Music and Mental Health
Research has shown that music and emotion regulation go hand-in-hand, helping to put our innermost thoughts into words. Furthermore, listening to music can offer both therapeutic benefits, and overall mental health improvements.
Music and Therapy: Music therapy is an evidence based approach to counselling That designs sessions with specific goals that are achieved through listening to or playing music with different instruments (Cleveland Clinic, nd). Studies have shown that music therapy is especially beneficial for clients with depression and anxiety. Even one music therapy session has been associated with symptom reduction in pain and overall stress among clients, demonstrating its ability to support clients in various capacities (Kubicek, 2022).
Music & Emotions: Did you know that different genres of music are associated with different emotions? The beat and lyrics of songs within each genre can help us express and process our emotions. Here are some examples:
1. Rap/hip-hop - Expressing feelings of frustration, empowerment, and confidence
2. Classical - Promoting feelings of calmness and stress reduction
3. Pop - Boosting mood and increasing motivation
4. Rock - Releasing bottled up emotions
5. R&B/Soul - Processing relational challenges, comfort and vulnerability (Silviya, 2024)
How does it work?
Listening to different styles of music can influence the emotional response a memory illicit in our brain. For example, when discussing a difficult memory, listening to classical music can help reduce feelings of anxiety that were initially associated with the event (Todisco, 2024).
How Can I Implement This?
Listen to music intentionally – Pay attention to the genres of music you are listening to and how it affects your mood
Listen to music throughout the day – Taking time to listen to your favourite song on your drive to work or calming music before falling asleep can help relax your body
Sing-along to your favourite song – Similar to the benefits associated with listening to music, singing or humming, along with music can also improve our overall mental well-being
Listen to different songs – Are you struggling to describe how you’re feeling? Take time to look up different songs that may resonate or better describe how you are feeling
Need Support?
If you are interested in learning more about music therapy or speaking to a licensed mental health professional, please reach out to Vaughn counselling and psychotherapy today and we will connect you with one of our talented therapists!
References:
https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/power-of-music-in-mental-well-being
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-music-improve-our-health-and-quality-of-life-202207252786
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8817-music-therapy