Sound healing therapy uses aspects of music to improve physical and emotional health and well-being. The person being treated partakes in the experience with a trained practitioner. Music therapy may involve:
- listening to music
- singing along to music
- moving to the beat of the music
- meditating
- playing an instrument
Healing with sound is believed to date back to ancient Greece, when music was used in an attempt to cure mental disorders. Throughout history, music has been used to boost morale in military troops, help people work faster and more productively, and even ward off evil spirits by chanting.
More recently, research has linked music to a number of health benefits, from boosting immune function and lowering stress levels to improving the health of premature babies.
Types of sound or music therapy
These are some of the commonly asked questions about the topic:
Guided meditation
Guided meditation is a form of sound healing in which you meditate to voiced instruction, either in a session or class, or using a video or app. Meditation can involve chanting or repeating mantras or prayers.
Research Trusted Source has found that meditation offers a number of health benefits, including:
- stress reduction
- decreased anxiety and depression
- improved memory
- reduced blood pressure
- pain reduction
- lower cholesterol
- decreased risk of heart disease and stroke
- Neurologic music therapy
Music therapy can reduce stress and promote relaxation. It’s been shown to be more effective than prescription drugs in reducing anxiety levels before surgery. A study published in 2017 found that a 30-minute music therapy session combined with traditional care after spinal surgery reduced pain.
Music therapy is administered by a credentialed provider who assesses the individual’s needs. Treatment involves creating, listening, singing, or moving to music. It’s used for physical rehab, pain management, and brain injuries Trusted Source.
Bonny Method
Named after Helen L. Bonny, PhD, the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) classical music and imagery to help explore personal growth, consciousness, and transformation.
A 2017 study showed promising evidence that a series of GIM sessions could improve psychological and physiological health in adults with medical and mental health needs.
Nordoff-Robbins
This sound healing method is delivered by skilled musicians who complete the Nordoff-Robbins 2-year master’s program. They use music familiar to those being treated, create new music together, or work toward a performance.
The Nordoff-Robbins approach is used to treat children with developmental delays (as well as their parents), mental health issues, learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, dementia, and other conditions.
Tuning fork therapy
Tuning fork therapy uses calibrated metal tuning forks to apply specific vibrations to different parts of the body. This can help release tension and energy, and promote emotional balance. It supposedly works similarly to acupuncture, using sound frequencies for point stimulation instead of needles.
There is some research suggesting that tuning fork therapy may help relieve muscle and bone pain.
Brainwave entrainment
Also known as binaural beats, this method stimulates the brain into a specific state using pulsing sound to encourage your brain waves to align to the frequency of the beat. It’s supposed to help induce enhanced focus, entranced state, relaxation, and sleep. Though more research is needed, there’s some evidenceTrusted Source that audible brainwave entrainment reduces anxiety, pain, and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, as well as improves behavioral problems in children.
What music therapy treats
Music therapy is used to treat symptoms of a number of conditions, including:
- anxiety disorders
- depression
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- dementia
- autism spectrum disorder and learning difficulties
- behavioral and psychiatric disorders
- cancer
Some of the supposed benefits of music therapy include:
- lowers stress
- decreases mood swings
- lowers blood pressure
- lowers cholesterol levels
- teaches pain management
- lowers risk for coronary artery disease and stroke
- improves sleep
- How it works
Music therapy uses different aspects of sound to improve your emotional and physical well-being. How it works depends on the method being used. Most music therapy sessions are experienced one-on-one with a specially trained practitioner.
A session may involve sitting or lying down while listening to music or sounds from a speaker or instruments, or having vibrations applied using a special tool, such as a tuning fork. Depending on the method, you may be encouraged to participate by singing, moving, or even using a musical instrument, or you may need to remain still and quiet to let the sounds take effect.
Healing instruments
Along with voice, the following are some of the different instruments used in music therapy:
- singing bowls
- tuning forks
- pan flute
- harp
- drums
Some methods use a variety of instruments in one session, which can include a guitar, piano, or other instrument.
The takeaway
Though evidence may be limited on some methods, music therapy has been found to be effective for stress reduction and relaxation and has been shown to offer many health benefits.
There is little risk to listening to music. Find the sounds that work for you.
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Online Family Therapy Since COVID-19
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, online therapy has become more and more popular in the United States. With an impact just as strong as in person therapy and the advantage of far greater convenience, people are turning to online therapy. If members of your family are struggling to communicate or get along, or if you feel like no one in your family understands you, online counseling may be a great fit for your family. Getting professional help does not have to be difficult or inconvenient. Plus, without the added effort of leaving your home, family members are more inclined to turn up to that first session—and hopefully continue if your family wants to. While Psychic Leaders does not currently offer family therapy, we offer other counseling services that can help individuals seeking to work through family-related issues, including individual and couples therapy. You can obtain family therapy from a number of other online providers; the best online family counseling is provided by someone the entire family is comfortable with. No matter who you choose to work with, it’s wise to research their educational background, reviewing their credentials before you begin regular sessions together. It’s also a good idea to check what is covered by insurance. Your health insurance provider may cover certain types of online therapy and not others so it’s worth looking into ahead of time.
Family Therapy Online Case Studies
Scientists have conducted comprehensive research regarding the impact of online therapy, and case studies have shown that an “effective therapeutic alliance” can be developed through online parent-child therapy sessions. In addition, you’ll find a consensus about the efficacy of online therapy across the board, whether you talk to healthcare professionals, review articles about the subject, or speak to people who have experienced it firsthand. Pursuing professional support has a strong potential to bring your family closer together.
Though not currently able to offer family therapy services, the flexibility of online therapy with psychic leaders make it a great fit for individual therapy for people of all ages seeking help and guidance with family issues that they are experiencing. Psychic leaders can offer an individualistic approach to family therapy techniques. Mental health services are available through a variety of formats, such as video chat conferencing and texting, and you do not even have to leave your home. Psychic leaders counselors have used individual talk therapy to help many people in similar situations. Below you will find reviews of Psychic leaders counselors from people experiencing a range of family-related challenges.
Conclusion- How Online Family Therapy Helps
Online family therapy is a proven way for people to get the help they need. It is easy to schedule and can be a great way to help everyone feel more comfortable while discussing difficult issues. Every family faces challenges. With the right tools, you can overcome a great deal of family conflict. Take the first step today.
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