Music has been a source of comfort, expression, and healing for centuries. From ancient rituals to modern therapeutic practices, music has the profound ability to connect with emotions and foster well-being. Music therapy is a structured and evidence-based approach that uses music to address emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Whether through listening, creating, or performing music, this form of therapy can be a powerful tool for emotional healing.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based practice in which trained professionals use music interventions to help individuals achieve therapeutic goals. According to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), music therapy is used to address a range of emotional, psychological, and physical challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma and stress (AMTA, 2023).
This therapeutic approach is tailored to each person’s unique needs and can involve:
- Listening to music to evoke emotions and memories
- Composing music as a form of self-expression
- Playing instruments to enhance a motor and cognitive skills
- Singing to improve emotional release and communication
- Guided music and imagery sessions for relaxation and introspection
How Music Therapy Supports Emotional Healing?
1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Music therapy has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress (Chanda & Levitin, 2013). Slow, calming music can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing symptoms of anxiety.
2. Enhances Emotional Expression
For those who struggle with verbal expression, music offers a non-verbal outlet to process emotions. Creating or listening to music can help individuals express feelings that may be difficult to articulate in words (Koelsch, 2014).
3. Supports Trauma Recovery
Music therapy has been used effectively in trauma treatment, particularly for individuals with PTSD. It helps regulate emotions, decrease hyperarousal, and improve overall emotional resilience (Bensimon, Amir, & Wolf, 2008).
4. Boosts Mood and Motivation
Engaging with uplifting or personally meaningful music stimulates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and serotonin – chemicals associated with happiness and motivation (Salimpoor et al., 2011). This can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling with depression.
5. Improves Mindfulness and Relaxation
Music therapy incorporates mindfulness techniques like guided music meditations to encourage present-moment awareness. This can help individuals manage racing thoughts and cultivate a sense of inner peace (Goyal et al., 2014).

Incorporating Music Therapy Into Your Life:
While working with a certified music therapist is ideal, you can also incorporate elements of music therapy into your daily routine:
- Create a playlist: Curate songs that bring comfort, motivation, or relaxation
- Try Active Listening: Pay close attention to lyrics, melody, and emotions that arise
- Make Your Own Music: Playing an instrument or singing can be a powerful emotional release
- Use Music for Mindfulness: Engage in deep breathing or meditation while listening to calming sounds
Conclusion
Music therapy is a powerful tool that supports emotional healing by reducing stress, enhancing self-expression, and fostering emotional resilience. Whether you seek professional guidance or explore music’s benefits independently, incorporating music into your wellness routine can be a transformative experience.
For those interested in music therapy as part of their emotional healing journey, consider reaching out to a licensed music therapist or a mental health professional to explore personalized options.
References
American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). (2023). “What is Music Therapy?” Retrieved from www.musictherapy.org
Bensimon, M., Amir, D., & Wolf, Y . (2008). “Drumming through trauma: Music therapy with post-traumatic soldiers.” The Arts in Psychotherapy, 35(1), 34-48.
Chanda, M. L., & Levitin, D. J. (2013). “The neurochemistry of music.” Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(4), 179-193.3
Goyal, M., Singh, S., Sibinga, E. M., et al. (2014). “Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(3), 357-368.
Koelsch, S. (2014). “Brain correlates of music-evoked emotions.” Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(3), 170-180.
Salimpoor, V . N., Benovoy, M., Larcher, K., et al. (2011). “Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music.” Nature Neuroscience, 14(2), 257-26
If you are interested in speaking with a professional and you reside in Ontario, Canada, please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@evergreentherapeutics.ca. We offer a team of psychotherapists who treat a variety of mental health concerns and work with individuals, couples, and families. Visit our website www.evergreentherapeutics.ca for more information.
