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Frequently Asked Questions - video:

Image by Jesse Bauer

Frequently Asked Questions:

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Q: What are magic mushrooms?
A; They’re fungi that naturally contain psilocybin, a psychoactive compound that can cause changes in perception, mood, and thought.

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Q: Are all mushrooms psychedelic?
A; No — only specific species contain psilocybin. Some mushrooms are even poisonous, so correct identification is crucial.

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Q: How can I make sure my mushrooms are safe?
A: Only use mushrooms that are properly identified or grown by a trusted source. Some wild mushrooms are deadly. Your guide should provide you with a tried and tested strain of mushroom to ensure the most efficient journey for you.

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Q: How do magic mushrooms work in the brain?
A: Psilocybin converts to psilocin, which interacts with serotonin receptors, altering perception, time, and emotional processing.

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Q: Are they the same as LSD or ecstasy?
A: No. Psilocybin comes from mushrooms and tends to feel more earthy, emotional, and introspective. LSD is synthetic and more mental or visual; ecstasy (MDMA) is more stimulating and empathic.

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Q: Is it safe to take magic mushrooms?
A: Physically, psilocybin is low in toxicity and non-addictive. However, it can be psychologically intense and isn’t recommended for those with personal or family histories of psychosis or schizophrenia.

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Q: Can I overdose?
A: Fatal overdoses are extremely rare, but taking too much can cause severe anxiety, paranoia, or physical distress.

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Q: Can mushrooms permanently change my personality?
A: Not permanently, but profound experiences can shift perspectives and priorities.

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Q: Why are people interested in psilocybin therapy?
A: Studies show benefits for depression, PTSD, anxiety, and addiction when used in guided, therapeutic settings.

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Q: Do mushrooms have a spiritual or shamanic background?
A: Yes — they’ve been used for thousands of years by Indigenous cultures for healing and spiritual connection

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Q: Are magic mushrooms legal?
A: Laws vary widely. In many countries they’re illegal, but in others (like parts of the U.S., Canada, and the Netherlands) psilocybin has been decriminalized or used for therapy.

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Q: What does it feel like to take them?
A: Most describe it as waves of emotion, vivid colour or pattern shifts, laughter, introspection, and a sense of connection to everything. Others may face emotional discomfort or deep self-reflection.

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Q: Do they taste bad?
A: Yes — earthy and bitter. Many mix them with lemon, honey, or tea.  We prepare them specially to make them more palatable.

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Q: How much should a beginner take?

A: Depending of the purpose of taking the medicine:

  • Micro-dose: 0.1–0.3g (barely noticeable, used for mood or focus)

  • Meso-dose: 1–2.5g (gentle introduction)

  • Hero Dose / Full journey: 2.5–5g (strong effects, best done with preparation and support

 

Q: How long does a trip last?

A: Typically 4–6 hours, with after-effects (a “glow” or fatigue) that can last a few more hours.

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Q: What’s the best environment for a first experience?
A: Somewhere calm, comfortable, and safe. Soft lighting, calming music, trusted people, no interruptions.

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Q: Can psilocybin help with depression or trauma?
A: Clinical studies suggest it may help with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction — especially when combined with guided therapy. However, it’s not a cure-all and should be approached with care and integration.

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Q: Why do some people call it “medicine”?
A: Because, when used intentionally, it can reveal deep emotional patterns and promote release, forgiveness, and self-acceptance — similar to deep inner work.

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Q: How is a guided or therapeutic session different from a recreational trip?
A: A therapeutic session is structured — with preparation, intention-setting, a safe environment, and integration afterward. A recreational trip is more spontaneous and less supported.

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Q: What’s “intention setting”?
A: It’s clarifying why you’re doing it — for healing, insight, creativity, or connection. The clearer your intention, the more focused the experience

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Q: Can mushrooms bring up trauma?
A: Yes — psilocybin can surface buried emotions or memories. This can be healing when supported, but destabilizing if done alone or unprepared.

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Q: Can psilocybin trigger psychosis?
A: It may in vulnerable individuals (family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder). Those individuals should avoid it.

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Q: Do I need a guide or therapist?
A: If your intention is healing or trauma processing, having an experienced sitter, guide, or therapist is highly recommended.

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Q: Is there a safe “trip sitter checklist”?
A: Yes — ensure the sitter:

  • Is sober and grounded

  • Knows what to expect

  • Has calming presence

  • Has emergency numbers ready

  • Respects the person’s space (not intrusive or controlling)


Q: Should I trip alone or with others?

A: First-timers should never trip alone. Have a sober, trusted sitter present to provide reassurance and safety.

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Q: How can I prepare for a meaningful session?

A: Start with:

  • Clean diet a week or two before

  • Clear your schedule

  • Set your intention

  • Avoid alcohol or heavy substances for a few days prior


Q: Is it okay to mix psilocybin with antidepressants?

A: Because Mushrooms and SSRI’s work on the same serotonin receptors, certain SSRIs can dull or alter the effects. It’s important to consult a qualified facilitator before combining.

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Q: What about mixing substances?
A: Avoid mixing with alcohol, stimulants, or MAOIs. These combinations can increase nausea, confusion, or risk.

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Q: What does spiritual or mystical experience mean in this context?
A: It can feel like merging with love, light, nature, or the universe — a sense of unity and profound peace. Not everyone experiences this, but many find it life-changing.

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Q: What’s a bad trip, and how can I avoid one?
A: A bad trip involves fear, anxiety, or overwhelming thoughts. The best prevention is to prepare properly: safe environment, trusted company, and stable mind-set (“set and setting”).

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Q: Can I control what happens during a trip?
A: Not entirely — it’s more about surrendering and flowing with the experience rather than trying to control it.

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Q: What are the physical side effects?
A: Possible nausea, yawning, body chills, or dizziness early on — these usually pass as the trip unfolds.

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Q: What should I do if the experience becomes overwhelming?

A: Use the following techniques:

  • Breathe slowly

  • Change the environment (dim lights, soft music)

  • Remember: You’ve taken a substance and it will pass

  • Let go — resistance increases fear

  • If necessary, ask for help

 

Q: How will I feel the next day?
A: Many people report emotional clarity or peace, but some feel tired or mentally sensitive.

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Q: What’s “integration” and why is it important?
A: Integration means reflecting on and applying insights from the trip to your daily life. Journaling, therapy, or mindful practices help with this.

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Q: How long should I wait between trips?
A: At least 3–4 months to allow your brain chemistry to reset and to integrate the lessons.

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Q: What should I do afterward?
A: Hydrate, eat something light, rest, and take time to reflect. Avoid rushing back into daily life immediately.

Code of Ethics

  • Practitioners/Coaches do not diagnose or prescribe for medical conditions.

  • Follow ethical boundaries and act in a professional role to protect both the client and the practitioner.

  • Respect and maintain the therapeutic value of the practitioner-client relationship.

  • Acknowledge and respect the client’s consent and freedom of choice during a session.

  • Recognize and respect people’s personal limitations.

  • Recognize the influential position with the client and do not exploit it.

  • Honor and respect the trust of the client.

  • Clearly communicate all complex relationships that could impair professional judgement.

  • Respect and keep the confidentiality of client information.

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Standard of Practice

The practitioner is committed to the following standards of practice:

  • Communicate with the client to have a clear agreement about the nature and scope of sessions.

  • Helping the client understand their informed consent and having the client’s informed consent for work done in sessions.

  • Inform and discuss with the client the cost of the session in advance so they have a clear understanding.

  • Make appropriate referrals for clients to other qualified professionals when needed.

  • Welcome and value constructive feedback from clients.

  • Work professionally, passionately, and creatively to achieve the best results for the client.

  • Advertise in a way that is honest, dignified, and accurate for the services provided.

  • Continuing education and training in fields relevant to the practices used with clients.

  • Follow professional hygiene practices to maintain a high level of hygiene and cleanliness in the space.

  • Maintain progress notes for each client.

  • Seek professional supervision when necessary.

  • Do not discriminate towards clients based on age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or socio-economic status.

  • Comply with all laws about sexual harassment and assault.

  • Approach all sessions with a Trauma-informed perspective

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Confidentiality

The practitioner is committed to respect and honor the confidentiality of client information and keep private all client records, session notes, and conversations. The practitioner will protect the client’s identity and information. In the case of using client testimonials for professional content, testimonials will only be used with express consent from the client, and the client’s full name will not be used, or will be changed, according to the client’s desire and consent.

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Professional Boundaries with Clients

 Issues like trust, dependency, transference, and inequalities of power can potentially create increased vulnerability for the client.  Being aware of this, the practitioner is dedicated to maintaining a professional role with the client and communicating the boundaries necessary to maintain professional roles for both practitioner and client.  The practitioner will refrain from any behavior that demeans or disempowers the client. The practitioner will honor and respect the trust of the client. If the practitioner and client have a personal relationship outside the roles of practitioner-client, then each person must be aware of the difference and shift from practitioner-client roles during the session to the roles in social settings for the personal relationship.  Sexual or romantic intimacy is inappropriate for the practitioner-client roles, both during or outside of sessions. The practitioner will firmly refrain from becoming sexually involved with a client, even if the client initiates or consents to it. 

Contact Me

The Naked Frog resides at:

The Lilypad

Marina Da Gama

Muizenberg

Cape Town 7945

Mail: thenakedfrogcpt@gmail.com

Tel: +27 (0)82 821 7673

Whatsapp: +27 (0)67 418 8124

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Magic Mushrooms

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