Intersection of Music and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT)
When
May 16th, 2025
10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where
Studio 401
31 Hemenway Street(Opens in a new window)—Floor 4, Boston, Massachusetts
or via Zoom
About
The Berklee Music and Health Exchange Series is dedicated to advancing conversations at the cutting edge of music and health. This symposium, The Intersection of Music and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, will bring together thought leaders, researchers, clinicians, and music therapists to explore the essential role of music in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT).
Music is a foundational element of PAT, shaping the therapeutic process by assisting in the release of emotions, stimulating imagery, helping the patient relinquish control, supporting peak experiences, and by structuring the experience and providing continuity. Research suggests that individuals who have strong connections to the music during their journey often demonstrate improved therapeutic outcomes. However, despite music’s widespread use in PAT, there remains a critical gap in empirical research regarding how music interacts with psychedelic states.
This exchange will highlight:
- The neuroscience of music in PAT – Exploring how music interacts with brain networks, emotion processing, and neuroplasticity in psychedelic therapy.
- Music’s role in therapeutic outcomes – Examining how carefully selected music supports preparation, dosing, and integration.
- Clinical applications and best practices – Understanding how music therapists and clinicians can work together to optimize patient experiences through evidence-based music programming.
- Bridging music therapy and psychedelic research – Investigating how techniques from Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) and other music therapy models can be applied in psychedelic therapy settings.
Through expert panels, interdisciplinary discussions, and interviews with leading practitioners in music therapy and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, this event will explore the future of collaboration between music and mental health professionals. By developing a deeper, research-informed understanding of music’s impact in PAT, we can refine therapeutic approaches and enhance patient care.
Speakers
Joy Allen, PhD, MT-BC, Director, Berklee Music and Health Institute and Berklee Music Therapy Department Chair
Yvan Beaussant, MD, MSc, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care; Psychedelic researcher, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Bolette Daniels Beck, PhD, Music therapist/Guided Imagery & Music Therapist; Associate Professor, Department of Communication and Psychology, Aalborg University, Denmark
Franklin King, MD, Psychiatrist, Instructor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Director of Training and Education, Center for Neuroscience of Psychedelics, Massachusetts General Hospital
Catharina Messell, MA, Music therapist/Guided Imagery & Music therapist; Psychedelic researcher, Neurology and Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet
Dea Siggaard Stenbæk, PhD, Guided Imagery & Music therapist, Associate Professor, Psychedelic researcher, University of Copenhagen Department of Psychology; Neurology and Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet
Lisa Summer, PhD, LMHC, MT-BC, Music therapist/Guided Imagery & Music Therapist and Trainer, Psychedelic researcher
Panelists
Suzannah Clark, PhD, Morton B. Knafel Professor of Music, Harvard Department of Music; Director, Mahindra Humanities Center, Harvard
Tim Honig, PhD, MT-BC, Music therapist/Guided Imagery & Music Therapist; Assistant Professor/Director of Music Therapy, Westfield State University
Psyche Loui, PhD, Associate Professor of Creativity and Creative Practice, Northeastern University; Director, Music, Imaging, and Neural Dynamics (MIND) Lab, Northeastern University
Vitaly Napadow, PhD, LicAc, Neuroscientist, Associate Professor in Radiology, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Neuroscience, Massachusetts General Hospital
Christine Routhier, MA, LMHC, Music therapist/Guided Imagery & Music therapist, Former Senior Lecturer/Clinical Supervisor, Lesley University; President, Association for Music and Imagery; Private practice