Using Music to Process Trauma

The Healing Power of Music: A Guide to Processing Trauma

We've all experienced that pang in our chest when a song throws us back to a vivid memory, happy or sad. But what if those memories are tied to trauma? While it's tempting to banish those triggering songs to the deepest corners of your playlist, music can actually be a powerful tool for healing.

**Disclaimer**
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice. It is not a substitute for seeking professional help or advice from qualified mental health professionals.

Why Music Triggers Us

Music is deeply connected to our emotions. When we experience a significant event, the music playing at the time can become intricately woven into the memory. This is why a song can instantly transport us back to a specific time and place, complete with the emotions we felt then.

Turning Triggers into Tools

Facing those painful memories head-on can be scary, but with music as a guide, you can begin to heal. Here's how to embark on this journey:

Preparation is Key

1. Choose Your Space: Find a quiet, comfortable environment where you won't be interrupted. Light a candle, grab a cozy blanket, or surround yourself with anything that brings a sense of calm.
2. Set Your Intentions: Acknowledge that you might experience difficult emotions. This isn't about punishment, it's about processing and releasing.
3. Gather Your Support System: If possible, have a trusted friend or therapist available to talk to after the session, especially if dealing with recent trauma.

Embracing the Emotional Wave

1. Let the Music Flow: Start by listening to the song that triggers you. Pay attention to the emotions that arise: sadness, anger, fear – all are valid.
2. Body Check: Notice any physical sensations like tightness in your chest or rapid heartbeat. This is your nervous system responding to the emotions.
3. Feel with Compassion: Don't judge yourself for what you're feeling. Instead, approach the emotions with self-compassion and understanding.

Calming the Storm

1. Recognise Your Limits: If the emotions become overwhelming, hit pause. You can always revisit the song later when you feel more grounded.
2. Grounding Techniques: Practice deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to help regulate your nervous system.
3. Express Yourself: Journaling, painting, or talking to a trusted friend can help you process the emotions that surfaced.

Remember, Healing Takes Time

1. Be Patient with Yourself: Healing isn't linear. There will be good days and bad days. Treat yourself with kindness throughout the process.
2. Find Your Rhythm: Don't force yourself to listen if you're not ready. There will be times when music offers comfort and times when you need a break.
3. Celebrate Every Step: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Each time you confront your emotions, you're growing stronger.

Beyond the Playlist

Music therapy is a powerful tool for trauma recovery. A trained therapist can create a personalised music experience to help you process your emotions and rebuild your sense of self.

Embrace the Power Within

Music can be a double-edged sword. While it can trigger painful memories, it can also be a source of immense strength. By facing those triggers head-on, you can embody its healing potential and maybe, just maybe, the journey will become a little more bearable.  

@kinnayana Save for when you are brave enough! 🖤✨ It’s no lie that we can love the feelings that come back to our once favourite track. 💃 But listening to the music that takes us back into our pain is not for the faint hearted. Easier to delete it off our playlist never to revisit again. 💔 If you are brave enough, I truly believe this can be a form of a serious healing technique. But in case it overwhelms you, here is my advice: 1. Expect the memories to flood in. Go into this practice knowing fully that this can truly be a painful experience. So, manage your expectations. 👀 2. Make sure you are in your sacred safe space. Usually a practice like this needs a “spotter” or someone who can help you navigate the feelings, so if you cant have someone be there for you, make sure you can be in a comfortable space to protect your energy if it begins to take over. 🕯️✨ 3. It’s going to be a rough ride, but give yourself permission to feel whatever needs to be felt. If you want to cry, cry. If you need to scream, get a pillow but don’t try and hold back what comes up. Invite it in with love, compassion and no judgement. 🥰 4. Don’t punish yourself, know when to stop and come back to center. Your nervous system may be disregulating, and rather than processing it, you may end up reliving the experiences. So be kind to yourself. Stop when it gets too much and then regulate your nervous system. 🙏 5. Hands on your heart and stomach whilst you are in the practice. Trust your body, if you need to move, move. If you need to stand, stand. Intuitively trust what your body needs. ❤️‍🩹 And here is how to regulate the nervous system: - Movement: dance, stomp your feet, take a walk, hit a pillow, or shake like h3ll. 💃 - 2 sharp short breathes in, 1 long, stabilising breath out. This is the easiest way to regulate again. 😌 - take a rest. Sleep, eat and do something that will allow you to pull back into your center again. You can go as far as distracting yourself with a movie or series. 🛌 - Laugh. Put something funny on that is lighthearted and just laugh it out. 😂 - The container. Hold and embrace yourself. Wrap your arms again your body and give yourself some serious love. You deserve it. 🤗 - Call someone you trust and talk it out. You may just need someone who will listen whilst you process, especially if its a new wound. 🫂 - Go outside. Nature is the epitomy of regulation. Take your shoes off and ground yourself again. 🦋 - EFT tapping. But this one needs a bit of guidance. Its powerful though. 🤯 Let me know if this was helpful and if you want more of this kind of content ❤️ Love yourself. Trust yourself. #healingjourney #healingmusic #spiritualtiktok #loveyourself #healingprocess #memoriesbringback #traumahealing #selflovejourney #mentalhealthawareness #musicmagic #breathe #soulmusic #fyp #fypsounds #practice #embodiment #traumatok #nervoussystemregulation #musicmagic #healingtok #heartbroken #efttapping #moveformentalhealth #selfcare #selflovejourney #selflovebestlove ♬ green to blue (Sped Up) - Aurenth

Additional Resources:

• British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT): This organisation offers information about music therapy, including its benefits and how to find a qualified music therapist. They also provide resources for people with mental health conditions, including trauma.    www.bamt.org
• PTSD UK: This charity provides support and information for people affected by PTSD. They offer resources on coping strategies, including music therapy.  www.ptsduk.org
• Mind: This mental health charity provides information and support on a range of mental health issues, including trauma. They have resources on coping strategies and how to access mental health services.    https://www.mind.org.uk/ 
• The National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
• The American Music Therapy Association: https://www.musictherapy.org/