Holding Space Between Notes: Music, Silence, and Cultural Attunement in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

The integration of music into psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) has emerged as a key aspect of therapeutic psychedelic experiences, providing a significant enhancement in emotional processing and insight generation. This review examines the interplay between music and psychedelics, and explores how this integration can enhance therapeutic outcomes in various conditions with a broader emphasis on cultural factors. Through a narrative review of the current literature, we examine how music can facilitate psychedelic healing, while also considering silence as a meaningful counterpoint. We further discuss practical considerations for the integration of music into clinical psychedelic settings and its implications for therapeutic outcomes, concluding with directions for future research.