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Jeanine Souren

Jeanine Souren is a psychologist and sexologist with a focus on couples and family therapy. Her career is dedicated to helping repair, heal, and strengthen relational brokenness and sexual challenges for couples and individuals. She believes that relationships are at the heart of human emotions, whether it’s the relationship with oneself or with others. Guided by the belief that self-knowledge is the beginning of all wisdom, she focuses on connecting and listening to this  inner guide. 

Jeanine is also an IPI trained psychotherapist in psychedelic assisted psychotherapy and serves as an educator and lecturer to a global audience of mental health professionals.

In 2022, Jeanine co-founded the Experiential Training Institute (ETI) alongside Hans, a psychiatrist. The institute is dedicated to training mental health professionals in the responsible use of psychoactive compounds, including the legal use of psilocybin-containing truffles in the Netherlands.

ETI offers multi-day retreats where professionals gain first-hand experience with psilocybin truffles, deepening their understanding and paving the way for future treatments and applications in the field. Additionally, the institute provides small group retreats for individuals who, after screening, seek to enhance their personal growth and development.

Experience & Qualifications

• Psychotherapist (BIG registered)
• Psychologist
• Couples & Family Therapist (NVRG registered)
• Sexologist (NVVS registered)
• Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapist (IPI accredited)

Lecturer PAPT (Integrative Psychiatry Institute and Experiential Training Institute)

• Introduction to Jeanine Souren and Her Work 0:00
  • Dr. Barrett introduces Jeanine Souren, a clinical psychologist and sexologist specializing in couples and family relationships.
  • Jeanine co-founded the Experiential Training Institute in the Netherlands with Dr. Hans von Wechem.
  • Jeanine discusses their work with psilocybin, offering retreats and training for professionals.
  • Jeanine explains their retreat models for people from around the world to experience psilocybin in a safe, medical setting.
• Jeanine’s Journey into Sexology 3:14
  • Jeanine shares her background, starting as a psychologist in the Netherlands before specializing in relationships and sex.
  • She became interested in this field due to personal relationship issues and a desire to help others.
  • Jeanine’s private practice focuses on helping couples with issues like differing desires and sexual trauma.
  • She began studying the effects of MDMA and psilocybin on sexual relationships and trauma healing.
• Comparing MDMA and Psilocybin 5:00
  • Jeanine explains the differences between MDMA and psilocybin, noting MDMA’s heart-opening effects and psilocybin’s individual journey component.
  • MDMA suppresses fear receptors in the brain, allowing open conversations without shame or guilt.
  • Psilocybin often strips away ego layers, leading to deep introspection and connection with loved ones.
  • Psilocybin is known for its neuroplasticity, which MDMA is not.
• The Role of Therapy in Psychedelic Treatment 16:38
  • Dr. Barrett and Jeanine discuss the importance of therapy in integrating psychedelic experiences.
  • Jeanine emphasizes that the work after a session is crucial for maintaining the benefits.
  • She explains that MDMA sessions are not legal for her to attend in the Netherlands but prepares couples for them.
  • Jeanine highlights the need for ongoing conversations and therapy to sustain the positive effects of psychedelics.
• Case Studies of Couples Therapy 17:01
  • Jeanine shares a case of a couple where the husband had a past of infidelity, leading to trust issues.
  • The couple underwent individual and joint therapy, including EMDR for the wife.
  • After six months, they tried a psilocybin session, which helped them reconnect emotionally.
  • Another case involved a woman with vaginismus due to her husband’s infidelity, which was resolved through a psilocybin session.
• Psychosomatic Trauma Response 27:39
  • Jeanine explains the concept of psychosomatic trauma response, where psychological issues manifest physically.
  • She shares an example of a woman who had a protector inside her that needed to be addressed during a psilocybin session.
  • The woman’s protector allowed her to reconnect with her husband emotionally, leading to improved sexual relations.
  • Jeanine emphasizes the importance of understanding the symbolic value of psychedelic experiences.
• Common Issues in Sexology 29:02
  • Jeanine lists common issues people seek help for, including sexual trauma, dysfunctions, body image issues, and relationship problems.
  • She mentions that gender dysphoria is not an area she works in but acknowledges its growing prevalence.
  • Dr. Barrett and Jeanine discuss the challenges of adolescents making informed decisions about gender identity.
  • Jeanine highlights the importance of allowing individuals to express themselves freely without discrimination.
• Details of the Experiential Training Institute 42:05
  • Jeanine describes the Experiential Training Institute’s location in Amsterdam and their monthly retreats.
  • They also host special interest groups and work with families and corporations.
  • The institute offers a comprehensive program, including thorough screening, preparation, and follow-up sessions.
  • Jeanine emphasizes the importance of being trauma-informed and providing a safe, educational environment.
• Accreditation and Continuing Education 44:13
  • Jeanine mentions that their institute is the first in the Netherlands to be accredited by professional boards of therapists.
  • Therapists who attend their training receive continuing education points.
  • Dr. Barrett highlights the significance of being accredited and the high standards of their training.
  • Jeanine thanks Dr. Barrett and expresses her commitment to helping people through their work.
• Conclusion and Final Thoughts 45:20
  • Dr. Barrett thanks Jeanine for her insights and contributions to the field of sexology and psychedelic therapy.
  • Jeanine provides information on how to contact her and the Experiential Training Institute.
  • Dr. Barrett encourages listeners to explore the institute’s offerings and consider psilocybin therapy for their needs.