Music in the Treatment Room

Throughout history, music has been known for its deep and profound connection to emotional experience. Clinical evidence on the human response to various genres of music has been documented in some detail. We know that music affects the nervous system and that different sounds activate different and intricate neural pathways. It’s been demonstrated that things like rhythm, pitch, and tempo can trigger emotion and affect mood. And it’s not only mood altering, music has been shown to have analgesic effects on pain and can also enhance motor skills, coordination, and overall physical well-being. In consideration of this, it’s important to be mindful of your selections and how they may affect clients both emotionally and physiologically.

Studies have shown that mindfully chosen music can alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, serving as a catalyst for emotional healing.This kind of music can help set the tone for your service while guiding the nervous system to a beneficial place.

Music for relaxation and stress reduction:

+ Slow tempos, gentle melodies, soothing sounds and harmonies

+ Certain instruments and timbral qualities create a serene landscape, contributing to a meditative and peaceful atmosphere

+ Lowers cortisol levels and heart rate, reduces muscle tension

+ Induces a sense of tranquility and calmness

Uplifting and energetic music:

+ Fast tempos, upbeat rhythms, bright melodies

+ Can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin associated with pleasure and reward

+ Contributes to a sense of energy, motivation, positivity, exhilaration, and euphoria

Music for joy and happiness:

+ Major cord progressions, bright harmonies, optimistic lyrics, like pop and electronic

+ Lyrics contribute to the emotional tone of the music, focusing on themes of celebration, love, and positivity

Some styles or genres may contribute to the expression and modulation of sadness, grief, anger, aggression, anxiety, and fear. While there is certainly a place for this in personal self-expression and catharsis, it’s likely not thetreatment room.

Sadness and grief:

+ Slow tempos, minor key signatures, and melancholic melodies contribute to feelings of sorrow and mourning

+ Use of strings, woodwinds and other emotive instruments may promote these feelings

Uplifting and Anger and aggression:

+ Fast tempos, intense and distorted timbres, and rhythmic intensity may contribute to the emotional impact of such music

+ Increased heart rate and arousal, reflecting energy associated with anger

Anxiety and fear:

+ Dissonant harmonies, unpredictable rhythms, and ominous soundscapes create a sense of unease and fear, exploring the emotional impact of these musical elements

+ Use of percussion, electronic effects, and unconventional instruments can contribute to these emotions

Studies also show that some styles of music can promote positive effects that extend long beyond active listening. While it’s true that certain genre scan produce an immediate boost in mood, more calming tunes showed as lower onset of mood improvement but longer lasting effects. In fact, followup with study subjects indicates sustained effects over weeks with regular listening leading to cumulative positive impacts on overall mood and stress levels. All the more reason to choose your background music in a very intentional way – it is in fact a powerful contributor to combination therapies and an overall positive treatment experience.