‘Go with the "wave of music" to dive deep’: Exploring perceptions of psychedelic-assisted therapy and the role of music within this practice

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

There is increasing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PT) as a mental health intervention; however, there is a long history of stigma associated with psychedelics, which may be a barrier to implementation. For this reason, it is important to examine the acceptability and perceptions of PT among mental health professionals, service users and the wider public. In almost all PT research carried out to date, music listening is used as an essential adjunct to support the therapeutic aims, such as having a ‘peak experience’ and emotional release, however existing research has not addressed the perceptions of the role of music in PT. This qualitative study used a novel hybrid vignette-story completion method to explore understandings of PT and the role of music in the practice. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop three themes: 1) ‘Psychedelic therapy can reach the parts that other therapies cannot reach’; 2) ‘Music as a guide’ ; and 3) ‘It’s no magic bullet’: the potential risks of PT. The analysis highlights the important role that music is perceived to play in the practice of PT, positive perceptions of PT as a mental health intervention, alongside concerns about potential risks. • A novel hybrid vignette-story completion method was used to explore participants perceptions. • Clients undergoing PT were perceived as “stuck” or as intrepid explorers open to new experiences. • PT was perceived as delving further into the unconscious than conventional therapies. • Music was perceived as taking an active role in evoking and supporting the exploration of emotions. • Music was also perceived as calming and relaxing the client, providing emotional safety.