Participant experiences of therapeutic touch in psilocybin-assisted therapy
Carter, A., Gardner, J., Ham, R., Liknaitzky, P.
This pre-print qualitative study (n=18) explores therapeutic touch in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) for Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). It finds that most participants valued touch during psilocybin dosing sessions, feeling it provided connection and helped manage intense emotional experiences, with some attributing therapeutic effects to it. The study emphasises the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship and recommends individualised use of touch, alongside further research on safety and therapist training.
Abstract
This study explores therapeutic touch in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) through the longitudinal perspectives of participants (n = 18) within a large clinical trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy for Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Qualitative and descriptive results show diverse preferences and responses to touch utilisation. Most participants valued touch, particularly after experiencing it first-hand within psilocybin dosing sessions. Participants felt that touch offered connection during intense emotional experiences and could be used strategically to manage the intensity of acute psychedelic experiences. Some attributed direct therapeutic effect to touch. A strong therapeutic relationship was essential for effective use of touch. While touch appears to be a useful clinical tool in PAT, we argue that its application should be individualized and embedded within a comprehensive consent process. Further research on safety and therapist training is needed to support the role of touch in PAT.