The Power of Music Therapy: How It Improves Mental Health

Discover How Music Therapy Reduces Anxiety, Eases Depression, and Supports Mental Wellness Naturally

By Jeannette Bryan aka @Fenxnette

Introduction

Music has long been considered a universal language a way to connect, express, and heal across cultures and generations. In the realm of mental health, music therapy has gained recognition as a scientifically supported, holistic approach to emotional and psychological well-being. Whether used in clinical settings or daily life, music has the power to calm anxiety, lift depression, and promote emotional regulation. In this article, we’ll explore how music therapy works, the science behind it, and real-world examples of its effectiveness.

ABSTRACT PICTURE OF MUSIC THERAPY

What Is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based intervention that uses music to achieve specific therapeutic goals. It is facilitated by a trained music therapist and can involve listening to music, writing songs, singing, or playing instruments (American Music Therapy Association [AMTA], 2020).

It’s more than just enjoying your favorite song—music therapy is personalized, goal-oriented, and scientifically grounded.

Mental Health Benefits of Music Therapy

1. Reduces Anxiety and Stress

Research shows that music therapy can significantly lower cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. A meta-analysis found that music interventions reduced anxiety in 68% of participants in both clinical and non-clinical environments (de Witte et al., 2020).

Example: Hospital patients undergoing surgery who listened to calming music before and after procedures reported lower levels of anxiety and required less sedative medication.

2. Improves Symptoms of Depression

Music therapy helps individuals with depression express emotions they may struggle to verbalize. According to a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, individuals receiving music therapy alongside standard care showed greater improvement in mood and motivation compared to those who received standard care alone (Erkkilä et al., 2011).

Example: Patients participated in songwriting sessions to articulate their emotional struggles, which led to noticeable improvements in their sense of identity and self-worth.

3. Supports Trauma Recovery

Music therapy is effective in addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It allows individuals to process traumatic experiences in a non-verbal, safe environment. In veterans, music-based interventions have helped reduce intrusive memories and sleep disturbances (Landis-Shack et al., 2021).

Example: A group drumming program with veterans helped improve group cohesion, emotional release, and reduced PTSD symptoms.

4. Enhances Emotional Regulation in Children and Teens

In children with autism spectrum disorder or emotional disorders, music therapy improves social skills and emotional expression. It encourages engagement through rhythm and melody, which can be less intimidating than direct verbal communication (Geretsegger et al., 2014).

Example: Children who engaged in rhythm-based activities with a therapist showed increased attention spans, better mood, and improved peer interaction.

5. Boosts Cognitive Function and Mindfulness

Music stimulates multiple regions of the brain simultaneously supporting memory, focus, and mindfulness. Mindful listening or guided music meditation enhances self-awareness and promotes inner calm (Bradt & Dileo, 2014).

Example: Adults in cognitive-behavioral therapy who practiced music-assisted mindfulness reported improved focus, fewer intrusive thoughts, and better emotional control.

Why It Works: The Neuroscience of Music

Music stimulates the limbic system, including the amygdala (emotion), hippocampus (memory), and prefrontal cortex (decision-making). It can regulate heart rate, respiration, and hormone levels, creating a mind-body balance. Dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, is released when we engage with pleasurable music—offering natural, safe mood enhancement (Salimpoor et al., 2011).

Music Therapy in Practice: Clinical and Community Impact

• Hospitals: Used for pain relief, anxiety management, and patient morale.

• Schools: Helps students manage stress and improve focus.

• Rehabilitation centers: Assists in emotional healing from addiction or trauma.

• Elder care: Helps dementia patients with memory recall and reduces isolation.

Conclusion

Music therapy is not a magic fix, but a powerful, evidence-backed tool that transforms how we manage mental health. Its non-invasive nature makes it accessible and appealing to a wide range of people, from children facing emotional challenges to adults coping with anxiety, depression, or trauma.

Whether you're listening to a soulful track, creating your own song, or participating in a guided music session—music has the power to soothe, strengthen, and heal.

References

American Music Therapy Association. (2020). What is music therapy? https://www.musictherapy.org/about/musictherapy/

Bradt, J., & Dileo, C. (2014). Music interventions for mechanically ventilated patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (12). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006902.pub3

de Witte, M., Spruit, A., van Hooren, S., Moonen, X., & Stams, G. J. J. M. (2020). Effects of music interventions on stress-related outcomes: A meta-analysis. Health Psychology Review, 14(2), 274–296. https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2019.1627897

Erkkilä, J., Punkanen, M., Fachner, J., Ala-Ruona, E., Pöntiö, I., Tervaniemi, M., ... & Gold, C. (2011). Individual music therapy for depression: Randomised controlled trial. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 199(2), 132-139. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.110.085431

Geretsegger, M., Elefant, C., Mössler, K. A., & Gold, C. (2014). Music therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (6). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004381.pub3

Landis-Shack, N., Heinz, A. J., Bonn-Miller, M. O., & Smelson, D. A. (2021). Music therapy as a complementary treatment for PTSD. Journal of Music Therapy, 58(3), 234–258. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/thaa015

Salimpoor, V. N., Benovoy, M., Longo, G., Cooperstock, J. R., & Zatorre, R. J. (2011). The rewarding aspects of music listening are related to degree of emotional arousal. PloS one, 6(10), e26308. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0026308