Holding space between notes: Music, silence, and cultural attunement in psychedelic-assisted therapy
Dalia N. Balsamo, Prachi Garodia, Nima Fayazmanesh, Austin Nguy
Psychedelics April 2, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyche.2026.100015 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Attunement Music therapy Space punctuation Silence Narrative Key lock Psychotherapist Therapeutic relationship Cognitive science Cognitive psychology Epistemology Presentation obstetrics |
| Key findings | Music integration in psychedelic-assisted therapy enhances emotional processing and insight generation, with silence as a meaningful counterpoint. |
Abstract
The integration of music into psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) has emerged as a key aspect of therapeutic psychedelic experiences, providing a significant enhancement in emotional processing and insight generation. This review examines the interplay between music and psychedelics, and explores how this integration can enhance therapeutic outcomes in various conditions with a broader emphasis on cultural factors. Through a narrative review of the current literature, we examine how music can facilitate psychedelic healing, while also considering silence as a meaningful counterpoint. We further discuss practical considerations for the integration of music into clinical psychedelic settings and its implications for therapeutic outcomes, concluding with directions for future research.