Psychedelic-assisted therapy is becoming a popular method for treating mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. During these therapy sessions, many people experience intense emotions and insights, and one element that plays a crucial role in shaping the experience is music.
Music has the power to guide emotions, relax the mind, and help people go deeper into their thoughts. In this article, we’ll explore the role of music in psychedelic-assisted therapy, why it’s so important, and how it helps people make the most of their psychedelic experiences.
What Is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?
Psychedelic-assisted therapy combines the use of psychedelics—like psilocybin, LSD, or MDMA—with talk therapy. The person takes a carefully measured dose of the psychedelic in a controlled environment, with a therapist present to guide them through the experience. This combination can help people access emotions and memories that are hard to reach with regular therapy.
The goal of psychedelic therapy is to help people process their thoughts and emotions, break free from negative patterns, and gain new insights into their lives. The psychedelic creates an altered state of consciousness, allowing people to explore their inner world in a new way. This is where music comes in.
How Does Music Fit into Psychedelic Therapy?
Music has always been used to influence mood and emotion, and in psychedelic therapy, it takes on an even bigger role. Here are some of the key ways music helps during these sessions:
1. Guiding the Experience
When people take psychedelics, they often have vivid and intense emotional experiences. Music can act as a guide, helping to lead people through their journey. For example, soft, calming music might help people relax and feel safe, while uplifting music can encourage feelings of joy or release.
2. Enhancing Emotions
Psychedelics tend to amplify emotions, making people feel things more intensely. Music can deepen these emotions, helping people fully experience their feelings. Whether it’s sadness, joy, or peace, music helps people connect with their emotions on a deeper level.
3. Creating a Safe Space
One of the goals in psychedelic therapy is to make the person feel safe and supported. Music can create a soothing environment that helps people relax, which is especially important if they feel anxious or overwhelmed during the session. The right music can calm the mind and body, making it easier for people to let go and trust the process.
4. Helping People Let Go
Psychedelic therapy often involves letting go of control and surrendering to the experience. Music can help with this by giving the person something to focus on. Instead of worrying about what’s going to happen next, they can focus on the music, which helps them stay present in the moment.
What Kind of Music Is Used in Psychedelic Therapy?
The type of music used in psychedelic therapy is carefully chosen to fit the mood of the session and the needs of the person. Here are some common types of music used:
1. Ambient Music
Ambient music is soft, calming, and free of lyrics. It’s often used to create a peaceful, soothing environment. The slow, flowing nature of ambient music helps people relax and can make the experience feel more gentle and less overwhelming.
2. Classical Music
Classical music is another popular choice for psychedelic therapy. The emotional depth of classical music can help people connect with their own emotions, while the complex melodies and harmonies can guide them through the experience. Classical pieces that build slowly or have uplifting moments can be especially powerful.
3. Nature Sounds
Sounds from nature, like flowing water, birds chirping, or wind through trees, are sometimes included in the music playlist. These sounds can create a sense of connection with the natural world, which can enhance feelings of peace and oneness with the environment.
4. World Music
Music from different cultures around the world is also used in psychedelic therapy. Drumming, chanting, and other traditional sounds can help create a spiritual atmosphere, which is important for people seeking deeper personal or spiritual insights during their session.
The Role of Music in Integration
After the psychedelic experience, the person enters the integration phase. This is when they reflect on the insights and emotions they experienced during the session and work with their therapist to understand what they’ve learned. Music can continue to play a role here by helping the person recall and connect with their feelings from the session.
For example, listening to the same music that was played during the session can help bring back memories of the experience and allow the person to go deeper into their reflections. It can also be a calming tool for dealing with any lingering emotions.
Why Is Music So Effective in Psychedelic Therapy?
There are a few reasons why music works so well in psychedelic therapy:
1. It Alters the Brain
Research shows that music affects the brain in ways that are similar to psychedelics. Both music and psychedelics activate parts of the brain that are involved in emotions, memory, and self-awareness. When used together, they can create a powerful experience that helps people process their thoughts and emotions more effectively.
2. It Helps with Flow
Psychedelics tend to break down the boundaries between different areas of the brain, creating a state of “flow” where thoughts and emotions can move freely. Music supports this flow by guiding the mind through different emotional states and helping people stay present in the experience.
3. It Adds Meaning
Music has a unique way of adding meaning to experiences. A certain melody or sound can evoke deep emotions and memories, making the psychedelic experience more meaningful. The combination of music and psychedelics can help people make sense of their thoughts and gain new insights into their lives.
What the Research Says
Research on music in psychedelic therapy is still growing, but early studies show that music plays a significant role in shaping the experience:
- Deeper Emotions: Studies have found that music helps people feel their emotions more deeply during psychedelic therapy, leading to more profound personal insights.
- Increased Relaxation: Music helps create a calm, safe environment that makes people feel more relaxed during their journey. This can reduce anxiety and fear, making the experience smoother.
- Enhanced Healing: Some research suggests that music can enhance the healing effects of psychedelic therapy by helping people access and process difficult emotions, leading to greater emotional release and transformation.
Conclusion: The Power of Music in Psychedelic Therapy
Music is a key part of psychedelic-assisted therapy, guiding the emotional and mental journey of the person in the session. By enhancing emotions, creating a safe space, and helping people let go of control, music makes the experience more powerful and meaningful.
As psychedelic therapy continues to grow, music will remain an important tool for helping people connect with their emotions, explore their inner world, and find healing through these transformative experiences.