Tune In Music Therapy
Lyzz Zinn, MA, MT-BC
Music Therapy
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” ― Victor Hugo.
*Names are changed to protect confidentiality
Music helped Ellen* build her self-esteem
Ellen worried all the time that she was different. She felt she could never quite fit in anywhere she went. She was constantly questioning herself and her actions, feeling a persistent sense that there was something wrong with her, that she was wrong. She hated herself.
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But she loved music. And even though she said she couldn't play, couldn't sing, couldn't write, she would come to music therapy and try. She was scared, but she tried.
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She sang songs with her therapist that expressed her feelings, started vocalizing and putting into lyrics and sounds how she felt there was something wrong with her. Over time she started saying how proud she was of herself for learning a song. Then for writing a song. And then for performing it in front of the peers she feared would reject her.
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Through music, Ellen began to find her sense of self and self-esteem.
Music helped Michael* learn to express himself
When 6-year-old Michael started therapy, he could barely speak in full sentences let alone express how he was feeling in words. But he loved to drum and loud. Like all the thoughts and feelings he couldn't get out through his words came out in the drum.
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As loud and fast as he liked to drum, by the end of his therapy session, Michael was calmer. He walked slowly, looking up and smiling at others, even saying hello.
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Eventually he began singing with his therapist while drumming. His words became clearer. He could form full sentences. He could identify how he was feeling with words and music. He could express himself in ways he never could before.
Music helped Caitlin* through her depression and anxiety
Caitlin had no motivation, no energy, no good feelings she could identify, except when she was singing or listening to music. Her music could say what she wasn't able to. It felt what she was feeling. It meant that she wasn't alone.
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When she sang, the vibrations she felt in her body were comforting. When she sang with her therapist, she wasn't alone. The feelings she couldn't express to others could be held by her music and her music therapist.
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Weekly music therapy helped Caitlin express herself, calm her body, organize her thoughts, and gave her moments of joy and connection that she was missing otherwise.
Music is for everyone
Music therapy can benefit children, adolescents, and adults.
In our work together, music therapy can facilitate healing as you tune in to yourself, your feelings and your unconscious mind.
With music you are never alone. Let's create new experiences together.