Beyond the Johns Hopkins Psilocybin Playlist...

The Johns Hopkins Psilocybin Playlist has become famous within the psychedelic sphere and is often cited as the 'go-to' audio for rewarding psilocybin experiences. Certainly, its running time is sufficient to cover the full extent of a psilocybin journey. Additionally, its selections broadly follow the CMP's structure of Ascent, Peak, and Descent, with the music matching the emotional roadmap of those phases. However, music taste is subjective. The playlist relies heavily on classical music, which may be alien to some people's lived experience. There is also a move towards lyrical music as the playlist reaches its final phase. Many listeners find this jolting: it 'removes' them from the experience, or even provides unhelpful triggers.

The Limitations of Using a Playlist

Certainly, playlists can be enjoyable, but in the therapeutic context, they often fall short. Some of the challenges include:

• Disruption in flow: Playlists made from songs of different genres and artists may lack cohesion, leading to jarring shifts in energy.

• Lyrics and associations: Words can trigger unexpected memories or emotions that may distract from the therapeutic process.

• Predictability: If the client is familiar with the songs, their mind may focus on recognition rather than immersion.

• Lack of intentional design: Playlists are typically curated for enjoyment, not therapeutic pacing or emotional journeying.

Accumulated, these factors make it difficult for participants to fully surrender to their journey.

This ability to 'let go' is intrinsic to a successful psilocybin experience.

The Benefits of Purpose-Made Soundscapes

Purpose-built soundscapes are created with therapeutic use in mind, offering several distinct advantages:

• Seamless Emotional Guidance: Soundscapes are composed to flow naturally, mirroring the phases of a psilocybin journey.

• Immersive Atmosphere: Layered textures, ambient tones, and binaural elements encourage deep introspection.

• Reduction of Distractions: Soundscapes prevent external associations from intruding, allowing the mind to wander inward.

• Tailored for Healing: Intentionally designed to promote relaxation, emotional release, and a sense of deep connection.

• Universality: A neutral canvas, making them suitable for a wide range of participants.

Conclusion: Elevating the Therapeutic Experience

While playlists may have a place in recreational use, purpose-made soundscapes offer a far more supportive and intentional framework for therapeutic psilocybin journeys. By providing continuity, safety, and emotional guidance, they can help participants access deeper healing and insight. For therapists, facilitators, and individuals exploring psilocybin in a therapeutic context, investing in high-quality, purpose-designed soundscapes is a powerful way to enhance outcomes and ensure the experience is as safe, meaningful, and transformative as possible.

Phases of the psilocybin experience...

The Ascent Phase

Music and narration to create the appropriate mindset.

Mystical rhythms and frequencies to guide the listener inwards.

Ethereal soundscapes and nature sounds. Perfect for a gentle landing.

The Peak Phase

The Descent Phase

Psilocybin Music Soundscapes are based on the psychological themes encountered during specific phases of the psilocybin experience. Based on the research of the CMP, these phases can be identified as follows: the ascent phase, the peak phase and the descent phase. The characteristics that identify these phases are as follows:

Ascent Phase - During the ascent phase, the listener is encouraged to relinquish control and invited into a state of deeper awareness. This is reflected in the calm, melodic music that gradually builds in its intensity.

Peak Phase - The listener is invited to expand awareness of self, time and space. Rhythmic elements are added to the music, leading the journey inwards, encouraging a sense of transcendence.

Descent Phase - The listener is encouraged to experience and release emotions. The music and narration create a 'safe space' facilitating acceptance, relief, celebration and a soft, gentle landing.

Psilocybin Information

Committing to a Psilocybin trip is not a decision to be taken lightly. Psilocybin provides a deeply immersive, emotional and sometimes uncomfortable experience. Preparation is the key to success. To help you achieve this, we've written a series of articles to aid you on your travels.