the ultimate
trip sitter guide
hello,
dear trip-sitter!
Being chosen as a trip-sitter is a wonderful compliment - it means that the voyager finds you to be a comforting, nonjudgmental, and trustworthy person.
Congratulation!
Here, we have some tips for you on how to nail your role.
what a trip sitter is and isn't
Your job as a trip sitter is simply to hold space for the voyager's Odyssey without imposing your own views or intentions - to provide a supportive environment for them, and to be there if they need anything.
One of the most important things to remember as a trip-sitter is that you’re not there to guide or steer the experience - your role is just to help out.
The vast majority of trips are uneventful and even most 'bad' trips are actually okay in the end - you're simply there to support them, and to help them if things do get a little challenging.
your relationship to
the voyager
A trip sitters' relationship with the voyager should be uncomplicated, trusting, and friendly.
The experience can be intense and may bring up issues that are best addressed without the added complication of a romantic or sexual relationship - so, if you're their partner, think twice.
If the relationship may be an issue for either the voyager or the sitter, it's best to allow someone else to be the sitter.
Should sexual feelings arise during the experience, the sitter should allow the feeling to exist as it would with any other feeling.
However, the sitter should not be sexual with the voyager, even if asked.
you should be a sober companion
A trip sitter should be a sensible, trusted companion during the Odyssey, and it’s therefore important that they stay sober for the entire time.
That means no "little dose", no weed, no alcohol, or anything else that will impair your judgment, numb your mind, or put you on edge.
Even too much coffee should be avoided if that will make you jumpy and unsettled!
when to cancel or postpone
For whatever reason, if you have the intuition that the timing is wrong, that the voyager is not well-prepared, or that you are not the right sitter, don't hesitate to delay or cancel the Odyssey.
If the voyager seems to be in a dark, anxious, or depressed mood, encourage them to delay for another time, since it is possible that they'll get stuck in a negative state as a result.
give space
but stay close
Stay close enough throughout the experience that the voyager is able to easily summon you if they need to, but also give enough space that they won't be distracted by your presence.
While you don't need to be silent, make sure not to do anything that might make them too aware of your presence, like pacing, or watching a loud movie.
Best case, you will be in the next room and check in every 1-2 hours to make sure everything's going okay. Other than that, it's best if they barely know that you're there!
In case of a crisis - part 1
If the voyager is having a bad trip, the best thing you can do is to remind them they're feeling this way because of a substance, and that the negative feelings they're experiencing will stop once it wears off - even if it doesn't feel that way right now.
Often, a bad trip can occur because they’re fighting the experience. Acknowledging the temporary impact of the substance can help them go with it.
If they’re struggling with a topic, try to calmly reacts to what they’re saying - they took the drug to feel what they’re feeling!
Be patient, calm and non-judgmental. While you should try not to be patronizing, it may help to repeat yourself a little so that these messages get through!
in case of a crisis - part 2
It can be good to change the environment a little to help - to switch the music, to offer them something new to drink, or to change the lighting. This can enable people to get out of negative thought loops and see the world with fresh eyes.
If they’re obsessing over something, it could be good to smoothly switch the topic to something that they love talking about - sports, movies, video games, work, etc.
Be sure to also remind them that you're there for them. If they find hugs and physical contact comforting, offer this too.
For you, it might be a little bit scary if they freak out, but try to stay calm and relaxed - for your sake and theirs! Remind yourself that it’s only temporary, too!
nurture
During an Odyssey, it's easy for the voyager to forget to eat or drink.
To help prevent hunger or dehydration, make sure that food and water are within easy reach at all times.
You don't need to force them to eat or drink, but try to remind them to do this a few times throughout the day just to be sure they remember.
your mood
Maintain a positive and calming attitude during the experience.
Do what you need to do to get yourself in the right mindset. For example, maybe you could meditate, read a book, or listen to calming music to get in the right state of mind.
If there's anything causing you anxiety, also try to address it.
During their trip, the voyager can be sensitive to tension you hold, so try to relieve it for their sake!
Coming down
As the voyager starts to come down - around 7-8 hours after they took the substance - it could be a good time to do something nice for them, liking handing them a flower to look at.
If you and the voyager feel comfortable with it, and the surroundings are calming, you could go for a walk outside. A natural environment is recommended if you're near a park.
If they want to talk about the experience, do! If not, don't put pressure on them. It's up to them - you can always talk about it at another time!
If they had any weird moments during the trip, this also could be a good time to reassure them that you don’t judge them for it, so they don’t harbor any anxiety about this afterwards.
Don't rush things
You should make sure that you don't feel in a rush to get the trip over and done with.
Don't make plans the evening after, or even early the next morning, and try to have as much patience as you can.
Once they're coming down, stick around as long as they need to, but don't feel obliged to stay with them for an unnecessarily long time. Have patience, but trust your intuition.
thanks for reading,
we're sure that you'll do great!
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to us.
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