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.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
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