Since the 1950s, psychedelic compounds have been studied for their therapeutic potential in treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. A consistent finding across both historical and contemporary research is the central role of music in shaping and supporting the therapeutic process.

Music therapist Dr. Helen Bonny was among the first to formally investigate the use of receptive music in psychedelic research, work that later contributed to the development of the Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) model after psychedelic research was curtailed in the 1970s due to the 'war on drugs.' Bonny's legacy underscores the longstanding and evolving relationship between music therapy and altered states of consciousness.

This presentation offers an overview of the historical context and current developments in music therapy within the field of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT). It highlights how music is used in contemporary PAT protocols - often scripted and preselected - and explores the distinct perspective that music therapists can bring to this emerging field. In particular, it draws attention to the need for more personalised, flexible, and culturally sensitive approaches to music programming that honors both the therapeutic goals and the inner experience of the individual.

By mapping current practices and identifying gaps in the literature, this presentation advocates for increased collaboration between music therapists and psychedelic researchers. It calls for innovation in music-centered approaches that draw on the depth of music therapy traditions while responding to the evolving landscape of psychedelic medicine.