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Upcoming retreats
About us
Psilocybin
Origin Research Drug Interaction Recommended
Blog
Education
Contact
Log In
Apply Now

For questions send us a message through the contact page form

About us

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About us

A Pioneer in Personal Growth Experiences

Founded in 2019, the Essence Institute has been a pioneer in offering personal and spiritual growth experiences 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 Netherlands

Venue Venwoude and New Eden are both hosting The Essence Institute offering a beautiful nature setting of forest and gardens. This offers the perfect environment for a peaceful psychedelic retreat in nature. We use truffles containing psilocybin in combination with traditional therapies (breathwork, bodywork, yoga, mindfulness, meditation, systemic work) 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 a 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 Retreat Team.

Having experienced our own profound transformation with psychedelics, it’s our mission to pass on the wisdom and groundbreaking results of this powerful psychedelic drug to all kinds of participants from all over the world.

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 mystical path.

Derk Mulder (1969)

Founder, Psychologist, Coach, Mental Healthcare CEO

d.mulder@essence.nl

Willem Fonteijn (1949)

Co-Founder, Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Mindfulness Trainer

w.fonteijn@essence.nl

Odette de Theije (1962)

Psychiatrist, Systemic Worker, Trainer/Coach

o.detheije@essence.nl

Sanne de Burger (1978)

Trainer, Coach, Therapist and Psychiatric nurse

s.deburger@essence.nl

Facilitators

Paul Soons (1956)

Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Trainer/Coach

Paul Soons (1956)

Holds a MSc in psychology and in philosophy
Earned his PhD in medical science
Works for more than 35 years in mental health as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist
Specialized in mindfulness and non-dual oriented therapies
For him presence, openness, compassion and humor is basic in helping people connect to their inner source
Is passionate about integration after a retreat and considers it as crucial for personal and spiritual growth
Almost a lifelong engaged in spiritual and meditation practices
He is married and father of two sons and a daughter

Stella Stok (1977)

Private Retreats, Breath-Bodywork Coach, Yoga Teacher

Stella Stok (1977)

More than 7 years of experience in guiding people with plant medicines, body de-armouring, transformational breathwork and yoga.
She combines her gained skills from her background in hospitality management and Human Resource now in her own practice, where she supports people on their inner journey.
To delve deeper into the relationship between body, mind and trauma, she is studying Body-Integrated Psychotherapy.
As a facilitator people experience her as playful , humorous, dedicated, powerful, warm and she has an eye for details.

Sofie Porro (1994)

Voice liberator, Music Therapist, Trainer/Coach, Actress

Sofie Porro (1994)

Working as a trainer and actress for professionals in the Mental Health Field who work on safe home environments for everyone, in tackling child abuse & domestic violence.
With voice liberation, she connects participants with the healing power of music and self-expression.
Experienced in self-development: Systemic work, Emotional Bodywork, Voice Dialogue & Meditation.
She facilitates with an open heart, compassionate, sensitive, creative and with a gentle power.

Marco de Graaff (1978)

Water Technologist, (Breathwork) Coach/Trainer

Marco de Graaff (1978)

Passionate about water (technology), nature and human development
Holds a MSc in biology and a PhD in water technology
Works on community water, education & empowerment projects in developing countries
Experienced mountain tourleader, windsurfer and freelance consultant
Trainer/coach in the fields of (self)leadership, emotional healing & conscious growth
As a facilitator he is curious, playful and fully present with whatever comes up

Leslie Stoel (1969)

Healthcare Worker, Breath-Bodywork Coach, Yoga Teacher

Leslie Stoel (1969)

Worked for 19 years in mental healthcare with people with complicated disorders. She started her own business.
She is experienced in Emotional Bodywork, Yin/Hatha Yoga, Breathwork, NLP, shamanic traditions and integrated it in her own way.
Her style of working & being with people is grounded, warm, with humor, open and playful.
She loves holding a safe space where people can be vulnerable, where they can fully sink into a profound healing process.
She is a mother of a 31 year old daughter.

Felicia (1994)

Meditation Guide, SFBT Coach, Back-Office team

Felicia (1994)

She is involved in several projects also giving 1-on-1/group sessions for body & mind awareness and healing.
She has a Bachelor in English Language and Literature, and until recently worked in Human Resources.
Passionate about travel, writing, Latin dance, human-animal connection and herbal medicine.
As a facilitator she is playful, open and compassionate, and makes you feel welcome and at ease.
Grateful for the joy of discovering, learning and healing together, seeing the beauty in sharing and connecting with others.

Guus Janssen (1980)

Healthcare Manager, Physiotherapist, Coach

Guus Janssen (1980)

Trained physiotherapist, educationalist and guidance counselor with over 20 years of experience in mental health care.
Worked with complex target groups in forensic addiction care.
Personal development experience: psychedelics, meditation, cold training, forgiveness work (course in miracles).
He creates an open and calm space by being present and grounded. He is involved, playful and has a sense of humor.

Derk Mulder MSc (1969)

Psychologist, Coach, CEO Mental Healthcare organization

d.mulder@essence.nl

Derk Mulder MSc (1969)

Working in the Mental Health field for over 18 years. Initially as psychologist and later as director.
Active meditator (modern day Dzochen approach).
Experienced in The Work of Byron Katie, NLP and Coaching.
As a facilitator his style is open, direct and lighthearted. Focuses on reconnecting with that which is already whole.
Derk is married and father of 3 sons and one daughter.

Hannah Wilson (1997)

Communication & Content Specialist, Back-Office Team

Hannah Wilson (1997)

She has a Bachelor degree in Communication Science, a Master in Climate Studies and conducted research in Social-Ecological Systems
In Essence Back-office Team working in website building and design, social media management, event planning, administration
She is passionate about contributing to the development of herself, other people, businesses and the world. Other interests are: nature, reading, writing, systemic work, psychedelics, tantra and music.
While working for the Essence Back-Office team she is caring, patient and thorough, making sure our participants receive the best care before and after the Essence retreats.

Willem Fonteijn MSc (1949)

Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Mindfulness Trainer

w.fonteijn@essence.nl

Willem Fonteijn MSc (1949)

Working in the Mental Health field for over 40 years
Author of the book “Circle of Awareness”
He is an experienced trainer of psychotherapy, author of peer-reviewed articles on psychotherapy, awareness, intimacy, and mindfulness
As a trainer, he helps participants to experience the healing power of awareness.
His style as a trainer is playful and compassionate, creating a safe space for exploring all kind of issues.
Willem is married and father of two sons.

Odette de Theije Drs (1962)

Psychiatrist, Systemic Worker, Trainer/Coach

Odette de Theije Drs (1962)

Working in the Mental Health field in several positions for over 20 years, combining and integrating regular and alternative ways of thinking and working
She is an experienced Systemic Worker in families and organizations
Her style of working & being with people is grounded, warm, open and playful.
She loves holding a safe space for others to heal and get in touch (again) with their deeper and profound self

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