Sound Therapy

What is sound therapy?

Sound therapy is a holistic healing technique that uses various forms of sound to improve physical and emotional well-being. This therapy involves the use of instruments like singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks and even the human voice to create sounds that promote relaxation, reduce stress and enhance overall health.

The history of sound therapy dates back thousands of years. Ancient cultures such as the Greeks, Egyptians and Indigenous peoples recognised the power of sound for healing and spiritual practices. In ancient Greece, for example, music was used to ease stress, help with sleep and soothe pain. Pythagoras, the famous mathematician, is often credited with developing the concept of ‘musical medicine’ using sound frequencies to treat various ailments.

What is sound therapy used for?

In modern times, sound therapy has evolved and been integrated into various wellness practices. Researchers and practitioners have explored how sound frequencies can influence brainwave patterns, leading to states of deep relaxation and meditative consciousness. This has led to the development of various sound-based therapies, including music therapy, binaural beats and sound baths, which are widely used today for their therapeutic benefits.

Are there different types of sound therapy?

Yes, there are numerous different types of sound therapy, and each type offers unique benefits. Many people find certain methods more effective or enjoyable than others, meaning trying different types is often recommended to see which resonates best with you. Here are some examples of the different forms of sound therapies available:

Therapy Type	Description	Benefits
Tuning fork therapy	Uses tuning forks to apply specific vibrations to different parts of the body.	Relieves tension, stress and pain by balancing the body’s energy.
Vibroacoustic therapy	Uses sound waves and vibrations applied directly to the body through special chairs or beds with speakers.	Reduces pain, improves mobility and enhances relaxation.
Singing bowl therapy	Uses Tibetan or crystal singing bowls to create resonant sounds.	Induces a meditative state, reduces stress and promotes healing.
Gong bath	Participants are immersed in sound waves produced by gongs.	Facilitates deep relaxation, stress relief and emotional release.
Binaural beats	Involves listening to two slightly different frequencies in each ear, processed by the brain as a single rhythmic beat.	Enhances focus, meditation and relaxation.
Guided meditation with sound	Combines spoken guidance with background sounds or music.	Achieves meditative state, reduces anxiety and improves mental clarity.
Music therapy	Uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs through listening, playing instruments or composing music.	Improves overall well-being.
Mantra and chanting	Repeating specific sounds, words or phrases (mantras).	Focuses the mind, reduces stress and promotes peace and clarity.
Nature sounds therapy	Listening to recordings of natural sounds such as rain, ocean waves or birdsong.	Reduces stress, improves sleep and enhances relaxation.

Is sound therapy used in addiction treatment?

Sound therapy is becoming a valuable part of addiction treatment, providing a soothing and holistic approach to recovery. Using different forms of therapy helps promote relaxation, reduce stress, and boost mental well-being, all of which are vital in the recovery stage.

For many, sound therapy significantly eases stress and anxiety, which are often triggers for substance use. Techniques like sound baths, where you’re surrounded by the calming waves of gongs or singing bowls, create a deeply relaxing atmosphere that can help calm your mind. Additionally, it can improve sleep quality, a common struggle for those in recovery. Simple tools like white noise machines or listening to gentle music can create a serene environment, helping you get a good night’s rest.

Music therapy allows you to express emotions that might be hard to put into words. Whether you’re creating or just listening to music, it can be a powerful way to process the complex feelings that come with addiction and recovery. Moreover, sound therapy can enhance mindfulness practices, helping you focus and find a meditative state. This can be incredibly beneficial in building resilience and developing healthy coping skills.

In fact, research is very much in favour of using sound therapy in addiction treatment. A meta-analysis found that music therapy is effective in regulating emotions and subjective outcomes, something which is crucial in the recovery stage.

Research in other studies also suggests that music therapy helps to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety and cravings in those with SUD.

What can I expect to happen in a sound therapy session?

In a sound therapy session used to treat addiction, you can expect a serene and supportive environment designed to help you relax and heal. Here’s a glimpse of what such a session might look like:

Initial consultation: Your therapist will likely begin with a discussion about your current state of mind, your addiction history and your goals for the session. This helps tailor the therapy to your specific needs.
Comfortable setting: You’ll be guided to a comfortable space, often a room with soft lighting and a tranquil ambience. You might lie down on a mat or sit in a cosy chair, whatever makes you feel most at ease.
Introduction to instruments: The therapist will introduce you to the instruments used in the session, such as singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks or even musical instruments. Each has unique vibrations and sounds designed to promote relaxation and healing.
Immersion in sound: The main part of the session involves immersing you in sound. The therapist will play the instruments in a way that allows the vibrations to wash over and through you. This can help quiet your mind, reduce stress and foster a deep sense of peace.
Guided meditation: Sometimes, the therapist might incorporate guided meditation, using the sounds to help you focus and enter a meditative state. This can enhance mindfulness and help you stay present, which is beneficial in recovery.
Reflection and discussion: After the sound immersion, there’s usually time for reflection. You might discuss what you felt and experienced during the session. This is an opportunity to process any emotions that came up and to understand how the therapy is helping your recovery.
Personalised follow-up: Based on your feedback, the therapist may offer personalised tips or exercises to continue the benefits of sound therapy between sessions. This could include simple sound practices you can do at home to maintain a sense of calm and well-being.

Does Oasis Bradford use sound therapy in addiction treatment?

At Oasis Bradford, we firmly believe that healing from addiction means caring for the whole self—both body and mind. That’s why we include sound therapy for addiction in our treatment programmes.

Sound therapy sessions create a calming environment which can promote a deep sense of peace and balance, which is essential for those navigating the challenges of addiction recovery.

However, we want to be clear that while we are strong advocates for sound therapy in addiction treatment, it is not a standalone solution. We integrate it as part of a broader, holistic strategy that includes various other effective practices, such as art therapy and yoga sessions.

By combining sound therapy with other therapeutic approaches, we ensure that each person receives comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to their unique needs. This holistic approach helps pave the way for a more complete and lasting recovery.

For more information on addiction treatment and the usage of sound therapy, reach out to Oasis Bradford today. We’re available 24/7 with a dedicated and professional team ready to lend a helping hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between music therapy and sound therapy?

Music therapy involves the use of music by a trained therapist to address the emotional, cognitive, social, and physical needs of individuals, often involving structured activities like singing, playing instruments, or composing music. Sound therapy, on the other hand, uses specific sounds, tones, and frequencies to promote healing and well-being, focusing on the physical effects of sound vibrations and often involving passive listening rather than active participation.

Does sound healing really work?

Some studies and anecdotal evidence support the effectiveness of sound healing, suggesting that it can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote relaxation through the use of specific frequencies and vibrations. However, scientific consensus is not fully established, and more rigorous research is needed to conclusively determine its efficacy and the mechanisms behind its potential benefits.

(Click here to see works cited)

Sounding Bodies: Music and the Making of Biomedical Science, direct.mit.edu/books/oa-monograph/5446/Sounding-BodiesMusic-and-the-Making-of-Biomedical. Accessed 16 July 2024.
Hohmann L, Bradt J, Stegemann T, Koelsch S. Effects of music therapy and music-based interventions in the treatment of substance use disorders: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2017 Nov 15;12(11):e0187363. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187363. PMID: 29141012; PMCID: PMC5687713.
Fachner J, Maidhof C, Murtagh D, De Silva D, Pasqualitto F, Fernie P, Panin F, Michell A, Muller-Rodriguez L, Odell-Miller H. Music therapy, neural processing, and craving reduction: an RCT protocol for a mixed methods feasibility study in a Community Substance Misuse Treatment Service. Addict Sci Clin Pract. 2023 May 27;18(1):36. doi: 10.1186/s13722-023-00385-y. PMID: 37245018; PMCID: PMC10225077.

Disclaimer:

The availability of therapies may vary across UKAT centres. The specific therapies provided will be determined based on your treatment plan and the programme offered at your chosen facility. All treatments are subject to clinical assessment and programme availability at the time of admission. For further details on the therapies included in your treatment plan, please contact our admissions team.