How does Sound Therapy Work?
My Sound Story
Sound has been a thread in my life for as long as I can remember—from childhood nights banging pots and pans, to listening to the shifting moods of Lake Michigan, to the joy of singing and learning the flute. Over time, percussion and the deep resonance of gongs and bowls captured my heart.
My real awakening to sound’s healing power began in my massage practice. I discovered that using singing bowls could help a client with Parkinson’s find relief from tremors. Later, during a season of profound personal loss, a group sound immersion gave me the first glimpse of light through paralyzing grief. The vibrations, the shared presence, the resonance—they helped me begin to return to myself.
When the pandemic changed how we gather, the bowls called to me again. This time, they became a way to bring comfort and calm to women navigating anxiety and isolation from home.
Through every chapter, sound has been my guide—helping me, and those I serve, find peace, resilience, and a deeper sense of connection.
What is sound therapy?
Sound therapy is the use of vibration and sound in a therapeutic manner to evoke change to a person's wellbeing. It is especially effective in reducing stress and anxiety by lowering the breath rate and brain wave states.
Tonal instruments, such as metal singing bowls, gongs, drums and chimes, are played in rhythmic patterns to allow the client to achieve a state of deep, non-sleep relaxation.
What should I expect?
Individual sessions: Much like my massage therapy sessions, each sound therapy experience is uniquely tailored to your body, mind, and spirit in the moment. Come prepared by wearing comfortable clothing without button or metal, and bring a covered water bottle for hydration.
Sessions begin with setting your goals. Next I select instruments whose frequencies, vibrations, and resonances are designed to support the outcomes you seek. Percussion and tonal instruments deliver therapeutic sound—some gently placed on the body, others positioned around you to create a cocoon of resonance.
Group experiences: Coming together as a group can provide a profound way to experience wellness and healing. Comfortably supported on the floor, a couch or zero gravity chair, you will be surrounded by sounds and vibrations from singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and a variety of percussion instruments. Each person experiences the sound differently, but all arrive at the end relaxed and renewed.
Come prepared by wearing comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat, a blanket or 2 for support and warmth, a bolster or pillow for under knees, socks, a covering for eyes, and a covered water bottle for hydration. Some like to journal their experience. Bring your journal and writing instrument if that sounds good to you!
How does sound therapy work?
Vibration, frequency and resonance help to balance the systems of the body, quiet the mind and slow the breathing and heart rate, bringing a state of relaxation and calmness.
The instruments used are played in a manner that uses rhythm and musical intervals to bring about different sensations in the body, mind and emotions. Sound therapy is effective in-person and via recording or Zoom.
As I create virtual sound events, they will be available here.
In-Person Sound Immersion Journeys
Kalamazoo, MI
3rd Sunday of each month
Gather with friends old and new in my mid-century modern living room for a journey in sound that could feature all of my instruments, or just a couple.
The instruments will be chosen based on a theme for the day, and the goal is to let yourself be cocooned in gentle sounds, let your mind be free, and your body relax.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Loved, loved, loved the sound immersion. It was restorative, healing and relaxing ... Just what I needed. Thanks!!
I enjoyed ALL of the various instruments -- the sound was cohesive. Each sound gave me such an interesting feeling. These sound immersions are so relaxing. Let the sounds move you -- and they do! I'll keep signing up.
My cells were dancing with happiness!