Psychedelic Art Therapy: The Intersection of Psychedelics, Creativity, and Art Therapy
Rebecca Ann Wilkinson, Alyssa B. Gursky
Art Therapy April 20, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/07421656.2026.2641876 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Art therapy Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Art therapy Intersection aeronautics Photography Representation politics Studio art Visual arts Aesthetics Jungian analytical psychology |
| Key points | Proposes that art therapy is well matched for psychedelic-assisted therapy and presents a framework for integrating art therapy into its preparation, dosing, and integration phases. |
Abstract
Renewal of research into psychedelics indicates their ability to provide relief from challenging conditions like trauma, treatment resistant depression, addictions, and end-of-life distress. Psychedelics appear to promote neuroplasticity, stimulate creativity, dampen fear responses, circumvent psychological defenses, soften rigid beliefs, and foster profound feelings of unity. The non-verbal, non-linear, and experiential nature of art therapy makes it well matched for psychedelic assisted therapy (PAT), providing a way to externalize and engage with the ineffable qualities of Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness (NOSC). This article presents a psychedelic art therapy approach that weaves art therapy principles and interventions into the preparation, dosing, and integration phases of PAT. Recommendations for research are presented, along with training competencies and ethical considerations unique to this work.