A woman sitting on a couch, looking toward a sunlit forest path
Preparation Guide

Preparing for your
ONCE. session

A gentle guide to preparing your body, mind and environment for the day.

Come as you are. Create a little more space. Let curiosity lead.

Preparation

In the days leading up to your session

A psilocybin session is not something you need to prepare for perfectly. The days before your session are an opportunity to create a little more space — less noise, more presence, and more connection with yourself.

Move closer to nature

Spend time outside. Walk, breathe fresh air, sit somewhere quiet, notice the sky, the trees, the ocean. Give your nervous system a chance to slow down.

Where possible, reduce screen time, social media, and unnecessary digital noise. Creating some distance from constant stimulation can make it easier to hear your own thoughts and feelings.

Choose creation over consumption

Give yourself opportunities to express rather than distract yourself. You might journal, draw, make music, dance, cook, spend time in nature, or simply sit quietly.

There is no particular practice you need to do. Follow what feels natural and nourishing.

Keep things simple

Prioritize simple, nourishing meals and stay well hydrated. Vegetarian meals are encouraged, particularly in the days immediately before the session.

Avoid heavy meals, highly processed foods, and excessive amounts of sugar. Give your body enough time to rest and aim for good-quality sleep. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs in the days leading up to your session.

Start listening inward

Begin noticing what is already present — your emotions, thoughts, sensations, or anything that has been asking for your attention.

Let curiosity replace control.

The day of your session

A calm beginning

Your session begins in the morning. Give yourself enough time to arrive without rushing, and keep the morning as simple and quiet as possible.

Empty stomach

Please arrive without eating breakfast. Follow any specific fasting instructions given to you by the clinical team.

Water

Water is welcome and encouraged. Avoid coffee, tea, juice, smoothies, or other beverages on the morning of your session unless your clinical team has told you otherwise.

Comfort

Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows you to lie down and move freely. You may spend significant periods with your eyes closed.

Arrival

Avoid unnecessary errands or stressful activities before coming. Leave enough time for a calm, unhurried arrival.

Bring something meaningful

If there is a small object that has personal meaning to you, you are welcome to bring it with you. It could be a piece of jewelry, a photograph, a small stone, a letter, a meaningful object from home, or anything else that carries a sense of connection for you.

You may never even need to hold it. Simply knowing that it is there can be meaningful. Think of it as an anchor — something that reminds you of a person, place, value, or part of yourself that feels important.

You can also bring a playlist or a piece of music that feels particularly meaningful to you, if this is something you would like to share with the team.

The session

What the day can feel like

A woman meditating in warm evening light

The session takes place in a calm, comfortable environment designed to support you in turning inward.

After the initial check-in and preparation, you will receive your psilocybin dose according to the protocol established with your clinical team.

You will then have time to settle into the experience. For much of the session, you may be invited to lie down comfortably, often with an eye mask and music. The intention is to create enough safety and space for your attention to move inward.

You may experience vivid imagery, emotions, memories, bodily sensations, changes in your sense of time, moments of insight, joy, sadness, fear, wonder, or simply periods of quiet.

There is no particular experience you need to have.

If something difficult arises, you can gently notice it, breathe, and allow yourself to be supported by the team. Your facilitator remains nearby throughout the session and is there to help you feel safe, grounded, and supported.

You can open your eyes, change position, or speak with your facilitator whenever you need to.

A different kind of day

You do not need to achieve anything. The invitation is simply to be present with what unfolds, at your own pace.

After the session

Give the experience room to settle

A person walking along a quiet street in the morning mist

After the session, we take time to make sure you feel grounded and stable before leaving.

We recommend keeping the following day free from work and major decisions. Some people choose a short walk or time in nature; others prefer quiet rest at home or in their hotel.

Give yourself permission to move slowly. Your mind and nervous system may continue processing the experience after the session itself.

There is nothing you need to force.

Come a little more present, a little more open, and a little more honest with yourself.