The Role and Ethics of Touch and Non-touch in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences November 22, 2025 Helena D Aicher, Anke Röskamp, Marianne Moser et al. 4 citations
Touch has long been central to human communication and healing, but in psychedelic-assisted therapy it raises complex ethical and practical challenges due to patients' heightened vulnerability. Recent reports of boundary violations have sharpened the debate. From a harm reduction perspective, the chapter acknowledges risks and the need for clear boundaries, transparency, informed consent, and cultural sensitivity, while arguing that touch can offer grounding, emotional support, and therapeutic value when used responsibly. Both touch and non-touch interventions are explored, including historical roots and therapeutic potentials, with ethical frameworks outlined to support safe, ethical, and effective practices.