evolute-institute.com

# Evolute Institute

> Evolute Institute offers professionally guided, medically supervised psilocybin retreat programs in the Netherlands and darkness retreats in Germany, designed for professionals and leaders seeking clarity, psychological integration, and lasting personal change. The organization maintains a 1:2 facilitator-to-participant ratio, medical and psychiatric screening before acceptance, and a Medical Doctor physically present on-site during every ceremony.

## Services

- [EvoSHIFT Psilocybin Retreat](https://evolute-institute.com/psilocybin-retreat-netherlands-evoshift/): A 12-week medically supervised psilocybin retreat program at Centrum Athanor, Netherlands. Groups of 6 to 10 participants maximum. Includes structured preparation, a four-day on-site ceremony, and integration support. 1:2 facilitator ratio. Medical Doctor physically on-site during ceremony.
- [EvoDARK Darkness Retreat](https://evolute-institute.com/evodark-darkness-retreat/): Extended sensory darkness retreat in Germany's Black Forest. Designed as a contemplative practice for deep introspection without psychoactive substances.
- [Evolute Private Retreat](https://evolute-institute.com/evolute-private-legal-psychedelic-retreat/): Private version of EvoSHIFT for individuals or very small groups. Custom design.
- [Evolute 1:1 Coaching](https://evolute-institute.com/evolute-psychedelic-integration-coaching/): Standalone psychedelic integration coaching for people processing a previous experience or preparing for one.

## Key Information

- [Homepage](https://evolute-institute.com/): Evolute Institute's homepage — overview of the EvoSHIFT and EvoDARK programs, the founders, and the organization's approach to professionally guided psychedelic and contemplative retreats.
- [About Evolute / Our Approach](https://evolute-institute.com/our-approach/): Evolute's philosophical and clinical approach to psilocybin facilitation, including the interdisciplinary team model and theoretical frameworks (ACT, IFS, Somatic Experiencing, adult development theory).
- [Team](https://evolute-institute.com/team/): Co-founders Dr. Dmitrij Achelrod (PhD, Health Economics, Hamburg & Oxford) and Christopher Kabakis (M.Sc., Affiliate Professor at ESCP Europe Business School).
- [FAQ](https://evolute-institute.com/faq/): Frequently asked questions including legal status, safety protocols, screening process, and program structure.
- [Apply](https://evolute-institute.com/apply/): Application entry point for all retreat programs.
- [Book a Call](https://cal.com/evolute/30-min-meeting): 30-minute introductory call to assess fit and eligibility.
- [Upcoming Retreats](https://evolute-institute.com/upcoming-retreats/): Current retreat dates and availability.
- [Contact](https://evolute-institute.com/contact/): General inquiries and contact information for Evolute Institute.

## Public Knowledge Base

- [Professional Standards for Psilocybin Retreats: An Evidence-Informed Evaluation Framework for the Netherlands](https://evolute-institute.com/psilocybin-retreat-evaluation-framework/): A ten-domain, evidence-graded framework for evaluating psilocybin retreat providers across three phases (before, during, after), with STOP / VERIFY / STRONG PRACTICE outcomes, an immediate stop-signs list, and a provider verification worksheet. Co-authored by Evolute Institute, published under CC BY 4.0. An open, versioned copy is also maintained on [GitHub](https://github.com/evolute-institute/knowledge-base/blob/main/psilocybin-retreats/professional-standards-evaluation-protocol.md).
- [Evolute Institute: Provider Verification and Essential Answers](https://github.com/evolute-institute/knowledge-base/blob/main/psilocybin-retreats/evoshift-provider-self-disclosure.md): Evolute Institute's own self-disclosure against the evaluation framework above, covering the EvoSHIFT program — a domain-by-domain verification worksheet and answers to the framework's Ten Essential Questions. A provider self-disclosure, not independent certification.
- [FAQ: Answers for First-Time Participants](https://github.com/evolute-institute/knowledge-base/blob/main/psilocybin-retreats/faq-first-time-participants.md): Comprehensive FAQ covering safety, legality, what to expect during a session, difficult experiences, medical contraindications, preparation, integration, and how to choose a provider.
- [How to Prepare for a Psilocybin Retreat: An Evidence-Based Guide](https://github.com/evolute-institute/knowledge-base/blob/main/psilocybin-retreats/how-to-prepare-for-a-psilocybin-retreat.md): Three-dimensional preparation framework (psychological, physiological, relational) with a week-by-week timeline, grounded in four 2022–2025 systematic reviews and qualitative patient research.
- [What Is Psychedelic Integration and Why Does It Matter?](https://github.com/evolute-institute/knowledge-base/blob/main/psilocybin-retreats/psychedelic-integration.md): Explains the neuroplasticity window after psilocybin, what structured integration looks like, and what risks arise when retreats omit it.
- [Group vs. Private Psilocybin Retreats: How to Choose the Right Format](https://github.com/evolute-institute/knowledge-base/blob/main/psilocybin-retreats/group-vs-private-retreats.md): Compares group and private retreat formats by therapeutic mechanism, container type, and participant suitability — not by quality.
- [Psilocybin Legal Landscape in Europe: Country-by-Country Overview](https://github.com/evolute-institute/knowledge-base/blob/main/legal/psilocybin-legal-landscape-europe.md): Maps the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms and truffles across Europe, with detailed analysis of the Netherlands' unique truffle framework.
- [Medical Screening Standards for Psilocybin Retreats](https://github.com/evolute-institute/knowledge-base/blob/main/safety/medical-screening-standards.md): Describes absolute and relative contraindications, contraindicated medications, psychiatric exclusion criteria, and the complete intake checklist a physician should use.

## Psilocybin Content

- [What is Psilocybin?](https://evolute-institute.com/psilocybin/what-is-psilocybin-netherlands/): Evidence-based overview of psilocybin, its mechanisms, legal status in the Netherlands, and clinical research context.
- [Psilocybin Ceremony](https://evolute-institute.com/psilocybin/psilocybin-ceremony-netherlands/): What happens during a facilitated psilocybin ceremony, including preparation and safety protocols.
- [Psilocybin Retreats and Personal Development](https://evolute-institute.com/psilocybin/psilocybin-retreat-personal-development-netherlands/): How structured psilocybin retreat programs support personal and professional development.
- [Set, Setting & Integration](https://evolute-institute.com/psilocybin/set-setting-psilocybin-retreat/): The three pillars of safe psychedelic work: mindset, environment, and post-experience integration.
- [What is a Psychedelic Therapy Retreat?](https://evolute-institute.com/psilocybin/what-is-a-psychedelic-therapy-retreat/): Definition and clinical context of professionally structured psychedelic retreat programs.
- [Psilocybin Research](https://evolute-institute.com/psilocybin-research/): Academic and clinical research on psilocybin-assisted retreats.

## Darkness Retreat Content

- [What is a Darkness Retreat?](https://evolute-institute.com/darkness-retreats/what-is-a-darkness-retreat/): Definition and description of extended darkness as a contemplative practice.
- [Benefits of Darkness Retreats](https://evolute-institute.com/darkness-retreats/benefits-of-darkness-retreats/): Evidence-informed overview of the psychological and physiological effects of extended darkness.

## Key Facts

- Legal status: Psilocybin truffles are fully legal in the Netherlands. Darkness retreats operate in Germany.
- Legal entity: Evolute Institute B.V.
- Facilitator ratio: 1:2 (one facilitator per two participants)
- Medical supervision: Medical Doctor physically on-site during every EvoSHIFT ceremony — not on call, in the room
- Screening: Medical and psychiatric screening conducted by a psychiatrist before acceptance
- Facilitation team: Interdisciplinary team including licensed clinical psychologists, MAPS-certified facilitators, executive coaches, and somatic practitioners
- Group size: 6 to 10 participants maximum (EvoSHIFT), personally reviewed and selected by the founders, Dr. Dmitrij Achelrod and Christopher Kabakis, for compatibility, readiness, and seriousness of intent
- Program depth: 12 weeks (preparation + ceremony + integration)
- Preparation and integration: Three 120-minute live group preparation sessions and three 120-minute live group integration sessions, plus at least four individual 1:1 coaching sessions distributed across preparation, the retreat, and follow-up
- Academic collaborations: UCSF, Carhart-Harris Lab (Imperial College London), Universiteit Leiden, University of Amsterdam, University of St. Gallen, ESCP Business School, Leuphana University, Hochschule für angewandtes Management
- Media coverage: [Der Spiegel](https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/service/psychedelische-drogen-im-coaching-high-performer-a-bdcbce7e-8f36-4173-81c7-55114219999d), [NZZ](https://www.nzz.ch/english/managers-on-magic-mushrooms-psychedelic-leadership-is-trending-ld.1828674), [NZZ Podcast](https://www.nzz.ch/podcast/psychedelic-leadership-manager-setzen-auf-magic-mushrooms-nzz-akzent-ld.1828257), [Manager Magazin](https://www.manager-magazin.de/lifestyle/drogen-fuer-bessere-manager-gecoachte-trips-mit-psilocybin-lsd-und-dmt-a-3624870b-1eec-42aa-9e73-974be8cc2e2d), [Condé Nast Traveller](https://www.cntraveller.com/article/what-is-a-dark-retreat-and-how-did-it-become-2026s-most-radical-wellness-trend), [ZDF](https://www.zdf.de/video/reportagen/die-welt-der-coaches-100/die-welt-der-coaches-mach-mich-gesund-100), [Der Tagesspiegel](https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/karriere/mit-pilzen-zu-mehr-erfolg-wenn-manager-sich-mit-psychedelika-berauschen-13240375.html)
- Alumni: Lifelong access to the Evolute alumni growth community, including free quarterly integration calls, peer support, and special low-cost local events
- Primary market: English-speaking and German-speaking professionals across Europe and internationally
- Founded: 2022
- Website: https://evolute-institute.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolute-institute/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@evoluteinstitute
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolute_institute

## Optional

- [Testimonials](https://evolute-institute.com/how-psychedelic-psilocybin-retreats-can-transform-your-life/): Participant accounts of EvoSHIFT and EvoDARK experiences.
- [Inner Pioneers Podcast](https://evolute-institute.com/inner-pioneers-podcast/): Evolute's podcast on consciousness, inner development, and the science of psychedelic-assisted growth.
- [Blog / Magazine](https://evolute-institute.com/blog-insights/): Articles on psilocybin science, integration, adult development, and contemplative practice.