The Importance of Touch in MDMA-Assisted Therapy: Insights from Recent Research
MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) appears to be on the way to becoming a legally recognized treatment for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As this time approaches, researchers are diving deeper into understanding the nuances of this therapeutic approach, including the role of physical touch in therapy sessions. A recent paper authored by a team of researchers including Jason Luoma PhD is the first one to begin to examine the role of touch in psychedelic-assisted therapy. It sheds light on this underexplored area by developing a new self-report measure to assess client perceptions of touch in MDMA-AT.
Why Touch Matters in MDMA-Assisted Therapy
Touch has long been a controversial subject in psychotherapy, with many therapists avoiding it due to fears of crossing boundaries or causing harm. However, in the context of MDMA-AT, touch is considered an component that can facilitate healing. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has even incorporated guidelines on the use of touch in their treatment manual for MDMA-AT, emphasizing that when used appropriately, touch can be a powerful tool for connection and comfort.
MDMA, known for its ability to enhance feelings of trust and emotional openness, may amplify the therapeutic effects of touch. This makes understanding and measuring how touch is perceived in MDMA-AT sessions all the more important. However, despite its potential benefits, the use of touch in therapy remains understudied, particularly in the context of psychedelic-assisted treatments.
Developing the Touch Outcomes Measurement Inventory (TOMI)
Recognizing this gap, the team at Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science, led by Jason Luoma PhD, set out to create a tool that could systematically evaluate how clients perceive touch during MDMA-AT. The result is the Touch Outcomes Measurement Inventory (TOMI), a self-report measure designed to capture both positive and negative experiences of touch in therapy.
To develop the TOMI, the researchers conducted a thorough literature review on the role of touch in traditional psychotherapy and related fields. They also interviewed experts in MDMA-AT to gain insights into the types of touch commonly used in sessions and the range of client reactions. The feedback from these experts was instrumental in shaping the final set of questions included in the TOMI.
The measure includes items that assess various aspects of touch, such as the type of touch used (e.g., a hug or hand on the shoulder) and the client’s emotional response to the touch. By collecting data on these interactions, the TOMI aims to provide a more evidence-based framework for using touch in MDMA-AT, helping therapists navigate this complex aspect of therapy with greater confidence and ethical awareness.
Balancing Benefits and Risks
While the potential benefits of touch in MDMA-AT are significant, the risks cannot be ignored. Touch can easily be misinterpreted or cause discomfort, particularly for clients with a history of trauma. The TOMI was designed with these risks in mind, incorporating questions that help identify when touch might be counterproductive or harmful.
The development of TOMI is a crucial step towards ensuring that the use of touch in MDMA-AT is both effective and ethical. By systematically evaluating client experiences, therapists can adjust their approach to better meet the needs of each individual, fostering a therapeutic environment that is both safe and supportive.
Future Directions for Research
The introduction of TOMI marks the beginning of a new direction for MDMA-AT research. As this measure is used in clinical trials and practice, it will provide valuable data that can refine our understanding of how touch influences therapy outcomes. This, in turn, could lead to more nuanced guidelines and training for therapists who work with MDMA and other psychedelics.
Moreover, the insights gained from TOMI could be applied beyond MDMA-AT, informing the broader field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. As these therapies continue to gain acceptance, having robust, evidence-based tools like TOMI will be essential for ensuring that they are implemented safely and effectively.