Music for Self-Care
Self-care plays a significant role in maintaining good mental health. So it’s important to have a well-stocked ‘toolbox’ of different things you can do for self-care when you’re experiencing a difficult situation or having a bad day Music can be part of that ‘toolbox’ because it’s easily accessible to everyone, almost anywhere. With streaming music […]
How to Choose Relaxing Music
One of the questions I’m asked most often when I’m out doing presentations or workshops is, “Can you tell me what relaxation music to add to my playlist to use at home?” On the surface this sounds like an easy question– but it isn’t. That’s like asking 10 people on the street to name the […]
Embracing the Change of Season
“Autumn Song” Leaves of brown, they fall to the ground And it’s here, over there, leaves around Shut the door, dim the lights and relax… ~Van Morrison I noticed it first a couple of weeks ago. The very tips of the leaves on some of the trees in our neighborhood were starting to show signs […]
Is Music Therapy Right for Me?
One of the most common misconceptions about music therapy is that the person receiving it needs to know all about music. I frequently tell people that “my job is to know the music; your job is to bring an open mind and a willingness to try something new!” Sometimes we listen to music together […]
GIM and EMDR: Similarities & Differences
Lately I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the similarities and differences between Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) and EMDR. People have heard of, or perhaps experienced, EMDR sessions, and they’re curious about GIM. Also, as people are increasingly interested in exploring psychedelic therapies, many have questions about where GIM fits into the picture. […]
How’s Your Inner Dialogue?
I’m a hazard to myselfDon’t let me get meI’m my own worst enemyIt’s bad when you annoy yourselfSo irritatingDon’t wanna be my friend no more ~”Don’t Let Me Get Me” by Pink Do you ever stop to listen to the self-talk going on in your mind? I mean, besides the constant reminders of taking out […]
Talk Therapy vs. Music Therapy
Recently one of my clients said to me, “You know, I can sit at home and listen to music by myself. But it’s so much better when I do that here in your office with you.” So let’s unpack that a little bit and learn what makes music therapy different from simply listening to music– […]
Exploring Guided Imagery and Music (GIM)
The second most popular question I get asked (the first being “music therapy– what is that?”) is about guided imagery and music (GIM). This is my specialty area of music therapy. So I thought I’d write a blog post about it since I’m sure many of you may have wondered the same thing. And if […]
Music Therapy for Depression Treatment
The Centers for Disease Control reports that approximately 9% of adults in the US experience the symptoms of depression each year, and that about 3% of adults suffer from major depression (the leading cause of disability for ages 15-44). Additionally, women are 70% more likely to experience depression during their lives than men. Let’s look […]
Music Therapy for Anxiety Relief
“CAN MUSIC THERAPY HELP PEOPLE DEAL WITH ANXIETY?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive about music therapy. And the answer is a resounding “yes, it can help with anxiety relief!” So here are the details (and a video!)– Research studies have shown that music therapy is effective at reducing muscle tension, […]
