Music Therapy & Counselling for Managing Depression

Depression can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. It can weigh you down emotionally and physically, affecting your energy, sleep, relationships, and sense of self. Whether it builds slowly or hits suddenly, depression often makes you feel isolated and misunderstood. Music therapy and counselling can ease symptoms of depression and help individuals reconnect with themselves and the world around them.

Benefits of Music Therapy and Counselling for Depression:

• Stimulates the production of dopamine, a “feel-good” brain chemical that is often low in people who experience depression

• Helps release emotions and express feelings that might be hard to put into words

• Boosts motivation and interest, especially in those who feel withdrawn or emotionally numb

• Lowers stress and supports relaxation, which can ease both the emotional and physical effects of depression

• Builds a sense of connection and belonging, especially during group music-making or shared sessions

How Does it Work?

Our therapists at Elements Music Therapy & Counselling offer a safe space to unpack your thoughts, explore past experiences, and gain insight into what is contributing to your depression. It can build understanding, encourage self-compassion, and help create and reinforce pathways to healing.

This process is deepened with the safe and intentional use of music, Music gives voice to the emotions that words struggle to capture. Whether it’s through listening to music, playing an instrument, or writing lyrics for a song, music helps bridge the gap between emotion and expression. Our therapists will guide you through the process so no previous music experience is necessary. 

What Happens in a Session?

While we are primarily person-centred and strengths-based, we will also draw on various therapeutic approaches that may best fit your needs. These include: 

Mindfulness-Based Techniques

• Combines mindfulness techniques with music to stay present and reduce depressive rumination

• Slow, repetitive musical patterns encourage relaxation and body awareness

• Improvised or guided music listening can help you reconnect with moment-to-moment experiences

• Mindful music engagement promotes self-compassion and emotional regulation

• Supports relapse prevention by teaching skills to manage mood fluctuations using music 

Cognitive-Behavioural Techniques

• Melody and rhythm support mood tracking and emotional expression (Aalbers et al., 2017). Lyric-analysis can help identify and challenge negative thought patterns, as well as encourage psychological flexibility 

• Musical improvisation provides real-time opportunities to shift emotional states and experiment with new responses (Aalbers et al., 2017)

• Songwriting allows space to transform hopeless or self-critical thoughts into more empowering narratives

• Principles are reinforced through music-based discussion, reflection and journaling exercises

Psychodynamic and Relational Techniques

• Music becomes a bridge to hidden feelings, fostering deeper emotional breakthroughs (Erkkilä et al., 2011)

• Improvisation and songwriting can allow unconscious themes and early emotional patterns to surface

• Musical choices and responses provide insight into relational dynamics and internal conflicts

• Exploring sound and silence offers a safe way to process unresolved grief or trauma

• The therapeutic relationship is mirrored and explored through music, deepening understanding of self-awareness and relational patterns

Narrative Techniques

• Songs and compositions help reframe life stories through sound

• Creating  personal soundtracks or playlists to externalize depression and highlight resilience

• Music-based storytelling fosters identity reconstruction beyond the illness

• Shared music in group settings builds community, connection, and hope

• Song lyrics become metaphors for change, helping individuals reclaim their voice and agency 

Music therapy and counselling support both the cognitive and emotional experience of depression, while also addressing the physical sensations and energy depletion often associated with it. This integrative approach helps individuals not only understand and challenge the cognitive roots of depression, but also reconnect with creativity, motivation, and meaning through music. 

Music Therapy and Counselling for Depression in Action

• Creative Rituals for Daily Structure: Incorporating short musical routines (like intentionally listening to your favourite music or dancing to your favourite songs) can help bring routine and pleasure back into daily life.

• Mood Tracking with Music: We can explore how different types of music affect mood and create playlists that support your emotional needs throughout the week.

• Guided Music Meditation: We may use calming music to support deep breathing and mindfulness, creating space for reflection and emotional grounding.

• Songwriting for Self-Expression: We will support you in writing lyrics or creating music that reflects your emotions, helping to externalize inner pain and reconnect with your identity.

Is Music Therapy and Counselling Right for You?

Music therapy and counselling can be a wonderful option, especially if you enjoy music or feel drawn to the therapeutic power of sound. Our approach can provide a well-rounded solution for managing depression. 

Who Can Benefit?

• Individuals of any age experiencing depression

• People who find it difficult to express their feelings in words

• Those feeling emotionally disconnected or creatively blocked

• Individuals recovering from trauma, grief, or chronic stress

This integrative approach can offer deep emotional healing, creative exploration, and a renewed sense of self. If you're feeling stuck or weighed down by depression, we can help bring light and movement back into your life.

Have you experienced music therapy or counselling for managing depression? Reach out to us to explore how we can support your mental health. Click here to book your free consultation now.

References

Aalbers, S., Fusar-Poli, L., Freeman, R. E., Spreen, M., Ket, J. C., Vink, A. C., Maratos, A., Crawford, M., Chen, X. J., & Gold, C. (2017). Music therapy for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 11, CD004517. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004517.pub3

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