Sound Therapy | Benefits and How It’s Used

Sound therapy has emerged as a promising approach in addiction rehab, utilising the power of vibrations to promote healing. Its non-invasive and gentle nature makes it a popular choice for individuals seeking a holistic approach to addiction recovery. After a sound therapy session, many people report feeling relaxed, balanced, and rejuvenated, making it a valuable tool in the journey towards overcoming addiction.

What Is sound therapy?

The techniques can be conducted using a variety of instruments, such as chimes, gongs, drums, tuning forks or computer technology. A sound therapist will use these mediums to create specific patterns, frequencies and rhythms to conjure up a detailed emotional response. For example, certain ambient sounds and frequencies are used in this therapy to create a relaxing soundscape, aiming to produce a sense of calm and safety in the person undergoing therapy.

More rigorous research must be carried out to understand, in more detail, how sound therapy works and impacts the brain. However, what is known is that the practice has benefitted many people in their healing journey and allowed them to recover more successfully.

What sound therapy is offered at Linwood House?

At Linwood House, we offer Gong therapy once per week in a group setting. Better known as a gong bath, clients lay comfortably on mats with a duvet and pillow, and a gong is used to send vibration waves through the room.

How does sound therapy help in addiction treatment?

Addiction is a condition that impacts an individual’s physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual state. Talking therapy has successfully treated many aspects of addiction, though many other parts of the individual’s well-being are being looked over. This is where sound therapy comes in.

The harmonics of the gong are set at frequencies that align with our own frequencies. Similar to a ripple in water, the vibrations from the gong travel to and vibrate the water molecules in our bodies, giving us an internal massage. This starts to slow down the beta state (normal waking consciousness) to the theta state (usually accessed during sleep), and is where we store our memories, personal history and deeper trauma. While digging into these thoughts actively can be difficult as they are repressed, gong therapy helps us access this state and process healthily.

Why Is sound therapy helpful in rehab?

Depending on the person and their beliefs, vibrational healing may serve a different purpose on their healing journey. For some, the practice may help lower stress levels to cope with withdrawals and cravings to get through the initial trying time of recovery. Others see the practice as a way to process trauma and heal their spirit on a deeper level.

However, it is important to know that each individual’s recovery journey in rehab will look very different. Humans are incredibly complex beings with varied experiences and journeys to get where we are today. For this reason, sound healing may not work for everyone when recovering, or it could make all the difference!

How does Linwood House utilise sound therapy in the recovery process?

At Linwood House, we recognise sound therapy’s profound impact on addiction recovery. Gong bath is a powerful tool that utilises the healing properties of sound waves to support individuals in their journey towards sobriety.

One of the key benefits of sound therapy in addiction rehab is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Addiction often takes a toll on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being, leading to heightened stress levels. Sound therapy at Linwood House helps to alleviate this stress by promoting deep relaxation and creating a sense of inner calm. The soothing sounds and vibrations can also help individuals to regulate their emotions, reducing the need for substances as a coping mechanism.

In addition, sound therapy can enhance mindfulness and self-awareness, which are crucial aspects of addiction recovery. Through sound therapy, individuals learn to connect with their inner selves and develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and triggers. This heightened self-awareness can empower individuals to make healthier choices and develop effective coping strategies, reducing the risk of relapse. Sound therapy can also improve sleep quality, boost mood, and increase overall well-being, providing individuals with the support they need to maintain their sobriety and thrive in their recovery journey.

At Linwood House, we believe in the holistic approach to addiction recovery, and sound therapy is an integral part of our comprehensive treatment programme. Our compassionate and experienced team utilises sound therapy as a powerful tool to support individuals in their quest for lasting recovery. We are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can experience sound therapy’s transformative benefits and embark on a healthier, happier, and substance-free life.

Take the next step with Linwood House

Addiction comes in many forms, but our rehab programmes are comprised of therapies proven to help you free yourself from addiction’s grip and regain control of your life. Holistic treatments like sound therapy work alongside traditional talk therapies to help heal you from the ground up. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help.

Frequently asked questions

Are sound therapy and music therapy the same thing?

Although both use vibrations to improve overall well-being, there is a difference between sound and music therapy. Sound therapy uses specific frequencies and harmonies to heal the body, whereas music therapy is much more diverse.

Music therapy involves the therapeutic use of musical composition, songwriting and movement to achieve a desired emotional response. This may include voice toning, dancing and moving, singing, guided meditations and listening to specific healing music.

Can I do sound therapy on myself?

Yes, you can practise sound therapy on yourself using tools like singing bowls, tuning forks, or recorded sound frequencies. Engaging in activities like chanting, listening to calming music, or guided sound meditations can also be beneficial.

How long should sound therapy typically be?

Sound therapy sessions can vary in length but typically last between 30 to 60 minutes. It’s essential to choose a duration that feels comfortable for you, allowing enough time to relax and absorb the effects of the sound.

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.