‘Go with the "wave of music" to dive deep’: Exploring perceptions of psychedelic-assisted therapy and the role of music within this practice
The Arts in Psychotherapy March 1, 2025 A. Macleod, Victoria Clarke, Catherine Warner
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PT) is gaining interest as a mental health intervention, but stigma may hinder its adoption. This qualitative study explored how mental health professionals, service users, and the public perceive PT and the role of music within it. Using a hybrid vignette-story completion method, three themes emerged: PT can reach areas other therapies cannot; music acts as a guide during sessions; and PT is no magic bullet, carrying potential risks. Music was seen as actively evoking emotions and providing safety. Positive views of PT were tempered by concerns about risks.