Life can sometimes throw us curveballs, leaving us with deep scars that aren’t visible to the eye. For many, these experiences can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a debilitating mental health condition. Clinically, PTSD is the development of distinctive and distressing symptoms following exposure to one or more traumatic events involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. These symptoms typically fall into four categories: intrusive memories (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative changes in thinking and mood (e.g., distorted beliefs, emotional numbness), and alterations in arousal and reactivity (e.g., hypervigilance, irritability).¹
PTSD significantly impacts communities worldwide, with approximately 6% of adults in the United States experiencing it at some point in their lives, and around 13 million Americans living with the condition in any given year.²–³ Women are disproportionately affected, being twice as likely as men to develop PTSD, with a lifetime prevalence of 8% compared to 4% in men.² While traditional therapies are vital, a growing number of people are finding a unique path to healing through sound healing therapy.
At NOWINCLUDED, we believe in exploring diverse avenues for well-being, and in honor of Black Music Appreciation Month, we’re diving into how the power of sound can offer a gentle, yet profound, source of comfort and healing for those living with PTSD.
What Exactly is Sound Healing Therapy?
Sound healing therapy is a practice that uses specific sounds, vibrations, and frequencies to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support overall emotional and physical well-being.6 Think of it as a massage for your mind and body, but instead of hands, it’s the gentle waves of sound doing the work. This ancient practice, found in various cultures across the globe, uses instruments like singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks, and even the human voice to create resonant vibrations that can influence our brainwaves and bodily systems.
How Can Sound Help with PTSD?
Living with PTSD often means experiencing heightened anxiety, difficulty sleeping, hyperarousal (feeling constantly on edge), and struggling to regulate emotions. Sound healing therapy offers several ways to address these challenges:
- Shifting Brainwaves: Our brains operate at different frequencies depending on our state of mind. When we’re stressed or anxious, our brains are often in a “beta” wave state. Some small studies and EEG reports suggest that certain sound frequencies may influence brainwave activity, encouraging a shift toward more relaxed states, such as “alpha” (associated with relaxation) and “theta” (linked to deep relaxation and meditation).⁴–⁵ Though this mechanism is not yet fully understood, it can help calm the nervous system, reducing that “fight or flight” feeling often experienced with PTSD.⁵
- Promoting Deep Relaxation: The soothing sounds and vibrations produced by instruments like singing bowls can induce a profound state of relaxation.⁶ This deep relaxation can help lower blood pressure, reduce muscle tension, and slow the heart rate,⁶ ⁷ offering a much-needed respite from the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety.
- Emotional Release and Processing: Trauma can get “stuck” in the body, manifesting as physical pain or emotional blockages.⁵ Sound therapy can create a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore and release these trapped emotions and memories without the pressure of verbalizing them.⁵,⁸ It can help in processing traumatic experiences in a gentle, non-re-traumatizing way.⁵
- Improving Sleep Quality: Many people with PTSD struggle with insomnia and disturbed sleep. Sound therapy can help calm the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and experience more restful sleep.⁴–⁵
- Enhancing Emotional Regulation: By promoting a sense of calm and helping to shift brainwave patterns, sound healing can assist individuals in better managing intense emotions and developing healthier coping mechanisms.⁴–⁵
- Non-Invasive and Complementary: Sound healing therapy is a gentle, non-invasive approach that can be used alongside traditional treatments like psychotherapy and medication.⁵,⁸ It should never replace trauma-informed psychotherapy or medication for PTSD, but can complement them as part of a broader wellness plan.
What to Expect in a Session
Sound healing sessions can vary, but often involve lying down comfortably while a practitioner plays various instruments. You might simply listen and allow the sounds to wash over you, or you might be guided through meditation. The key is to simply relax and be open to the experience.
Is Sound Healing Right for You?
If you or someone you know is living with PTSD and looking for complementary ways to find relief and promote healing, sound healing therapy might be a beneficial path to explore. While it’s not a replacement for professional medical and psychological care, it can be a powerful addition to a holistic treatment plan. Always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s a suitable option for your individual needs.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
- National Center for PTSD. How Common is PTSD in Adults? U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp. Accessed June 16, 2025.
- The Recovery Village. Important Facts and Statistics About PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/ptsd/ptsd-statistics/. Accessed June 16, 2025.
- PS-It’s Counseling. Sound Therapy for PTSD: Healing Through Vibrations. Published August 6, 2024. Accessed June 3, 2025. https://www.ps-itscounseling.com/sound-therapy-for-ptsd/
- Phuket Island Rehab – Wellness and Recovery. Transforming Lives: Discover the Power of Sound Healing for PTSD. Published May 16, 2025. Accessed June 3, 2025. https://phuketislandrehab.com/transforming-lives-discover-the-power-of-sound-healing-for-ptsd/
- Calm Blog. What is a sound bath meditation & how can it benefit you? Published March 14, 2024. Accessed June 3, 2025. https://www.calm.com/blog/sound-bath
- Heart Spring Health. The Healing Power of Sound: How Vibrational Therapy Supports the Nervous System. Accessed June 3, 2025. https://heartspringhealth.com/the-healing-power-of-sound-how-vibrational-therapy-supports-the-nervous-system/
- South Coast Behavioral Health. Sound Healing | Holistic Treatment Center. Accessed June 3, 2025. https://www.scbh.com/therapies/sound-healing/
