Participant Experiences of Therapeutic Touch in Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy.
Brain and behavior February 1, 2026 Rachel Ham, John Gardner, Adrian Carter et al. 1 citation
In psilocybin-assisted therapy, therapeutic touch can foster emotional connection, provide grounding during intense experiences, and modulate the depth of the psychedelic state, but its acceptability depends on the quality of the therapeutic relationship and robust consent processes. Most participants valued having touch available, especially after firsthand experience, and several attributed therapeutic benefit directly to touch. However, some also identified potential for discomfort or distraction, highlighting the need for sensitivity to individual history and context. The findings underscore the importance of explicit preparation, consent, and attunement when incorporating touch into psychedelic therapy.