Music as Emotional Expression and Source of Support and Inspiration in Recovery

(Get a FREE Play list that will inspire your recovery)

As therapists, we often witness the powerful ways in which nonverbal tools—like music—can support the emotional healing process. Whether someone is navigating recovery from an eating disorder, trauma, anxiety, depression, or addiction, music can become a meaningful companion on the path toward wellness.

One of the most beautiful aspects of music is that it helps us feel and express emotions that can be difficult to name. For clients who feel numb, overwhelmed, or stuck, music can serve as a bridge to their inner world. A song’s melody or lyrics might reflect grief, anger, hope, or empowerment—offering validation and a sense of being understood.

For example, a client once told me, “I didn’t realize how angry I was until I heard that song. It put words to something I couldn’t explain.”  Music often gives people the language to explore their feelings safely and without judgment. It also becomes part of their identity and a form of communication with the world.

Regulating the Nervous System

Music also plays a role in regulating our nervous systems. Slower, soothing songs can lower heart rate and reduce anxiety, while upbeat, rhythmic tracks can increase motivation and energy. This makes music a powerful tool for grounding and emotional regulation—especially during moments of distress or when facing urges in recovery. Music, can change your mood and inspire you to take action!

In therapy, we sometimes guide clients in creating playlists tailored to their needs: a “calm-down” playlist, a “motivation” playlist, or a “feel your feelings” list. These curated soundtracks can serve as tools for mindfulness, movement, or simply allowing space to feel without judgment.

Reclaiming Identity Through Music

Recovery often involves rediscovering who you are beyond the illness. Music can play a key role in identity work. Whether a client reconnects with songs from childhood, explores empowering anthems, or creates original music, it can offer a sense of agency, creativity, and reconnection to self.

For teens and young adults, music is often deeply tied to self-expression and identity development. In therapy, exploring music preferences can open up conversations about values, dreams, and inner strengths.

Building Connection

Listening to or sharing music can also foster a sense connection and belonging—with therapists, peers, and loved ones. Music can spark conversation, invite vulnerability, or offer comfort when words are hard to find. In group therapy, music-based activities (like lyric analysis or songwriting) can enhance cohesion and build a sense of shared experience.

Music is not a replacement for therapy or other forms of treatment, but it can be a powerful tool and companion on the road to recovery. It offers space for emotional expression, nervous system support and emotional regulation, identity exploration, and connection.

If you or someone you love is in recovery, consider creating a playlist filled with songs that feel empowering, comforting, or simply true to your experience. Music has a way of reminding us that we are not alone—and that healing is possible.

Here is a Suggested Journal Prompt for You: What songs make you feel understood, hopeful, or strong? Create a playlist that can support you through the highs and lows of recovery or check out our "Inspiration For Recovery" Playlist on Spotify. Also contact us and let us know what songs we need to include that have been helpful in your recovery.

At Home For Balance our priority is to inspire and support your journey to recovery. We offer personalized care for individuals of all ages who struggle with addictions, trauma, eating disorders, OCD, and other concerns. Our dedicated team of therapists creates a secure environment where you can create or continue your path to recovery. We offer services both online and in person. Contact us today at info@homeforbalance.com or call 561.600.1424 to schedule a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation! By seeking help early and receiving the right support, those facing challenges can begin their journey to recovery and regain their physical and emotional health. CALL US TODAY!

“Where words fail, music speaks.” – Hans Christian Andersen

Here's our favorites:

💪 Recovery & Empowerment Playlist

Theme: Courage, healing, and reclaiming your voice

1. Sara Bareilles – Brave

2. Rachel Platten – Fight Song

3. P!nk – Perfect 

4. Andra Day – Rise Up

5. Kesha – Praying

6. Christina Aguilera – Beautiful

7. India.Arie – I Am Not My Hair

8. Bebe Rexha – I'm a Mess

9. Demi Lovato – Skyscraper

10. Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire

11. Colbie Caillat – Try

12. Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out

13. Sia – Unstoppable

14. Jessie J – Who You Are

15. Lady Gaga – Born This Way

16. Miley Cyrus – The Climb

17. Lauren Daigle – You Say

18. Emeli Sandé – Read All About It, Pt. III

19. KT Tunstall – Suddenly I See

20. Ingrid Michaelson – Keep Breathing

    
    

    AND MORE.... Visit our Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3HLscoFhJ0IGaJ4F5cxGFQ?si=j6tJcKyiR_a1CIybQsdRWg