Definition
Touch in MDMA-assisted therapy sessions is a subject of significant ethical concern. Consent must be explicit, ongoing, documented, and revocable at any moment during a session.
Why it matters
The combination of elevated oxytocin, increased trust, and vulnerability creates conditions in which unclear touch protocols can cause serious harm.
The Science
Adverse events involving inappropriate touch have been reported in psychedelic-assisted therapy contexts and are the subject of active reform in the field.
The NSI Perspective
NSI does not treat touch in this context as casual. Consent is not a signature. It is a continuous, negotiable, revocable practice.
Clinical Implications
Programs must specify touch policies in writing, train staff explicitly, and provide immediate reporting mechanisms.
Practical Application
Before any session, know exactly what touch is permitted, by whom, when, and how to stop it. Your consent belongs to you at every moment.
References
- 1.Nickles J, et al. Toward ethical guidelines for psychedelic therapist training. Front Psychol. 2023;14:1156038.