# Participant Experiences of Therapeutic Touch in Psilocybin‐Assisted Therapy

## TL;DR

This study explores how participants experience therapeutic touch during psilocybin therapy, finding it can enhance emotional safety and connection when used with proper consent.

## Contribution

The study provides novel qualitative insights into participant experiences of therapeutic touch in psilocybin-assisted therapy, emphasizing its role in emotional regulation and safety.

## Key findings

- Participants reported that therapeutic touch can foster emotional connection and grounding during intense psychedelic experiences.
- Acceptability of touch was linked to the therapeutic relationship and thorough consent processes.
- Some participants experienced discomfort, highlighting the need for sensitivity to individual history and context.

## Abstract

Although commonly used in psychedelic‐assisted therapy, the role of therapeutic touch remains loosely defined and ethically sensitive. Gaining insight into how participants experience and interpret touch during psychedelic sessions is essential for informing safe and effective clinical practice.

Participants were sampled from a large randomized clinical trial of psilocybin‐assisted therapy that permitted protocol‐defined supportive touch. Longitudinal qualitative data (39 semi‐structured interviews) were analyzed from n = 18 participants. Interviews covered expectations, experiences, and reflections on the use of touch during acute psychedelic states, before and after dosing. Thematic analysis was used to identify major themes.

Participants expressed varied preferences and responses to therapeutic touch. Most valued its availability, particularly after firsthand experience, describing its capacity to foster emotional connection, provide grounding during intense affective states, and modulate the depth of psychedelic experience. Several reported perceiving therapeutic benefit directly attributable to touch. Acceptability was consistently linked to the quality of the therapeutic relationship and robust consent processes. Some participants also identified potential for discomfort or distraction, underscoring the need for sensitivity to individual history and context.

Therapeutic touch may support emotional safety and affect regulation during acute psychedelic states. Findings highlight the importance of explicit preparation, consent, and attunement when incorporating touch into psychedelic therapy. Further research should inform therapist training, individualized consent frameworks, and safety protocols to guide ethical and effective use in clinical practice.

Touch can enhance subjective safety and affect regulation in acute psychedelic states when utilised based on individual fit, with consideration of its. potential and risks, and within formal consent processes.