Music Therapy

Key Takeaways

• Music therapy is a form of psychotherapy that makes use of music to improve mental and physical well-being, along with cognitive health. The modality can assist individuals in processing complex emotions while reducing physical stress levels and stimulating brain functions related to speech, coordination, and memory.

• There are four main types of music therapy, categorized as either active or passive, depending on a client's level of involvement. While active music therapy includes creating, recreating, or composing music, passive music therapy involves listening to music.

• Current scientific literature shows that music therapy is a promising complementary treatment for numerous mental and physical health conditions. From anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more, to pain management and functional mobility recovery, music therapy offers a wide range of holistic benefits.

What is Music Therapy?

Music has played a central role in every culture since ancient times and today remains an integral part of modern entertainment. Yet the benefits of music go far beyond mere entertainment, with scientific studies showing that it can affect the body’s physiological processes in a way that supports both physical and mental well-being. ^[1]

In fact, research conducted on individuals with psychiatric disorders has demonstrated notable improvements in symptoms when music was used as a therapeutic tool. Additional studies highlight further benefits, such as better heart rate regulation, blood pressure, immune system response, and brain functions linked to movement, speech, and thinking. ^[1]

In light of this, emerging research suggests that music may offer a cost-effective and valuable supplement to traditional mental health treatments. That said, the modality is currently regarded as a complementary therapy, meaning that it is only recommended alongside traditional talk-based therapies and medication. ^[1]

Furthermore, for music therapy to effectively reduce mental health symptoms, it is essential to seek the support of a qualified music therapist who can guide clients based on extensive knowledge and training. A professionally led music therapy session involves the use of techniques such as creating, recreating, composing, and listening to music.^[1]

Like all forms of creative arts therapies, music therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle to express themselves verbally, such as individuals with communication challenges or those who struggle to articulate distressing emotions and experiences (such as trauma survivors). ^[1]

How Music Therapy Works

Music therapy is categorized into two main types, active and passive. Active music therapy involves creating, recreating, or composing music (using the voice, instruments, or other rhythmic exercises), which encourages indirect or nonverbal self-expression. On the other hand, passive music therapy involves listening to music, which has been found to alleviate stress and anxiety. ^[2]

According to a 2025 review, music therapy affects psychological, physical, and brain-related processes. The study states that both listening to and making music can help to manage emotions, reduce stress, and promote brain function. It has also been found to ease numerous mental and physical health disorders. ^[2]

That said, personal preference and music genres also play a significant role in the healing benefits of music, and research shows that music chosen by a patient (or music that is culturally familiar) tends to produce stronger psychological and immune benefits along with lower stress hormone levels. ^[2]

How Music Therapy Supports Mental Health

Music stimulates key brain networks linked to mood, which has been found to lift the overall emotional state. Additionally, engaging with music can improve motivation, attention, and decision-making, thereby strengthening a person’s ability to focus on improving their mental health by choosing behaviors that align with this goal. ^[2]

Studies have shown that active forms of music therapy further stimulate the brain and encourage neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt). In other words, creating, recreating, or composing music can assist individuals with deeply entrenched dysfunctional thought patterns to reprogram the brain and create new, more optimistic neural pathways. ^[2]

Music therapy can uncover underlying beliefs, emotions, repressed memories, and instinctive responses. These may be expressed through sounds, volume, or tempo, even when an individual is not actively trying to access the subconscious, offering a means with which to explore and address unconscious issues.

The process of engaging with music also invokes mindfulness, which has been found to support self-awareness, emotional regulation, resilience, and personal growth. Furthermore, music offers an emotional release along with a positive distraction from inner turmoil, without the need to verbalize complex emotions or distressing experiences.

How Music Therapy Supports Physical Health

On a physical level, calm music positively affects the nervous system and hormone levels, which helps the body and muscles to relax, not only reducing stress and improving mood, but also lowering blood pressure and heart rate, while easing muscle tension and supporting the overall protective ability of the immune system. ^[2]

Additionally, music therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation during surgery or treatment and raise oxytocin levels (a chemical linked to bonding, comfort, and pain relief). Similarly, music releases feel-good chemicals by stimulating the brain’s reward system, which both lowers pain and increases pain tolerance. ^[2]

Furthermore, research shows that music therapy may even help to regulate immune responses (specific reactions the immune system takes when it detects a threat), which shows promise in supporting recovery from serious illnesses like cancer. For this reason, it has been proposed that combining music therapy with modern technologies could potentially enhance tissue repair. ^[2]

Is Music Therapy the Same as Sound Therapy?

Music therapy and sound therapy (or sound healing) both align with the principle that music and sound can positively influence holistic health. However, these two approaches differ in terms of scientific recognition and the way in which sound is thought to invoke positive change. ^[3]

While the benefits of music therapy are widely supported by an abundance of research, the advantages of sound healing are less documented and formally regulated. For this reason, sound therapy is generally considered less effective than music therapy. ^[3]

Additionally, sound therapy views the intrinsic properties of sound (including frequency, pitch, rhythm, and more) as direct agents of healing. In other words, sound therapy views sound as an external force with the power to spark physical and energetic change. ^[3]

On the other hand, music therapy is based on a three-way interaction, involving the client, therapist, and music. This approach perceives music not simply as an external stimulus, but as a medium capable of promoting inner change in the realm of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. ^[3]

What Conditions Can Music Therapy Help With?

Music therapy shows promise as a complementary treatment for multiple mental and physical health conditions. These range from common psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression to stress-related conditions and pain management. Additionally, the modality has been found to support general well-being by improving speech, cognitive processes, and social connection.

Can Music Help With Mental Health Conditions?

While more research is needed to confirm the efficacy of music therapy on mental health conditions, there is evidence. Recent scientific literature shows promise, with numerous studies highlighting the potential of the modality to improve mental health. Below are some of the most common disorders for which emerging research has proposed further investigation.

Depression

A 2025 large-scale study found that music therapy was much more effective than standard care in easing symptoms of depression, along with improving overall quality of life and sleep. This positive effect was seen across all types of music therapy, regardless of how it was delivered or who provided it. ^[4]

Anxiety

Recent research conducted on the effect of music therapy on anxiety showed a moderate effect in reducing symptoms of the disorder. Participants reported feeling less anxious, with results suggesting that listening-based music therapy, or a combination of listening and active musical engagement, worked better than active types of music therapy alone. ^[5]

Schizophrenia

A study conducted in 2024 concluded that music therapy could be a helpful addition to standard treatment for people with schizophrenia, noting an improvement in their overall symptoms over five weeks. One reason for this may be that music therapy encourages social interaction and emotional engagement, which can help to reduce isolation and distress. ^[6]

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Another recent review investigating nine existing studies found that music therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms compared to traditional treatments alone. The results were consistent regardless of the original traumas experienced by participants, which included war, serious illness, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and wrongful imprisonment. ^[7]

Substance Use Disorders

A 2022 review found that music therapy may moderately increase motivation for addiction treatment and recovery, with findings showing an increase in engagement with the healing process. Results also revealed a possible boost in willingness to stay sober or substance-free, though the findings were not considered statistically significant. ^[8]

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Research shows that music therapy can offer significant benefits for individuals with autism, with a 2025 review finding that music-based interventions can contribute to improved verbal communication (including clearer speech sounds), social engagement, functional behavior, and overall quality of life. ^[9]

Eating Disorders

A recent large-scale review conducted on the effectiveness of music therapy for individuals with eating disorders found that across the studies investigated, common themes emerged around symptom management (including healthier eating and weight gain), reduced anxiety and mood difficulties, improved engagement in treatment, and personal growth. ^[10]

Can Music Therapy Help with Physical Illness?

Music therapy supports physical health in a number of ways. From relaxing and regulating the body’s stress levels and assisting with pain management to improving cardiovascular and hormonal health, and additionally supporting recovery from injuries or strokes, music therapy shows promise as a complementary intervention to modern medical treatments. ^[1]

In fact, a 2025 large-scale review that investigated 14 previous studies found that the majority showed music-based interventions to have had clear, positive effects on physical wellness. It was noted that approaches involving active rather than passive engagement with music tended to produce stronger and more effective results. ^[11]

Reduced Physical Stress Response

In recent years, researchers have become increasingly aware of the bidirectional mind-body relationship, where the well-being of the mind can impact the health of the body, and vice versa. In light of this, when a person experiences psychological stress, it can have harmful effects on the body, particularly the immune system. ^[11]

Furthermore, not only can stress weaken the immune system, but it can also activate the system’s natural defense response (inflammation) throughout the body, as opposed to a single area. When the body is excessively inflamed in this manner, it can cause vulnerability to illness and even decrease lifespan. ^[11]

Music therapy has been found to reduce psychiatric stress, which serves to soothe the body’s innate stress responses. This has been found to improve both the way in which the immune system functions, as well as how it responds to threats. As a result, music therapy can contribute to a decrease in inflammation and subsequent longevity.

Pain Management

Acute stress, or severe short-term stress, can change how sensitive the body is to pain, either raising or lowering the point at which pain is felt. In light of the fact that pain itself is a strong stressor, this can create a disruptive cycle that destabilizes the body by activating the HPA axis (another system responsible for physical stress responses). ^[11]

Fortunately, music therapy has been found to reduce pain and physical discomfort by triggering the release of endorphins (feel-good chemicals) and altering how pain is perceived. In light of this, music-based interventions can reduce distress and offer relief for individuals dealing with chronic pain or undergoing painful medical procedures. ^[11]

Cardiovascular and Hormonal Health

As stress can negatively impact the immune system and cause harmful levels of inflammation, it can also negatively impact the cardiovascular system, along with hormonal regulation. Although psychological stress cannot be completely eradicated, music therapy can positively contribute to an individual's adaptation to stress. ^[11]

This can reduce stress-related responses in the heart, blood vessels, and hormone systems. Specifically, music can improve heart rate, breathing, sweating, and other automatic body functions. This has the effect of speeding up recovery from illness and decreasing the risk of complications during medical procedures. ^[11]

Functional Mobility

In addition to assisting recovery from illness, music therapy has been found to benefit recovery from movement-related conditions by stimulating the brain’s pathways involved in mobility and coordination, which helps to reintegrate the brain and body. ^[11]

For example, a 2021 study found that a type of music-based intervention known as rhythmic auditory stimulation (which makes use of rhythmic sounds as cues) assisted in recovering walking ability after a brain injury. ^[11]

By connecting the brain’s hearing and movement systems, music therapy was found to facilitate smoother and more coordinated movement, along with improved stride length, step frequency, muscle function, and overall speed. ^[11]

Well-Being Benefits

In addition to the numerous mental and physical benefits of music therapy, the modality has been shown to improve motor skills related to speech and cognitive abilities linked to learning, memory, and thought sequencing. Furthermore, research has revealed that music therapy sessions conducted in groups can serve to enhance social support and emotional resilience.

Speech and Vocal Control

Rhythmic entrainment (a music-based intervention that makes use of rhythm and music to guide movement) can benefit speech. Specifically, it has been found to improve speaking rate, oral motor skills, articulation, voice quality, and breathing strength. For example, in therapies for a speech disorder known as aphasia, rhymic elements of singing were found to be as important as activating speech-related brain areas. ^{[11] [12]}

Learning, Memory, and Thought Organization

Rhythm and timing in music can also help to rewire the brain by supporting cognitive flexibility and brain development. As music is organized using timing and sequences, this can help the brain to process and remember information, as well as experience more structured and ordered thought processes. ^{[11] [12]}

With this in mind, individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders or learning difficulties can use music-based interventions to stimulate thinking and support the development of new skills. Studies have found that by linking information (such as words or numbers) to rhythmic and melodic patterns, music can make it easier to learn, organize, and recall information. ^{[11] [12]}

Social Support and Resilience

Music therapy is widely recognized for its ability to spark social connection and support, with reviews of community-based music therapy programs showing that group music activities can help individuals bond with others. This serves to reduce feelings of isolation and improve general well-being, especially in marginalized communities. ^[13]

Additionally, having strong social support plays a key role in emotional resilience, as relationships encourage, practical help, and guidance, all of which help to reduce the impact of stress. Research suggests that those with solid social support networks are more likely to cope effectively and maintain good mental health during difficult periods. ^[13]

Types of Music Therapy

Music therapy can be either active or passive, depending on whether an individual participates in creating music or simply listens and responds to it. Within these categories, compositional, recreative, and improvisational music therapy are active approaches, while receptive therapy falls into the passive division.

Each form of music therapy helps to bring underlying thoughts, emotions, and memories to the surface, which can then be expressed in either verbal or music-related manners, depending on an individual’s ability to articulate the experience. Once a distressing pattern has been acknowledged, it is then possible to process surrounding thoughts and emotions before focusing on solution-based thinking.

Receptive Music Therapy

Receptive music therapy is a passive form of music therapy that involves listening to calming preselected music, whether live or recorded, to evoke emotional responses and processing. Sessions may also include guided listening or music meditation to encourage relaxation and mindfulness. ^[14]

In this approach, a music therapist typically plays music for a client, who then reflects on their feelings, memories, or thoughts that arise from the experience. The client is then invited to respond by verbally sharing their thoughts, composing their own music, or expressing themselves through dance. ^[14]

Compositional Therapy

Compositional therapy is a type of music therapy in which a client can musically express themselves through writing song lyrics, using an instrument, or both, alongside a trained therapist. This offers individuals a creative means with which to reflect on personal experiences, express complex emotions, and process deep-rooted challenges. ^[14]

Considered an active form of music therapy, compositional therapy is especially beneficial for individuals processing grief or trauma, as the nonverbal element bridges the gap between conscious and unconscious thought. Additionally, composing music within a therapeutic setting has been found to benefit those experiencing self-esteem challenges. ^[14]

Recreative Music Therapy

Recreative music therapy is an active form of music therapy where a client is encouraged to reproduce precomposed or selected music played by the therapist. This typically involves singing along with the lyrics or mimicking instrumental parts before reflecting on and discussing the lyrics. ^[14]

A therapist then guides the client to reframe any dysfunctional or irrational thought patterns so as to improve perspective and mental well-being. This approach has also been found to benefit individuals with dementia, children with movement difficulties, and people with developmental challenges, due to its ability to refine motor skills. ^[14]

Improvisational Music Therapy

Improvisational music therapy involves clients spontaneously creating music by selecting instruments, using the voice, or experimenting with body percussion based on their mood or state of mind. This form of active music therapy allows clients to lead therapy sessions through the non-verbal expression of their inner landscape.

The music therapist will then interpret the client’s musical expression, which facilitates self-discovery and self-awareness. This approach encourages clients to make decisions, making it particularly useful for those with low confidence or difficulties with self-expression, such as trauma survivors. ^[14]

What a Music Therapy Session Looks Like

According to the Canadian National Music Institute, music therapy sessions can either be conducted individually or within a group setting. Sessions are typically scheduled once a week and are planned according to individual requirements so as to meet the specific goals of each client. ^[15]

Music therapy sessions vary in length, ranging from fifteen minutes to two hours, and group sizes typically fluctuate between three and fifteen participants. Having a predictable structure provides clients with a sense of familiarity and security, with sessions generally including an opening experience, one or more core therapeutic experiences, and a closing experience. ^[15]

Opening Experience

The opening experience of a music therapy session is designed to create a welcoming and safe environment. This typically begins with a “Hello Song” or musical introduction that may include the participant’s names to establish a personal connection with the therapist. During this time, clients are invited to check in by sharing their current emotional state. ^[15]

Core Therapeutic Experience

The core portion of a music therapy session typically includes one or more interactive music therapy techniques. For example, an improvisational music therapy session could take the form of participants selecting instruments based on their mood and abilities, with interactions that can be led by either the client or therapist. ^[15]

Closing Experience

The session concludes with a “Goodbye Song” or musical closing, similar to the “Hello Song”. This personalized melody also often incorporates the client’s names, and keeping the melody and words consistent can help participants transition smoothly from session to session by creating a sense of closure. ^[15]

Do I Need Musical Talent to Try Music Therapy?

Music therapy is not focused on training individuals to become musically proficient, but rather uses both passive and active techniques as a tool to invoke self-awareness, self-expression, and emotional processing. Additionally, research supports the fact that music can have a positive physiological effect on the brain and body, regardless of musical talent.

In light of this, it is not necessary to be a musician or to even consider oneself musically talented in order to benefit from the therapeutic process of listening to or creating music. In reality, the techniques used in music therapy are not centered on “technical” skill, and the modality can be used to treat both children and the elderly, along with individuals living with illness.

That said, many people have an inherent connection to music, and music therapy taps into this innate potential. Participants are not required to have prior musical knowledge or expertise, and sessions are gently guided by the music therapist to engage with a variety of instruments, sounds, and rhythmic exercises, chosen to suit each individual's unique challenges.

Ultimately, the goal of music therapy is to spark a direct connection to the unconscious mind, facilitate emotional release, inspire reflection, and promote personal growth. Through the use of various techniques, music therapy can bring memories, beliefs, and emotions to the surface that might otherwise remain hidden, allowing clients to process difficult experiences safely with the support of a trained professional.

Where Do Music Therapists Work?

A music therapist can work in a wide variety of settings where therapeutic support is provided, but most commonly in psychiatric hospitals or mental health facilities, as patients in these settings often gain significant benefit from the modality. Music therapists may also work in medical hospitals or have their own private practice.

Additionally, music therapists may also work in rehabilitation centers and outpatient clinics, providing treatment that patients can continue independently between sessions. Many music therapists focus on children, often working in schools, community centers, or after-school programs to support development and emotional well-being.

Other places a music therapist might work include:

• Daycare centers.

• Disability support agencies.

• Senior centers.

• Hospice programs.

• Correctional facilities.

• Transitional housing.

• Nursing homes.

Finding a Music Therapist

Although a large number of people may explore music outside of a therapeutic context and experience holistic benefits, working with a licensed music therapist is crucial for those with psychiatric disorders. This is due to the fact that qualified music therapists are extensively trained in psychotherapy before specializing in music-based interventions.

This means that music therapy is specifically designed to safely improve psychological and emotional well-being. This training is achieved through specialized education programs and registration with recognized professional associations, ensuring alignment with established standards of practice.

The first step in finding a licensed music therapist is to search online using terms like “music therapy” along with your location. After identifying potential therapists, it is recommended to verify each therapist’s credentials through your local professional or mental health regulatory body.

In the United States, the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) provides a directory of qualified music therapists that can be used to find registered professionals. Alternatively, regulated credentials such as “licensed mental health professional with additional music therapy training” or “board-certified music therapist” provide proof of an individual’s qualifications.

Things to Look Out For

After gathering a list of potential music therapists, the next step is to choose one whose style, personality, and methods align with your personal values and goals. The best place to begin is by exploring the therapist’s website, focusing on sections that describe their background, education, and approach to music therapy.

This can offer insight into how each therapist works with clients and the type of atmosphere they strive to create during sessions. You can also check whether the therapist is open to customizing activities such as songwriting, improvisation, or guided listening to fit your personal goals and preferred ways of expressing yourself.

However, it is important to focus more on the therapist’s professionalism rather than the specific musical techniques they may or may not offer. What matters most is finding a therapist who can provide a safe and supportive space where you feel comfortable exploring deep-rooted emotions, memories, or beliefs, and experience personal growth through music.

As you read about each potential therapist’s experience, pay attention to qualities that suggest they possess warmth, patience, and empathy. These traits have been shown to make a significant difference in the effectiveness of therapy, with research consistently showing that a trusting relationship between therapist and client is key.

Reading testimonials or reviews from previous clients can also help you to understand how the therapist connects with others and whether their approach might suit you. You can also inquire about whether a therapist offers consultations so you can ask questions and get a sense of how you might work together. Finally, before committing, it is a good idea to ask whether the therapist provides one-on-one sessions, group therapy, or both, so you can decide if you are comfortable with the format.

Everyday Music Listening versus Music Therapy

Music therapy and listening to music casually are both beneficial to holistic health. However, there is a vast difference between the two experiences, which differ in terms of purpose, guidance, efficacy, and safety considerations. In order to fully understand these distinctions in purpose, it is necessary to first become aware of what each entails. ^[16]

Regular music listening can take several forms, including: ^[16]

• Personalized music listening: This type of music listening involves an individual selecting music based on their own preferences and experiences.

• Background music listening: Background music listening takes the form of subtle accompaniment to daily activities without requiring focused attention.

• Leisure music listening: This approach centers on listening to music purely for enjoyment or entertainment, without any structured therapeutic purpose.

While everyday music listening can offer mild holistic benefits, it is not a substitute for professional psychiatric support, which offers evidence-based benefits beyond relaxation, entertainment, or even emotional resonance. In fact, there are a number of risk factors to consider before attempting to improve holistic well-being by listening to music at home. ^[16]

Most importantly, individuals with mental health conditions, a history of trauma, or sensory sensitivities require professional guidance to prevent or alleviate triggering negative emotional or behavioral responses. In some cases, music therapy can cause overwhelming emotions or memories to surface, in which case a music therapist can offer professional support. ^[16]

Music Therapy Pros and Cons

Music therapy has been shown to offer a wide range of holistic benefits through its versatile approach to supporting mental, physical, and cognitive well-being. However, as with any therapeutic modality, there are certain limitations that must be kept in mind when considering investing in the approach.

Pros of Music Therapy

• Shows promise in improving symptoms of multiple mental, physical, and cognitive health conditions.

• Provides a safe and creative space for emotional release and processing, self-discovery, and personal growth.

• Enhances social connection and support, along with emotional resilience, when conducted in a group setting.

• Functions effectively alongside standard medical and psychological treatments and offers additional benefits.

• Adaptable to various settings and individual cases, as it allows for flexibility regarding active participation versus passive listening.

• Provides a non-invasive, low-risk, and cost-effective complementary approach to holistic care.

Cons of Music Therapy

• Insurance may not cover music therapy as it is not considered to be a primary treatment, but rather viewed as a complementary approach.

• Individuals with mental health difficulties require traditional treatments such as talk-based therapies and medication, in addition to music therapy.

• People who are easily overstimulated by sounds or songs may find music therapy distressing.

• Inappropriate headphones may be uncomfortable or unsafe, especially for those with hearing aids or impairments.

• Individuals with cardiovascular, respiratory, or physical conditions should seek medical guidance before engaging in rhythmic or tempo-based exercises.

Final Thoughts

Music therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach that harnesses the power of music to support emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. Unlike at-home listening, which can promote enjoyment and relaxation, professional music therapy is carefully structured and guided by trained therapists to meet the specific clinical and psychiatric needs of each client.

While further research is needed, current scientific literature consistently highlights the broad benefits of music therapy as a complementary treatment. From alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other common mental health conditions to supporting physical recovery, motor coordination, cardiovascular health, and pain management, music offers a myriad of holistic advantages.

By encouraging individuals to engage with music based on their preferences, emotions, and mental state, music therapy provides a powerful vehicle for self-expression, reflection, and personal growth. The modality has not only been shown to relieve symptoms of mental, physical, and cognitive health conditions, but to improve overall quality of life.