Using Music Therapy to Help Teens Manage Anxiety

Teenagers today are under more pressure than ever. Whether it's the academic demands of school, navigating social relationships, or facing the uncertainties of the future, anxiety has become a common experience for many teens. Fortunately, music therapy offers a creative and effective way to help teens manage anxiety, allowing them to express themselves, find comfort, and build resilience.

Where Words Fail…

Music speaks to emotions in ways that words often cannot. When teenagers participate in music therapy, they can explore their feelings without the pressure of verbal expression. Music therapy sessions might include listening to calming or preferred music, creating their own songs, or active music making with singing and/or instruments. All of these activities help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and provide a safe space for emotional exploration.

Building Connection 

For many teenagers with anxiety, social isolation can worsen their symptoms. Group music therapy activities, such as drumming circles or group songwriting, provide an opportunity to connect with peers in a meaningful way. These sessions not only reduce anxiety but also promote a sense of belonging and shared experience. Music therapy allows teens to feel understood and accepted by others, often helping them build friendships in the process. Whether participating in group or individual music therapy, personalization is key. Music therapy is more effective when teenagers can tailor their musical experience to what makes them feel calm and supported, whether it’s through pop music, classical, or something else entirely.

Coping Strategies for Life 

Music therapy goes beyond the therapy room. It equips teens with coping strategies they can use in their everyday lives. Music therapists can provide teenagers with personalized plans for using music to cope with anxiety and stress. For example, playlists created during sessions can serve as tools for managing anxiety during stressful moments—whether it’s calming nerves before a big exam or using uplifting songs to build self-confidence. Music offers a lifelong outlet for managing stress, fostering resilience, and promoting emotional well-being.