If you’re looking to understand the art of trip sitting, mastering the ability to “hold space” is essential. This concept involves creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for the person experiencing the psychedelic journey. Holding space means being present, both physically and emotionally, without interfering or imposing your own energy onto their experience. It’s about offering comfort and stability, allowing the individual to explore their inner world with the confidence that they are in a secure environment. This skill can be the key factor in turning a potentially challenging trip into a profound, transformative experience, where the person feels seen, supported, and free to process their emotions. Holding space requires patience, empathy, and an understanding of the unique, often unpredictable nature of a psychedelic journey, and it’s a practice that can deeply influence the outcome of the experience.
What is a Trip Sitter?
A trip sitter is a sober and trusted individual who ensures your safety while you’re experiencing a psychedelic journey. Having someone reliable by your side can be the key to turning what could be a challenging trip into a deeply meaningful one. With a supportive trip sitter, you’re more likely to let go and fully embrace the experience, allowing the mushrooms to guide you toward insights that could even be life-changing. Trip sitters are particularly valuable during your early psychedelic adventures or when you’re planning to take a moderate to high dose. However, many people prefer to have them present for all their psychedelic sessions. But what does it take to be a good trip sitter? Are there any specific skills or requirements involved?
Trip sitting is often described as “holding space,” though this term isn’t limited to psychedelic experiences. According to Jessica Grotfeldt, an experienced trip sitter and founder of Luz Eterna Psilocybin Retreats, “holding space” means being there for someone and allowing them to go through whatever they need to, without intervening. It’s about being present, whether that means listening or just sitting in silence, without offering opinions or advice.
So, how do you start? The first step is to have a pre-trip conversation with the person you’ll be sitting for. This discussion should cover expectations, intentions, boundaries, and a rough plan to avoid surprises during the experience. If you’ve had a psychedelic journey before but the person you’re sitting for hasn’t, take time to explain how mushrooms can affect both mind and body. Some seasoned sitters even provide “what to expect” fact sheets, though pointing them to Chapter 8 of this book could work just as well!
Also, make sure to discuss the tripper’s intentions. Why are they taking mushrooms? What are they hoping to see, experience, or learn? Address any fears or concerns they might have and talk about how you’ll handle any tough moments that could come up. For example, if they’re worried about having a bad trip or confronting difficult thoughts or memories, reassure them that you’ll be there to hold their hand or offer a shoulder to cry on if needed.
Setting the Stage for a Safe and Smooth Psychedelic Journey
It can also be helpful to outline a loose plan for the day of the trip. Start by discussing the location where the experience will take place. If the mushrooms will be consumed at their home, ask if anyone else will be around: Will any roommates be returning home during the trip? Is there a chance someone might show up unexpectedly, putting you, the sitter, in a position to handle the situation? If they don’t have outdoor space, consider the possibility of driving to a nearby park or beach toward the end of the trip to reconnect with nature. Addressing difficult topics like boundaries ahead of time, ideally days before the experience, is crucial. While physical touch can be comforting during tough moments, it’s essential to discuss and set clear guidelines. The goal is to keep everything as transparent as possible to minimize surprises on trip day, allowing the person to focus entirely on their journey without lingering uncertainties.
Grotfeldt also emphasizes the importance of asking if the person you’re sitting with is on any medications or has any chronic medical conditions. Health considerations, such as diabetes or a history of low blood pressure, shouldn’t deter you from sitting for someone but should definitely be discussed and planned for. For instance, if you’re sitting for a diabetic, it’s smart to have medications or sugary drinks like Gatorade on hand. It’s also vital to know if they have a history of depression or anxiety and whether they’re on any medications for these conditions. For example, SSRI antidepressants can reduce the effects of psilocybin, even if the person skipped their dose that day. While depression and anxiety aren’t deal-breakers for trip sitting, a history of violent or dissociative behavior or a more serious personality disorder diagnosis means you’re entering more sensitive territory. In such cases, having significant sitting experience is crucial, or it may be best to refer them to a professional guide. Other conditions that pose a higher risk when combined with psychedelics include a history of seizures and cardiovascular disease.
Check out this magic mushroom!!
A.P.E Psilocybin Chocolate Bar
$60.00Dried Penis Envy Magic Mushrooms
Price range: $60.00 through $240.00Golden Teacher Gummies for Microdosing
$25.00
One important way to prepare before the psychedelic experience begins is to arrange for a “backup sitter.” While having two sitters for one person isn’t usually necessary, informing someone you trust about your plans can be crucial if an emergency arises. While sitters should be ready to call emergency services as a last resort if something seriously dangerous occurs, sometimes all you need is a backup sitter to provide support and offer a different perspective on potential solutions. A backup sitter can also be particularly useful if you’re sitting for someone much larger than you, especially if they start acting out violently, like breaking things or screaming. In such cases, having a backup sitter on call who is physically capable of assisting can make a big difference. Essentially, having someone to contact when things become uncertain helps you make the safest choices for everyone involved.
It’s also crucial to allocate enough time for trip sitting. Medium to high doses of psilocybin typically last at least six hours, with the experience coming and going in waves toward the end. Therefore, plan to be available for about eight to nine hours to fully support the person you’re sitting for. You’ll know when their experience is winding down, but they’ll likely still be in a vulnerable and sensitive state. Stick around, help them with something simple like cooking or ordering takeout if they’re regaining their appetite, and continue to provide a supportive presence. Let them talk if they feel like it, or help them relax with a nature documentary or other calming entertainment. If they’re a close friend, consider staying overnight or at least being available for a chat later that night or the next day.
Trip Day: Trip-Sitting Essentials
On the day of the trip, your main responsibilities are to stay calm, supportive, and present. Trippers are especially sensitive to their environment, including your mood, so maintaining a centered demeanor and offering a reassuring smile when you make eye contact can positively influence their experience. Avoid showing boredom, frustration, or annoyance, as these emotions can negatively impact their journey. Many seasoned sitters suggest bringing a book to keep yourself peacefully occupied and avoid the distraction of checking your phone. Some even recommend wearing a watch so you don’t need to pull out your phone to check the time. While your focus is on the person undergoing the psychedelic experience, don’t neglect your own needs. Eat when you’re hungry and take bathroom breaks as needed, because the tripper will likely sense if you’re uncomfortable, which could in turn make them feel uneasy.
It’s also important to remember that your role isn’t to steer their trip in any particular direction, but rather to be a non-directive source of support. The mushrooms are the true guides of the experience, not you. You’re there to ensure everyone stays physically and emotionally safe and to offer support if needed. The key is to speak as little as possible and avoid inserting yourself into their experience. If the person wants to talk, your job is to listen, offer a smile or nod, maybe put an arm around them, or hand them a tissue if they start tearing up, but refrain from giving advice or sharing strong opinions.
Maintaining a Respectful and Supportive Presence as a Trip Sitter
It’s crucial to avoid being condescending or patronizing in any way. Don’t speak to trippers as if they’re children or unintelligent, as this can easily push them into a negative space. If they’re close friends, keep the conversation as natural as possible, just with fewer words. It’s also common for trippers to want some alone time, and that’s completely okay. However, it doesn’t mean they no longer need your presence. Having a sober, trustworthy person nearby is still a crucial source of support. To address this, discuss it the day before the trip. Let them know it’s normal to seek solitude, but suggest they go to another room and leave the door slightly open so you can check in on them occasionally without interrupting.
Sometimes, when trippers are alone, they may confront their most challenging inner thoughts. When you check on them, you can gauge if they need support by observing their breathing. If their chest is rising and falling rapidly, they’re likely struggling, and it’s a good time to sit beside them and hold their hand. Often, you won’t need to say anything; just a gentle, supportive touch can make a big difference. People may not always express their needs because they’re deeply immersed in the experience, so it’s helpful to offer things like a blanket, a glass of water, tissues, or simply a hand to hold.
Additionally, trippers might need assistance with basic tasks like going to the bathroom or moving around, as their bodies can feel very different. Simple actions, like changing the music, putting on a movie, or playing video games, can become difficult, so if they show interest in these activities, offer to set it up for them. Even small adjustments like changing the volume of the music or dimming the lights can be challenging while on mushrooms, and that’s where your role as a trip sitter comes in.
How to Help Someone Through a Challenging Trip
One of the most difficult aspects of being a trip sitter is guiding someone through an emotionally challenging experience. Mushrooms have the power to bring up intense emotions, past traumas, unresolved guilt, or grief, along with a host of other difficult and even surreal experiences. However, resisting these internal struggles only makes the journey harder. That’s why it’s recommended for sitters to help trippers engage with these challenging experiences rather than trying to talk them out of it. Encouraging the tripper to explore all their emotions, even the tough ones, can lead to profound insights, deep inner peace, or even transcendence once they stop resisting and fully embrace the experience.
The most important thing a sitter can do is simply be present for the tripper. Sit beside them and only engage in conversation if they’re open to it. Physical touch can be comforting, so if it’s been previously agreed upon, hold their hand or gently touch their shoulder. Offer them a blanket, some tissues, or a glass of water. Maintain eye contact, offer a reassuring smile, and project empathy and understanding—not worry, even if you’re concerned.
One effective way to help someone struggling during a trip, or even experiencing a panic attack, is to guide them in reconnecting with their breath. Take deep breaths together, and if they’re capable, try some simple breathwork techniques like pranayama breathing—inhaling for three seconds, holding for six, and exhaling for nine. Count the breaths gently and offer physical comfort if they desire it. Grounding them by having them take off their shoes and touch their feet to the floor while breathing deeply can also be helpful. If they’re having a particularly hard time and are unwilling to sit with their feelings, suggest a short walk, even if it’s just around the room. Moving energy in this way can be a good distraction and help ease their distress. If walking isn’t an option, simply breathing with their feet on the ground and reminding them that you’re there to take care of their physical needs can be incredibly reassuring.
Handling Confusion and Paranoia During a Trip
Sometimes, a challenging experience during a trip isn’t about intense emotions but rather confusion. Trippers might forget who they are, where they are, or even fear that they’re dying or going insane. Paranoia can also creep in, leading them to believe that you, the sitter, are talking about them, conspiring against them, or even trying to poison them. In these moments, staying calm and kind is crucial. If someone is very confused, using their first name when speaking to them can help ground them. If they’re convinced they’re dying or losing their mind, gently remind them that they took magic mushrooms and that the effects will wear off soon. Reassure them that you’re there for them, no matter what.
Trippers can also get stuck in negative thought loops that feel impossible to escape. As a sitter, if you notice this happening, try to introduce some gentle distractions. Look at something beautiful, colorful, or sparkly together, or put on a nature documentary. If they’re up for it, suggest a short walk or some movement, like shaking or dancing. Classic techniques include changing the scenery, music, or lighting, as these small changes can quickly shift the mood. If they’re interested, do an activity together, like making art or playing a simple instrument. The key is to stay calm, centered, relaxed, and friendly. Avoid getting stressed or anxious or trying to fix everything. Sometimes, people just need to cry, and it can be a deeply healing and cathartic experience. Don’t make a big deal out of anything, even if they spill something on you, throw up, or wet their pants. Just remind them it’s all part of the experience, help them clean up, and keep a positive attitude.
Trip-Sitting Basics
| Situation | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| Confusion and Disorientation | Trippers might forget who they are or where they are, or fear they’re dying or going insane. They could even get paranoid, believing you’re talking about them, conspiring against them, or trying to harm them. Stay calm and kind in these moments. Use their first name to help ground them, and remind them they took magic mushrooms and that the effects will pass. Reassure them that you’re there to support them no matter what. |
| Negative Thought Loops | Trippers can get trapped in repetitive, negative thoughts. If you notice this, try to introduce distractions like looking at beautiful or colorful objects together, watching a nature documentary, or suggesting a short walk or some movement like dancing. Changing the environment—such as the scenery, music, or lighting—can help shift their mood. Encourage them to engage in a simple activity, like creating art or playing a musical instrument, if they’re interested. |
| Remaining Calm and Supportive | The best thing you can do as a sitter is to stay calm, centered, and friendly. Don’t stress or try to fix everything. Sometimes, a person just needs to cry, which can be a healing and cathartic release. If they spill something, vomit, or have an accident, don’t make a big deal out of it. Remind them it’s all part of the experience and help them clean up while maintaining a positive attitude. |
