Music therapy is a field that has been gaining recognition in recent years for its ability to help people heal and cope with various health challenges. While some may be skeptical of the power of music to aid in recovery, there are countless individuals who have experienced its benefits firsthand. I had the opportunity to speak with someone who underwent music therapy as part of their journey to wellness and wanted to share their story.

Alexis* had been struggling with anxiety and depression for years, and traditional talk therapy wasn’t making much of a difference. “I felt like I was just talking in circles and not really getting anywhere,” she explained. “It was frustrating and demoralizing.”

It wasn’t until her therapist suggested trying music therapy that Alexis began to see a real change in her mental health. “I was skeptical at first, to be honest. I didn’t really understand how music could help me,” she said. “But from the very first session, I felt something shift inside me.”

Alexis described her music therapist as someone who was “incredibly intuitive and skilled.” Together, they worked on using music to help Alexis regulate her emotions and manage her anxiety. “We started by just listening to music and talking about how it made me feel,” she explained. “But then we started incorporating things like drumming and movement into our sessions.”

According to Alexis, the act of playing music and moving to the beat helped her release pent-up emotions and connect with her body in a way that talk therapy never had. “I felt like I was finally able to express things that I didn’t even have words for before,” she said. “It was like the music was speaking for me.”

Over time, Alexis noticed a significant improvement in her mental health. “I was sleeping better, I wasn’t as anxious all the time, and I just felt more in control of my emotions,” she said. “It was like music therapy had unlocked something inside me that I didn’t even know was there.”

Alexis is not alone in her experience. Research has shown that music therapy can be effective in treating a wide range of health issues, from depression and anxiety to chronic pain and even Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have also found that music therapy can help improve cognitive function, boost immune system function, and lower blood pressure.

While music therapy may not be a cure-all for every health challenge, Alexis believes that it has the power to help many people who are struggling. “I never would have thought that music could have such a profound impact on my mental health, but it really did,” she said. “I think more people should know about this therapy and have access to it.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue or chronic illness, it may be worth considering music therapy as a complementary form of treatment. While it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, it could be a powerful tool in helping you on your journey to wellness.