How Music and Self-Discovery Shape Healing in Somatic Therapy

Music and sound date back to the beginning of human evolution. We all can connect to the sound of a drum reminding us of being in the womb and hearing our mothers heart beat. Music has been a form of cultural expression and connection that is relatable to all. Growing up when listening to music, I focused only on the rhythm and how it felt in my body. I didn’t really care much for the lyrics and didn’t pay attention to the messages I was receiving. 

Around these same formative years in school I used to get so frustrated when writing essays about literary works as I was asked to interpret what the author was saying. I clearly remember my 16 yr old self sitting in Mrs. Thompson’s class thinking defiantly “if you really want to know then ask the author yourself!” No mind that many of these authors- including Shakespeare had been dead for some time. 

I couldn’t comprehend why people liked poetry, story, history and music lyrics so much. Fortunately, this pattern has changed over time thanks to some key players in my life that have opened my awareness to the importance of language, critical thinking, creative expression. I have been deeply moved by lyrics and poems seeing that verses are deeper, more expressive versions of life than day to day story logs can be. 

Maybe you have felt this same confusion towards language, or maybe you enjoy engaging with language but don’t always know the meaning of what you are reading or listening to. Or maybe you have been frustrated when others have told you what to feel or think, or how to interpret aspects of your own life for yourself. 

The truth is, we are each the most reliable authority on our own thoughts and creations including our feelings, sensations and pain. This is a core belief in my somatic therapy practice: every client has unique wisdom and insight into their own healing journey.​

Authoritative Self-Awareness and Integrity in Healing

In creative expression and therapy, autonomy and personal integrity matter deeply. Art, literature, and music can spark reflection and connection, inviting us to see ourselves in a new light. In my practice at Root & Restore Somatics, these values guide my work—empowering clients to interpret and understand their own experiences on their terms.​

When Music Speaks the Body’s Truth

A few years ago, as I grew more attuned to my clients and listened closely to my intuition, I noticed an intriguing pattern: songs would pop into my head mid-session, their lyrics uncannily matching the themes of our discussions. At first, I dismissed these musical moments—they seemed too coincidental. But as I started to share these song fragments and ask clients about their own connections to the music, we uncovered surprising insights. Sometimes, these musical reflections unlocked emotions or memories that led to powerful breakthroughs and even physical relief.​

Music, Meaning, and Somatic Processing

What’s important is that I’m not interpreting these songs for my clients. Instead, I act as a conduit—offering the music as a prompt for my clients’ own exploration. The meaning is their own to discover. Over the years, this approach has helped clients move through deep fears, trauma, loss, and transformation. Music has been here all along acting as a guiding thread—helping turn pain into understanding and hope.​ 

The Takeaway: Healing Is a Collaborative, Creative Process

Music has always been integral to my life and my healing work. What matters most is your autonomy: the ability to interpret, feel, and grow in a way that’s uniquely your own. As a somatic therapist, I honor this process—inviting you to join me on a journey that is as much about self-trust and creative discovery as it is about healing. Together, we can find your song—one that brings relief, resonance, and coming home to self.​