Holding Without Touch: Supportive Touch in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
Bryony Insua‐summerhays, Edward Jacobs
The American Journal of Bioethics January 2, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2024.2433437 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractTouch 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
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Therapeutic touch Psychotherapist Psychology Medicine |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key finding | Argues that touch in psychedelic-assisted therapy may be therapeutically beneficial but requires ethical guidelines to manage risks. |
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 ...