Complementary Medicine

Sound Healing and Sound Therapy can be a wonderful and effective Complementary Medicine Practice. Besides the captivating and relaxing, (or energising), sounds that we hear and feel, there are many proven benefits of using Therapeutic Sound Techniques. 

Sound and sound vibrations are found everywhere in our daily lives, in the realms of science, nature and universal laws. It’s no wonder that when Therapeutic Sound is applied properly it can have deep and profound effects, and be a powerful aid to personal healing.  

Because Sound Sessions are fun and enjoyable there is less of a barrier to getting involved. Participants often forget they are taking part in a therapeutic activity.

Holistic Health 

Therapeutic Sound works on all levels of our being at the same time. It is therefore a fantastic Holistic Therapy. Any condition or illness we encounter will affect us on all levels of our Mind, Body and Soul. If we take a basic condition, say a bad back, this may stop us being active and doing activities we enjoy. This could then lead to frustration and anger, which in turn could affect our emotional and mental health. The more complex the condition, the more affects it will have in other areas of our lives. 

Sound Therapy helps to raise awareness of our whole self. The connection between Mind, Body and our Energetic Self. Much of the work I do is around helping people gain a richer understanding of themselves, their health and their well-being at a holistic level. Healing is about balance and harmony, helping individuals rediscover their unique, special and whole self again, and helping them to reach their full potential. 

Interactive and Social

Most of the instruments used in Sound Sessions are relatively easy to play. Which is great news. Participants can start to play and interact with only a few seconds of instruction. Trying something new can help to build confidence, stimulate the mind, develop co-ordination and motor skills, enhance bonding and a sense of community, and bring joy, excitement and fulfillment. 

Sound and Emotion

Most of us are aware of the affects of music on our mood and emotions. Music can uplift, relax, energise or comfort us. Music can help us to feel our emotions. Sound Healing involves stripping back music to it’s most basic elements. Changes in pitch, tonality, rhythm etc can influence us on all levels of our being. Sound can be used to express parts of us that cannot be put into words. Thereby creating energetic shifts without the need for vocalising our thoughts and feelings. 

Proven Health Benefits

The use of Therapeutic Sound has been shown to have significant benefits for our health. Broadly speaking, we can divide the sessions in to two main types; calming and relaxing or energising and stimulating. Having said that, there are many overlaps with most sessions providing a mixture of these benefits. The types of instruments we use, how we play the instruments, setting intentions for the session, and the order in which we carry out the activities all have a bearing on the outcomes achieved. 

• Calm the Mind, reduce Stress, Anxiety and Depression
• Improve sense of well-being and happiness
• Strengthen resilience to emotional events
• Release unhelpful thoughts, patterns and behaviours
• Improve mental clarity, concentration and learning
• Find Inner Peace and Tranquility
• Improve self awareness, gain insights and new perspectives in life
• Enhance confidence, creativity and communication
• Encourage the flow of emotional energy and be confident handling emotional energy
• Observe and clear blockages that may be holding you back in life

Specific Ailments, Conditions and Illnesses

Although Sound Therapy is a non-prescriptive modality, we know from research, our own experience and anecdotal evidence that certain conditions respond well to Therapeutic Sound Sessions.  There are only a few situations in which Sound Therapy would be contra-indicated. You can find out more on our FAQs page by following this link: *** Click Here ***

One of the most obvious affects of Sound Sessions is the deep, restorative relaxation. I use techniques to induce your natural relaxation response, engaging the para-sympathetic nervous system to calm and soothe the mind, body  and soul. These techniques are great for helping with stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks and many other emotional overwhelm conditions. 

I have found from experience with my own clients that Sound Therapy works well with auto-immune conditions. Through discussions with other Sound Therapists I have found that this is a common observation. I have received very positive feedback from clients with conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Fibromyalgia, Cronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) amongst others. 

I have worked on a 1 to 1 basis with people at all stages of the Cancer cycle. From initial diagnosis, through treatment, remission & recovery, post cancer and secondary cancer stages. I have also hosted group sessions at Hospices. Interestingly a Senior Oncologist in America, Mitchell L Gaynor M.D. has been using Sound Therapy with his patients for many years with some impressive results. He has written numerous books on the subject. 

When working with serious and life limiting illnesses, I see Sound Therapy very much as a Complementary Medicine approach. How we deal with things emotional and psychologically can aid our healing process. Sound Therapy is great for building resilience in these areas and helping us gain a richer understanding of our inner, energetic world. In addition the physical resonances from the instruments help to bring balance and harmony to the body, aiding homeostasis function. 

Sessions involving drums have been found to benefit patients with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Dementia and other neurological conditions. Sessions stimulate specific regions of the brain as well as helping with co-ordination, motor control, social bonding, communication and self expression to name a few. 

Sound Sessions are a very sensory rich activity. They can therefore provide an engaging experience for people with severe disabilities or special needs.  

The above is just a brief overview of the main areas I have experience in. The applications for Sound Therapy are wide ranging and I am always open to discussing new Sound Intervention Techniques.

If you would like to discuss Sound Therapy in more detail or specific to your situation, please give me, Craig, a call on 07804 088663. 

Studies and Research Projects

I collate information from my clients for my own reflection, research and to inform new Sound Therapy techniques that I develop. I would be very interested to speak with groups and organisations about undertaking research studies on a more formal basis. Local Support Groups, GP Practices, Universities. Anything from lifestyle questionnaires up to full blown RCT studies. 

Professionalism and Codes of Conduct

With Health and Safety in mind, it is important that anyone facilitating a Sound Session is fully aware of the implications of the work they are carrying out, and follows the correct codes of conduct and procedures during a session. We have a duty of care for our clients physical, emotional and mental well-being, whether we are hosting a group or a 1 to 1 Session. The effects of any Sound Session may be felt for days afterwards, so a clear aftercare regime is also required. 

The Sound Therapy Company is registered with the Therapeutic Sound Association (TSA) who are the main regulatory body for Sound Healers and Therapists in the UK. We understand the need for a positive, professional, compassionate and confidential service.  (The reason I don’t have many images for this page of the website)

I have also invested in over 350 hours of training with The British Academy of Sound Therapy (BAST) and hold Practitioner Level Diploma in Sound Therapy (PL.Dip.ST) and also Diploma in Group Sound Therapy (Dip.GST). 

To ensure that we at The Sound Therapy Company maintain the highest standards of practice, we undertake regular peer supervision with other Sound and Holistic Practitioners. We are also committed to Continual Professional Development and promoting Sound Therapy as an effective tool for Complementary Healthcare.