What to expect from sound healing

Every sound

healing

session is unique

Everybody reacts to
sound in diverse ways

It amazes me how people’s reactions can differ, depending on the instrument. Everything is information! If a client really doesn’t like a particular sound, or their body is reacting to it by sending signals of discomfort, I can use that information to explore more deeply with them.

How long do sessions last for?

Sessions typically last for an hour to an hour and a half, and during this time, you will be either seated or lying down comfortably. It can sometimes be difficult to let go at first – our minds naturally wander and we exist in a busy, loud society. It generally takes around 10/15 minutes to begin to let go. Once you lean into the experience and receive the sound, that’s when the magic happens.

What does it feel like for clients?

Receiving sound induces a meditative state - it takes your brainwaves into the theta phase, which is where you need to be to heal – activating the right brain and deactivating the left brain.

When the right brain is more active, experiences are more about feeling than thinking or analysing.  Some clients describe this state as like being asleep, while still being conscious. A dreamlike state where connections can be made.

After the session, you might feel ‘spacey’ – that’s normal! Often clients will feel grounded and energised at the same time. It’s a beautiful experience. I’ll give you time to come back to earth and then we can discuss your experience.  You are welcome to say as little or as much as you choose. Then, if you wish, I will share my observations. 

A lot of the impact of sound healing happens after the session itself. I always recommend paying attention in the 48 hours after a session to see what comes up.

Receiving sound is kind of like ‘forced’ meditation, helping you to rejuvenate in the midst of your busy life

Who is sound healing for?

Everybody! If you want to take some time out of your busy life to properly relax and recover from the stresses of it all, then please come along. It can support your nervous system to recover from the pressures of life. But if you’re interested in trying it because you have an illness, perhaps chronic pain, or you are experiencing challenges with your mental health, then you could also gain a lot from it. I recommend a set of weekly treatments for a month if we are working on something like chronic pain or trapped trauma.

Is there work that needs to be done alongside the sessions to get the most out of them?  

It’s a co-created process, in which you are responsible for your own healing between sessions. Just like with talking therapy, you can learn the lessons with the help of a therapist, but nothing will change if you don’t act on them. If something particular comes to light in a session, then that’s information and you choose what to do with it.

This process works best when approached holistically, like most things in life. 

The combination of a good diet, exercise, a strong support network, and the ability to be introspective, lean into change and be open to making behaviour changes will put you in a strong position to heal and make the most of the therapy. 

Is sound healing good for people who want to maintain general health, rather than to heal something in particular?

You don’t have to be ill or be in crisis to benefit from sound healing. Humans who live in tribes benefit from so much healing as a natural part of communal living. People’s needs are attended to routinely, not just when in crisis. Whole tribes come together to sing and to commune regularly as a part of life, because they understand the power of sound for maintaining community wellness.

My therapeutic offering

Before I begin work with a client, we always talk about what is going on in their life, and they can share as much or as little as they like. From here, the direction we take is co-created in response to their needs.

I offer sound therapy with a range of instruments, depending on what feels appropriate. If a client needs grounding, I’ll use my Tibetan bowls. Or maybe if there’s a trauma blockage, I might turn to the activating crystal bowls, or my gong.

I also offer sound massage, when I put the bowls directly on the body. They can also be filled with warm water. The vibrations travel deep into the tissue and soothe aches and pain.

I host group sound baths, too, which are brilliant for community healing. If there’s a difficult or traumatic event that has  affected many people at once, a group sound bath can be a good way to bring everybody together for a shared healing experience. They’re also good for special occasions!

Brillo and I enjoy co-creating immersive soundscapes for larger groups

I also treat people using rhythm medicine – using drums and other percussion instruments to work on mental and physical health challenges, trauma, and pain. Rhythm medicine is often most effective when movement is incorporated. Shaking and dancing can be so healing and empowering. I also find that these sessions really help to build a sense of trust between myself and my clients.

What’s really important is that, while some experiences will take place during the session,  a lot of the therapeutic process takes place after the session. You might feel a shift in mood or thinking later that night, or the next day. That’s why I am available by email and on the phone for aftercare, to facilitate and support your healing process. 

If you’d like to discover if sound healing could be with you, please get in touch. I’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have.