Ethical code of conduct
We are honoured to be able to hold a space of safety and trust for people who come to us and on their journey of healing and growth. We work with people with a variety of background in their personal life and mental health, and our work entails entering non ordinary states of consciousness where participants can become very sensitive and where delicate interpersonal material may arise.
As such, it is necessary for us to adhere to a high standard of safety and ethical care. Our guides therefore strive to uphold the guidelines written out in the Guild of Guide’s code of conduct, a document which some of our team took part in creating in collaboration with other psychedelic guides in Holland.We share this ethical code of conduct here with you.
GUIDE REQUIREMENTS
Guides have extensive personal experience with altered states of consciousness.
Guides are well-informed about contraindications for psychedelic experiences and are aware of substance/medication/supplement interactions. They are familiar with the wide range of effects that can be caused by psychedelic substances and understand how to spot and work with the various experiences that clients might go through during their journey, including challenging experiences.
Guides aspire towards inclusion and to challenge prejudices.
Guides have put proper emergency protocols in place to navigate mental, spiritual, and physical health crises before, during and after experiences.
Guides know their own limitations and avoid working with clients that the guide does not have compassion for or lacks the skills and experience to support.
Guides demonstrate good self-care and invest in their own mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing and hygiene.
Guides do not make false or exaggerated claims about psychedelics in their advertisement. Guides are sincere and forthcoming about what they can and cannot offer in terms of therapy and credentials and create clarity around the intentions of a session or retreat. Guides do not actively target vulnerable or desperate groups and individuals.
Guide members show high integrity and awareness around claims and practice caution when talking about personal beliefs and convictions. They speak realistically about the nature of transformation. Guides aspire and act to avoid harmful dynamics that can arise around (charismatic) leaders, positions of power, and heightened suggestibility under the influence of a psychedelic substance.
Guides that operate in the Netherlands have an understanding of and adhere to the Dutch laws, customs, and the different regulations that may apply to them and their work.
Guides have a basic understanding of power dynamics and therapeutic processes, even if they are not trained as therapists. Guides commit themselves to ongoing training and education, engage in (peer) supervision, and/or mentoring.
Guides never exceed a 4:1 ratio of participants to guides in group experiences and 2:1 clients to guides in a private session.
External guides, third parties and volunteers that work under the auspices of a member guide or organization also subscribe to this code.