By Lisa Thurber, Master’s-Level Counseling Intern
Have you ever heard an old song and found yourself instantly transported back to another time in your life? Maybe a few notes of a familiar melody bring back memories of your first dance, a special family gathering, or the laughter of loved ones who are no longer here. Music has a remarkable way of unlocking our hearts and minds. For many, it’s more than just entertainment—it’s a powerful form of therapy that nurtures memory, connection, and joy.
At Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, we often remind our clients that healing doesn’t always come from just talking and sharing. Sometimes, it comes from singing, humming, or quietly listening to the rhythm of a life well-lived.
The Healing Power of Music
Music therapy has been shown to stimulate areas of the brain connected to emotion and memory. For those coping with loneliness, depression, or early memory loss, music can bring comfort and clarity when words are hard to find.
Listening to a favorite song can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and even help with sleep. Singing with others can ease isolation and lift the spirit. The rhythm of a drumbeat or the melody of a hymn can remind us that we’re still deeply connected—to our past, to others, and to God’s presence in our lives.
As one client once told me, “When I sing, I feel alive again. It’s like my heart remembers what my head forgets.”
Creating Your Own Music Memory Page
A simple and meaningful way to use music as therapy is by creating what we call a Music Memory Page. Think of it as a musical scrapbook of your life—a list of songs that tell your story. Each song can be linked to a key life event or treasured memory.
Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Childhood: What songs remind you of being young, carefree, or surrounded by family?
- Teenage years: What did you listen to in high school or on your first date?
- Faith: Are there hymns or spiritual songs that comfort you or lift your soul?
- Family: What tunes remind you of weddings, births, or holidays together?
- Resilience: What songs helped you through hard times or reminded you of your strength?
As you jot these down, you’re not just remembering; you’re reconnecting with parts of yourself that are timeless. Music has a way of helping us hold onto what matters most, even as life changes around us.
Practical Ways to Bring Music Into Your Life
Here are a few simple, joyful ways to make music part of your daily routine:
Create a Personal Playlist: Use a smartphone, tablet, or music player to build a playlist of songs that mean something to you. If technology feels overwhelming, ask a friend or family member to help you.
Sing Along: Join a community choir, church group, or sing-along event. Singing releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that reduce stress and lift your mood.
Play Simple Instruments: You don’t need to be a musician! Try using small percussion instruments like tambourines, maracas, or hand drums to tap along with your favorite songs.
Relax with Music: Gentle instrumental or nature sounds can help calm your mind before bed or during prayer.
Move to the Beat: Even light movement, like tapping your toes or gentle chair dancing, can improve circulation and coordination.
Share Your Songs: Play your music for loved ones and share the stories behind each tune. You might be surprised how your memories spark conversations and laughter.
Helpful Tools and Resources
There are many resources that make it easy to bring music therapy into your life:
- Music & Memory (musicandmemory.org): Helps people create personal playlists that bring joy and recall memories.
- SingFit (singfit.com): A fun singing app designed for older adults and people with memory challenges.
- YouTube or Spotify: Great for listening to songs from any era—just search for the decade, artist, or mood you want.
- Local Senior Centers & Libraries: Many offer group sing-alongs, choirs, and music therapy programs.
- Echo or Alexa Devices: With a simple voice command, you can say, “Alexa, play my favorite songs from the 1980s!” and let the memories flow.
Why Music Matters for the Soul
At Anchorpoint, we believe that every person has a story worth celebrating, and music is one of the most beautiful ways to tell it. Songs connect us to God’s grace and to one another. They remind us that we are still here, still capable of joy, and still deeply loved.
In Psalm 98:4, we’re reminded to “make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.” When we engage with music—whether we’re singing along or simply listening—we participate in that invitation to joy and praise.
Music has no age limit. It’s a gift that can heal wounds, evoke memories, and bring peace to the heart. You don’t need to sing perfectly or play an instrument well. Just let the rhythm guide you, let the melody comfort you, and let the memories come.
A Gentle Invitation
If you or a loved one would like to explore how music can support emotional and spiritual health, our counselors are here to walk alongside you. Together, we can explore ways to use music, memory, and mindfulness to bring more peace and purpose into your days.
You can even bring your Music Memory Page to a counseling session—your songs can help us understand your story more deeply.
Music connects us not only to our past, but also to the hope that lives within us now. So today, take a moment to press “play.” Let yourself remember. Let yourself feel. And above all, let yourself sing.
If you’d like to learn more about how Anchorpoint can help, check out our services or fill out a digital intake. You can also give us a call at 412-366-1300. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Together, we can find hope and healing.