a pioneer in personal growth experience
Founded in 2019, the Essence Institute has been a pioneer in offering personal and spiritual growth experience in the Netherlands. We support people in their process of transformation and self-realization. Our psychedelic retreats are 100% safe, legal and sacred, truffles are legal in the Netherland
Venue Venwoude, New Eden and Samaya are all hosting The Essence Institute offering a beautiful nature setting of forest and gardens. This offere the perfect ecvironment for a peaceful psychedelic retreat in nature. We use truffles containing psilocybin in combination with traditional methods like breathwork, bodywork. yoga, mindfulness or meditation to guide you on your journey beyond the normal capabilities of life
professional, passionate and dedicated
It goes without saying that your well-being is our top priority. Our unique team of mental health care professionals has crafted secure and comfortable environment in which you are able to explore your true potential. All of our team members are highly skilled in working with people on a psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual level. Please have a further look below at our Team.
Having experienced our own profound transformation with psychedelics, it's our mission to pass on the wisdom and groundbreaking result of this powerful psychedelic to those who seek to delve beyond the surface of conventional interventions. At the Essence Institute we offer the gateway to a deep and profound personal discovery.
Lead Facilitators
Each member of our team has valuable wisdom and experiences to share. Most of us have scientific backgrounds in psychology and mental healthcare, as we are interested in the workings of the human mind. However, we know that there is a world to explore that goes beyond our daily consciousness, as we've also spent many years walking a spiritual path.
Willem Fonteijn (1949)
Co-founder, Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Mindfulness trainer
Stella Stok (1977)
Breath-Bodywork Coach, Yoga Teacher
Sepideh Ravahi (1970)
Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist
facilitators
Marco de Graaff (1978)
Water Technologist, (Breathwork) Coach/Trainer
Leslie Stoel (1969)
Healthcare Worker, Breath-Bodywork Coach, Yoga Teacher
Felicia (1994)
Meditation Guide, SFBT Coach
Priscilla Knip (1985)
Breath-Bodywork Coach, Yoga Teacher
Guus Janssen (1980)
Healthcare Manager, Physiotherapist, Coach
Roots
Essence Institute consists of a group of professionals with extensive experience in guiding people to heal and to evolve spiritually (growing up and waking up). We honor the boundless clarity and freedom that arise from recognizing our inherent, ever-present awareness. Through safe, expertly guided plant medicine experiences and integrative support, we invite individuals to directly encounter their own true nature, beyond the limits of time and space and free from the need for self-improvement, problem-solving, or conceptual constructs. Our mission is to create a nurturing environment in which participants can gently relax their striving and rest in uncontrived presence, thereby experiencing profound healing, authentic connection, and a naturally awakened way of being.
Each member of our team has valuable wisdom and experiences to share. We’ve spent many years walking a spiritual path, exploring our own consciousness. We have experienced our own transformation (in using psilocybin) and it is our mission to provide a safe space for others to experience this healing power.