The Role and Ethics of Touch and Non-touch in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

📖 Top 20% JournalNov 22, 2025Current topics in behavioral neurosciences

The Use and Ethical Considerations of Physical and Non-Physical Contact in Psychedelic Therapy

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Abstract

Touch may provide emotional support and therapeutic value in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT).

Touch and non-touch interventions in PAT present ethical and practical challenges.
Heightened vulnerability during altered states of consciousness raises risks of misuse.
Clear boundaries, transparency, informed consent, and cultural sensitivity are essential.
With careful use, touch could enhance grounding and emotional support in therapy.
A nuanced dialogue is needed to promote safe and effective practices in PAT.

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Touch has long been an essential element in human communication and healing. In the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), the role of touch (and by extension, non-touch) presents complex ethical and practical challenges, particularly due to the heightened vulnerability of individuals in altered states of consciousness. Recent public discourse, including reports of boundary violations and abuse, has sharpened the political and ethical discussion around physical contact in PAT settings.This chapter approaches the topic from a harm reduction perspective, acknowledging the risks of misuse and the need for clear boundaries, transparency, informed consent, and cultural sensitivity. At the same time, we argue that touch can offer grounding, emotional support, and therapeutic value when used with care and responsibly. We explore both touch and non-touch interventions in PAT, examining their historical roots, therapeutic potentials, and outlining the ethical frameworks necessary to navigate this complex and sensitive terrain. Our aim is to contribute to an informed and nuanced dialogue on the topic, which supports safe, ethical, and effective therapeutic practices.

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