Thesis
Music's essential role during psychedelic therapy: implications for music therapy
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
Jun 2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001535
Abstract
Music is an essential component of psychedelic therapy. Music can help to structure the experience, elicit emotion, facilitate meaning-making, stimulate imagery, provide continuity, support peak experiences, and more. Clients who have positive experiences with music often demonstrate higher therapeutic outcomes during psychedelic therapy. Although music is ubiquitous during psychedelic therapy, little research exists exploring the empirical foundations of how exactly music supports psychedelic therapy. By adapting the music to the specific needs of the individual, clinicians using music during psychedelic therapy might be able to improve therapeutic outcomes and provide support for clients. This requires an informed understanding of the mechanics of music and how they interact with psychedelics. Interviews with clinicians working with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy shed insight into the important role that music plays in their practice. Another interview with a music therapist trained in the Bonny Method of Imagery and Music (GIM) explores the shared history between GIM and psychedelic therapy. The unique skill set of music therapists may prove vital in supporting clients during the process itself as well as follow-up sessions that help stabilize and integrate the experience. The implications for future collaboration between music therapists and clinicians working with psychedelics are explored.
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Details
- Title
- Music's essential role during psychedelic therapy
- Creators
- Alexander Jeffrey Kahn
- Contributors
- Florence Ierardi (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vii, 49 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991020220847104721