Psychedelic Art Therapy: The Intersection of Psychedelics, Creativity, and Art Therapy

Abstract

Renewal of research into psychedelics indicates their ability to provide relief from challenging conditions like trauma, treatment resistant depression, addictions, and end-of-life distress. Psychedelics appear to promote neuroplasticity, stimulate creativity, dampen fear responses, circumvent psychological defenses, soften rigid beliefs, and foster profound feelings of unity. The non-verbal, non-linear, and experiential nature of art therapy makes it well matched for psychedelic assisted therapy (PAT), providing a way to externalize and engage with the ineffable qualities of Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness (NOSC). This article presents a psychedelic art therapy approach that weaves art therapy principles and interventions into the preparation, dosing, and integration phases of PAT. Recommendations for research are presented, along with training competencies and ethical considerations unique to this work.

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