Unlocking the Healing Power of Music: A Journey into MCPI with Mark Shortt & Matt Baldwin

The District House

Dec 8

In the ever-evolving landscape of psychedelic therapy, a dynamic duo is making waves with their groundbreaking approach to integration. Mark Shortt ND and Matt Baldwin LMFT, graduates of The Center for Psychedelic Therapies & Research certificate program at CIIS, are the creative minds behind Music Centered Psychedelic Integration (MCPI). Recently, they shared their insights and experiences in a captivating interview with Hannah Jo, shedding light on the transformative potential of their unique therapeutic model. Lets delve into the key takeaways from their interview and explore the revolutionary concept that "Music Is the Medicine."

Mark Shortt ND and Matt Baldwin LMFT emphasize the transformative power of MCPI, asserting that music plays a central role in the psychedelic journey. Their philosophy challenges the conventional notion that psychedelics alone are the healing agents. Instead, they argue that psychedelics open the door to the medicine, and it is music that guides individuals through the journey, facilitating profound healing and evolution.

During the interview, Hannah Jo highlighted the importance of understanding the nervous system and how music can serve as both an activating and regulating force. The duo believes that the careful selection of music can significantly impact the journey's outcome, promoting healing and balance within the nervous system.

One of the cornerstones of MCPI is the art of playlist making. Shortt and Baldwin stress the significance of crafting playlists that mirror the ebb and flow of the psychedelic experience. They recommend starting with softer music during the come-up, gradually intensifying the soundscape in sync with the journey's intensity. Instrumental tracks are preferred, avoiding lyrics that may interfere with the introspective process.

Drawing parallels between a practitioner of psychedelic medicine and a DJ, Shortt and Baldwin underscore the importance of reading the room and anticipating the needs of the individual. Whether through pre-made playlists or live mixing, the duo tailors the music to the unique journey unfolding before them. They emphasize the power of adapting to client requests, making the experience a collaborative and personalized endeavor.

The duo explores the potential of group psychedelic journeys, claiming that the collective experience amplifies the healing power of MCPI. They are also working on a book to share their findings and best practices, offering a comprehensive guide for those interested in implementing MCPI in their therapeutic work.

Shortt and Baldwin have taken their expertise beyond the interview and into tangible resources. They've published a zine, available at The District House, featuring 49 albums recommended for psychedelic journeys. This curated selection spans various genres and world styles, offering a rich and diverse sonic landscape for exploration.

Mark Shortt ND and Matt Baldwin LMFT are at the forefront of a musical revolution within the realm of psychedelic therapy. Their MCPI approach challenges traditional paradigms, highlighting the profound impact that music can have on the healing journey. As they continue to explore, document, and share their insights, the world awaits the release of their book and the continued expansion of the transformative potential encapsulated in the phrase: "Music Is the Medicine."