The “Third” Eye: Ethics of Video Recording in the Context of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Canadian Journal of Bioethics December 7, 2023 DOI: 10.7202/1108000ar (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Bioethics of technology Philosophy of psychiatry Psychedelic therapy ethics Therapy video recording |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key points | Argues that mandatory video recording of psychedelic therapy sessions raises ethical concerns from both patient and clinician perspectives, and that an opt-out option should be available for both parties. |
Abstract
In light of high-profile cases of sexual assault and other unethical conduct by therapists, recent clinical research involving psychedelic drugs has generally mandated the video recording of therapy sessions. In this paper, I address a gap in the literature by investigating ethical issues related to video recording in the unique context of psychedelic therapy sessions. I begin by summarizing the important benefits and risks related to video recording. I then examine ethical concerns about mandatory recording of psychedelic therapy sessions from a patient perspective and argue that these concerns must be taken seriously by clinicians and researchers. I also examine the view that video recording is essential for clinician safety. Given the legitimacy of concerns from both perspectives, I outline some basic informed consent considerations that could generate dialogue around potential patient concerns and defend the option to opt-out for both patients and clinicians. In conclusion, I underscore the importance of further critical bioethical inquiry and qualitative research regarding video recording practices in the context of psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on MDMA and psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The potential use of N-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA) assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of eating disorders comorbid with PTSD. | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in adolescents: rationale, potential, risks, and considerations. Adolescents with PTSD | 2024 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Couple Therapy With MDMA-Proposed Pathways of Action. | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Informed Consent in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. | 2024 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| MDMA-assisted psychotherapy | 2018 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- How to make psychedelic-assisted therapy safer Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics September 27, 2024
- Mitigating Ethical Issues in Training for Psychedelic Therapy Neuroethics April 1, 2025
- Ethical issues with psychedelic-assisted treatments in psychiatry: A systematic scoping review Psychological Medicine 2025
- Informed Consent Documents from Psychedelic Clinical Trials: A Descriptive Ethical Analysis. AJOB empirical bioethics July 16, 2025
- Critiquing Medical Exceptionalism: Toward a Transcultural Psychedelic Bioethics The American Journal of Bioethics January 2, 2025
and 2 more in the library
Cites 9
- Set and setting, psychedelics and the placebo response: An extra-pharmacological perspective on psychopharmacology Journal of Psychopharmacology November 16, 2016
- Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science. Journal of Psychopharmacology February 2, 2022
- Inclusion of people of color in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: a review of the literature BMC Psychiatry July 31, 2018
- Ayahuasca Shamanism in the Amazon and Beyond Oxford University Press eBooks June 18, 2014
- Ethics and ego dissolution: the case of psilocybin Journal of Medical Ethics May 27, 2020
and 4 more in the library