Music Therapy at The Fullbrook Center
Healing Through Sound, Expression, and Connection
At The Fullbrook Center, we understand that healing doesn’t always come through words alone. Sometimes, everything a woman carries—the grief, the shame, the anger, the longing—needs a different outlet. That’s why we offer Music Therapy, a powerful and evidence-based tool that allows our clients to explore, express, and heal through the universal language of sound.
In a place where we ask women to do hard things to heal, music therapy offers another path inward—gentle yet profound, creative yet grounded in science. Whether it’s through playing instruments, writing songs, or simply listening to carefully selected music, these sessions can help bring what’s buried inside to the surface, where it can be safely explored and released.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a clinical practice that uses music interventions—such as listening, improvising, singing, making music, or songwriting—within a therapeutic relationship to support healing. Guided by trained, certified music therapists, each session is tailored to the unique needs of the individual, promoting mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
At The Fullbrook Center, our music therapy sessions are designed to meet each woman where she is. For some, that may look like receptive music therapy, where they are guided to reflect while listening to music. For others, it’s active music therapy, where they might be playing instruments, writing lyrics, or exploring rhythm and movement. In all forms, the goal is the same: to reconnect women with themselves, reduce emotional distress, and foster deeper awareness and mental health stability.
The Benefits of Music Therapy in Trauma and Addiction Recovery
For women healing from trauma and mental health challenges, music therapy may offer profound relief and insight. Music bypasses the parts of the brain that filter and analyze, allowing women to access the emotional core of their experience—what some refer to as the “felt sense.”
The benefits of music therapy include:
Reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain
Creating space for emotional release without verbal pressure
Supporting emotional regulation and communication skills
Rebuilding a sense of trust and connection in the therapeutic relationship
Strengthening motor skills and cognitive function in early recovery
Enhancing confidence, creativity, and inner peace
For many women, music therapy is the first place they feel safe enough to feel. It’s often where we first see the light go on—when a client hears a lyric that speaks to her pain, plays a melody that mirrors her heartache, or uses rhythm to release years of stored tension.
Our Music Therapy Approach at The Fullbrook Center
Our music therapy treatment approach is rooted in compassion and deep clinical training. Our therapists are educated through an approved music therapy program, trained in clinical music therapy, and experienced in working with trauma, substance use, and mental health conditions.
Each music therapy group or individual session is conducted in a way that honors the client’s pace and process. Whether we’re incorporating elements of creative music therapy or improvisational music therapy, every experience is shaped to support the therapeutic goals of the woman in our care.
We also value community music therapy—moments of shared music-making that build positive relationships, connection, and belonging among peers. These shared experiences can be profoundly healing, particularly for those carrying wounds of abandonment, silence, or self-doubt.
Why The Fullbrook Center Incorporates Music Therapy
Our treatment philosophy is holistic and trauma-focused. We understand that trauma and mental health care must address more than just symptoms—it must reach the soul. That’s why we incorporate music therapy alongside modalities like EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and psychodrama.
When talk therapy feels too overwhelming, music therapy may offer a gentler starting point. When trauma lives in the body and defies explanation, rhythm and melody can become the language that speaks for it. Music therapy becomes not only a tool—but a bridge to deeper work and more lasting healing.
Experience Music Therapy at The Fullbrook Center
You don’t have to be a musician. You don’t have to be able to sing or play an instrument. All you need is a willingness to show up—to listen, to feel, and to try. We’ll take care of the rest.
If you’re ready to heal from the deepest wounds with the power of creativity, connection, and care, contact The Fullbrook Center today to learn how Music Therapy can be part of your recovery journey.
Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Designed for Women
FAQs About Music Therapy
What is the American Music Therapy Association and what does it do?
The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) is the leading organization dedicated to the advancement and advocacy of music therapy. It sets educational and clinical training standards for music therapists and promotes access to quality music therapy services across the country.
What are some common music therapy interventions used at Fullbrook?
At The Fullbrook Center, our music therapy interventions include listening to music, playing instruments, song writing, guided imagery, and improvisation. Each intervention is tailored to support trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and overall mental health.
Can individual music therapy help with physical rehabilitation?
Yes, music therapy is often used in physical rehabilitation settings. Through rhythm and movement, it can help improve motor skills, coordination, and endurance, making it a valuable adjunct to treatment for women recovering from trauma or physical challenges.
Does music therapy involve listening to music?
Yes, music therapy involves listening as one of its core techniques. Receptive music therapy, a form of therapy where clients engage in deep reflection while listening to carefully selected music, is especially effective for emotional processing and self-awareness.
Is there music therapy research that supports its effectiveness?
Absolutely. Music therapy research has shown its positive effects on reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, while improving mood, memory, and even physical health. These findings continue to support music therapy as a powerful tool in trauma-informed care.
What kinds of music therapy services are offered at Fullbrook?
The Fullbrook Center offers a variety of music therapy services, including individual and group sessions facilitated by trained, board-certified music therapists. These sessions are integrated into our trauma and addiction treatment programs.
How can families support music therapy for their loved ones?
Families can support music therapy by encouraging participation, validating the emotional process, and understanding that music can unlock healing when words fall short. Supporting the creative healing journey is a meaningful part of recovery.
What is analytical music therapy and is it used at Fullbrook?
Analytical music therapy is a depth-oriented approach where clients use improvisation and verbal processing to explore unconscious emotions and patterns. While not a primary focus, elements of analytical and creative music therapy may be woven into sessions at Fullbrook as appropriate.
Is music therapy considered an alternative medicine approach?
Yes, music therapy is often categorized as alternative medicine, especially when used alongside traditional therapies. However, it is also an evidence-based clinical practice recognized by healthcare providers and mental health professionals.
Can music therapy improve physical health?
Yes, music therapy can contribute to improved physical health by lowering stress hormones, enhancing immune function, and supporting nervous system regulation. These effects are especially beneficial for women recovering from trauma and substance use.
