The Role and Ethics of Touch and Non-touch in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.
Helena Aicher, Anke Röskamp, Marianne Moser, Manuela Brand
Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences November 22, 2025 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2025_608 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Body-oriented psychotherapy Harm reduction Transgressions Psychedelic touch therapy Responsible physical touch Integrating touch Ethical therapeutic practice Clear boundaries Informed consent Strong therapeutic attitude Safe Embodiment & healing Grounding Emotional support Profound healing |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key points | Argues that touch in psychedelic-assisted therapy can offer grounding and emotional support when used with care, but requires clear boundaries, transparency, informed consent, and cultural sensitivity to address risks of misuse and vulnerability. |
Abstract
Touch has long been an essential element in human communication and healing. In the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), the role of touch (and by extension, non-touch) presents complex ethical and practical challenges, particularly due to the heightened vulnerability of individuals in altered states of consciousness. Recent public discourse, including reports of boundary violations and abuse, has sharpened the political and ethical discussion around physical contact in PAT settings.This chapter approaches the topic from a harm reduction perspective, acknowledging the risks of misuse and the need for clear boundaries, transparency, informed consent, and cultural sensitivity. At the same time, we argue that touch can offer grounding, emotional support, and therapeutic value when used with care and responsibly. We explore both touch and non-touch interventions in PAT, examining their historical roots, therapeutic potentials, and outlining the ethical frameworks necessary to navigate this complex and sensitive terrain. Our aim is to contribute to an informed and nuanced dialogue on the topic, which supports safe, ethical, and effective therapeutic practices.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theorizing that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy May Play a Role in the Treatment of Trauma-Induced Personality Disorders. | 2024 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Learning to Let Go: A Cognitive-Behavioral Model of How Psychedelic Therapy Promotes Acceptance | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Awe: a putative mechanism underlying the effects of classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy | 2018 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Ethical and legal issues in psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapy | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Towards psychedelic apprenticeship: Developing a gentle touch for the mediation and validation of psychedelic-induced insights and revelations. | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Psychedelic-Related Psychosis: From Model Psychosis to Psychotherapy. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 2026
- Classifying Psychedelic-Related Complications Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 2026
- Market approval and the right to health: a human rights perspective on MDMA-assisted therapy JME Practical Bioethics April 1, 2026
- Synergies in psychedelic-assisted therapy: a qualitative interview study of psychotherapeutic processes Frontiers in Psychiatry April 1, 2026
- Epistemic Discipline in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Memory, Therapy Dynamics, Attachment Patterns, and Sexual Abuse Neuroethics December 1, 2026
and 1 more in the library
Cites 12
- Developing Guidelines and Competencies for the Training of Psychedelic Therapists Journal of Humanistic Psychology June 29, 2017
- Models of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Contemporary Assessment and an Introduction to EMBARK, a Transdiagnostic, Trans-Drug Model Frontiers in Psychology June 2, 2022
- Essentials of Informed Consent to Psychedelic Medicine JAMA Psychiatry April 10, 2024
- Developing an Ethics and Policy Framework for Psychedelic Clinical Care: A Consensus Statement. JAMA Network Open June 3, 2024
- Psychedelics and sexual functioning: a mixed-methods study Scientific Reports February 7, 2024
and 7 more in the library