Since its founding, the IST has engaged extensively with the use of music in substance-assisted therapy. This has resulted in a collection of music that IST considers helpful in supporting substance sessions. We found most of the music on Spotify and compiled corresponding playlists. As the collection has grown over time and become too extensive for those unfamiliar with the music to easily navigate, the playlists have been organised according to specific themes. Within each playlist, the order is random. It is not a coincidence if some pieces appear in multiple playlists. The playlists are continuously curated: new pieces are added, and older ones may occasionally be removed. If you are looking for recently added tracks, it is best to check toward the end of the lists.
When using the playlists, the following points should be considered:
1. We assume that the music played during a session cannot be defined in advance—that is, by creating a playlist beforehand and simply playing it from start to finish. Which music is needed, or whether silence is needed at certain moments, depends entirely on the client’s process and cannot be planned. Therefore, we do not offer playlists intended to be played from beginning to end during a session.
2. A substance-assisted session follows a certain structural progression (phases), and specific types of music may be appropriate for different parts of this process. The playlists up to Finale reflect these phases in the order in which they typically occur.
3. In addition, there may be certain moods, emotions, or more subjective phases of a client’s process for which specific music can be helpful. The playlists starting with Tender address these aspects. They do not have a specific order.
IntroThis refers to music that can be played to set the mood before the substance session begins.
Ascending Ascending late Peak Plateau Descending IntegrationWhen the effects of the substance diminish, integration music can help the person consider their experience in relation to their daily life or to help round off the experience.
Non ResistanceOnce the effects have completely worn off, this music can help you get back to everyday life.
FinaleThis music is intended for the conclusion of meetings or group workshops.
Tender Comfort Heart Thicket Dark Irritating Pushing Pathos Heavy Carrying Wideness Lightly Playful Nature Ayahuasca