Holding Without Touch: Supportive Touch in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy

Touch in psychotherapy remains controversial, but its role is gaining new attention with the return of psychedelic-assisted therapy, where altered states of consciousness may make touch particularly relevant. The text discusses the historical debate and current considerations around therapeutic touch, suggesting that its integration into psychedelic-assisted therapy warrants careful examination given the unique vulnerabilities and therapeutic opportunities presented by altered states.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The role of touch in psychotherapy has been a topic of debate for several decades, now gaining renewed salience with the (re-)emergence of psychedelic-assisted therapy (P-AT), where altered states ...