Journal of Music Therapy
June 1, 1972
H. L. Bonny, W. N. Pahnke
125 citations
Music can be a powerful tool in LSD-assisted psychotherapy, helping to guide the emotional and perceptual experiences of patients during treatment. The authors describe how carefully selected music supports the emergence of meaningful psychological material, deepens emotional release, and facilitates therapeutic breakthroughs. They report that music helps structure the psychedelic session, reduces anxiety, and enhances the overall therapeutic outcome. The paper draws on clinical observations and theoretical considerations to outline practical guidelines for integrating music into psychedelic therapy.
Journal of Music Therapy
January 1, 2020
Clare O’callaghan, Daniel John Hubik, Justin Dwyer et al.
50 citations
Music is considered integral to meaningful emotional and imagery experiences during psychedelic therapy, according to a rapid review of 10 studies involving 180 participants aged 18–69. Music in this context can convey love, carry listeners to other realms, be something to “hold,” inspire, and elicit a deep sense of embodied transformation. Its therapeutic influence is especially evident in dichotomous elicitations: music can simultaneously anchor and propel. Participant openness to music and participant-centered music selection are associated with optimal immediate and longer-term outcomes. Many studies reported scarce details about the music used and incidental findings of music experienced.
Journal of Music Therapy
March 1, 1970
E. Thayer Gaston, Cassandra T. Eagle
26 citations
In treating alcoholic patients with LSD, music served as a tool to structure the psychedelic experience, reduce anxiety, and facilitate emotional release. The authors describe how carefully selected music helped patients access repressed feelings and memories, making the therapy more productive. No quantitative results are reported; the article instead presents a theoretical and clinical rationale based on case observations. The function of music in this context is framed as a means to guide the patient's inner journey and enhance therapeutic communication.
Journal of Music Therapy
March 1, 1972
C. T. Eagle
14 citations
Listening to music while under the influence of LSD alters the subjective experience of the music, with participants reporting heightened emotional and sensory responses compared to listening without the drug. The study observed that LSD enhanced the perceived intensity, meaning, and emotional impact of musical passages, particularly for classical and improvisational pieces. No negative or null effects were noted in the reported findings.