How music helps teens heal and grow

Music Therapy for Teens

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It’s heartbreaking to watch your teen retreat into their headphones, seemingly lost in a world you can’t reach.

They may be struggling to find words for their pain, or perhaps they’ve simply stopped trying to explain how they feel.

When regular “talk therapy” feels like a chore or an argument, music may help them reconnect with themselves.

In this guide, you’ll learn

  • What music therapy is and why it works so well for the teenage brain
  • How music can lower stress hormones and improve coordination
  • The science behind using music to help shift a teen’s mood
  • The various methods music therapists use, from songwriting to guided listening
  • How to find a music therapist

What is music therapy for teens?

Music therapy is more than listening to favorite songs. It’s a clinical tool used by licensed therapists to help teens improve their mental health.

Since most teens already love music, it is a natural way to help them lower stress and express themselves.

Therapy can be active, where teens make music or write songs. It can also be receptive, where they just listen to music and talk about how it makes them feel.

The benefits of music therapy for teens

Your teen doesn’t need to be a talented musician to get help from this kind of therapy. How does music therapy work?

  • Lowers stress: Listening to music can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) by up to 61%.
  • No pressure to talk: Many teens find it hard to talk about trauma or sadness. Music helps them express big feelings without having to find the right words.
  • Grows the brain: Music uses both the logical and creative sides of the brain. This helps the teen brain develop better problem-solving skills and coordination.

How does music affect the teen brain?

Because teen brains are still growing, they have high “neuroplasticity”—meaning they are very good at forming new pathways.

Music is like a workout for their developing brain.

  • Whole-brain learning: Music is unique because it uses both the creative and logical sides of the brain at the same time.
  • The feel-good effect: Listening to music releases dopamine, the brain’s “reward” chemical, which helps boost mood and empathy.
  • Skill building: Playing an instrument builds better coordination and problem-solving skills. This creates strong brain connections that help in other areas like school and sports.

The iso principle: Meeting your teen where they are

When a teen is upset, our first instinct may be to play “happy” music to cheer them up. However, the iso principle shows that this can backfire.

If a teen feels sad and hears a bubbly, upbeat song, they may feel like their feelings are wrong or being ignored.

How iso works:

  • Step 1: Match the mood. The therapist starts by playing music that sounds how the teen feels—whether sad, angry, or stressed. This makes the teen feel understood and validated.
  • Step 2: The cathartic release. When the music matches their mood, the teen can finally let those big feelings out. This helps intense emotions start to fade.
  • Step 3: The gentle shift. Once the teen feels calmer, the therapist slowly changes the music to a more positive or relaxing beat.

By following this step-by-step change, the teen learns how to shift their own emotions using the power of music.

Conditions that music therapy can help

Music therapy for depression works very well. It helps teens who feel numb or bored find energy and get back in touch with their emotions.

But music therapy is also a great tool for managing several other conditions:

  • Anxiety disorders: Slowing down the heart rate and calming a racing mind.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Providing a healthy distraction and a way to feel less “stuck.”.
  • ADHD and impulsivity: Helping teens practice focus and rhythm, which can improve self-control.
  • Low self-esteem: Giving teens a sense of pride as they learn to play an instrument or create something original.
  • Substance use recovery: Offering a healthy, natural way to feel good and manage the stress of staying sober.

Types of music therapy interventions for teens

The music therapy methods a therapist uses will be based on your teen’s specific goals. These may be done in individual sessions or as music therapy group activities. Here are a few common types:

  • Analytical music therapy: Teens use singing or instruments to “talk” about deep feelings they might not even realize they have.
  • Nordoff-Robbins: The teen and therapist make music together in a “back-and-forth” style. This helps the teen learn how to manage their stress in real time.
  • The Bonny method of guided imagery and music (GIM): Teens listen to classical music. They then describe the memories or mental “pictures” the music creates.
  • Vocal psychotherapy: Using the voice, breath, and simple songs to help a teen find their confidence and inner strength.

How to find a qualified music therapist

A music therapist must have a degree from an approved school and be board-certified. You can find one through the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) website.

Some insurance plans cover these sessions, and many therapists offer payment plans.

If you can’t enroll your teen in formal music therapy, you can still help them get the therapeutic benefits of music.

Encourage them to create playlists that reflect their various moods or journal about how songs make them feel. They may even want to try playing music or songwriting. 

Music therapy for troubled teens: Helping your teen find their voice

Music therapy is a wonderful partner to talk therapy. It helps break the ice for teens who are resistant to counseling and gives them a creative outlet for their pain.

At Avery’s House, we believe in treating the whole person. Our residential programs in Arizona and Idaho include music therapy to help your teen build a happier, healthier future.