an old story about yourself and discover it has more than one ending. We prepare together, I support you through the experience, and afterward we explore how to bring what you discovered into everyday life. Jeremy Nickel
Is psilocybin therapy effective?
It can be, and “effective” depends partly on what brings you here. People come feeling stuck, living with depression or anxiety, exploring their spirituality, or hoping to reconnect as a couple. Research is promising for some uses, especially depression; others are less studied. There’s no guaranteed breakthrough, but there can be room for something new where life has felt painfully settled. Jeremy Nickel