Music can serve as therapy. Here’s how it can help reduce anxiety.

*There are times, particularly after an emotional day at work, when heavy rock music relaxes me. Photo: Pexels*

(Raymond Leone/ Washington Post) — Music can have a profound effect on us. It can improve our physical and mental health by helping to reduce blood pressure, alleviate stress and lead to a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that affects our mood and sense of happiness, research shows.

As a music therapist working in a hospital, I use music to help reduce anxiety in patients. A review of 19 randomized controlled trials showed “an overall decrease in self-reported anxiety” among healthy individuals after listening to music, and a study I participated in found that a music therapy session resulted in positive outcomes for some patients.

I start with music that matches the patient’s frame of mind and slowly shift to more soothing themes. I find that their mood and affect will often follow. It’s called entrainment. We “entrain” to the music and follow along, both mentally and physically. (…)

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