Music is more than just sound, it’s a universal language that connects us and heals us. In this episode, I sit down with Alison Hughey, a gifted music therapist who brings people together through the power of music. From adults who are neurodivergent and struggle with stillness, to individuals living with dementia, Alison creates pathways of safety and belonging through sound.

Our conversation explores how music reaches the into the unconscious parts of us, and deep into our body and stirs powerful memories and emotions. Alison shares how the nervous system can be calmed through melodies, beats, lyrics, singing and movement.

We also talk about music as a tool for emotional expression. For trauma survivors, songwriting or playing music can help release a variety of feelings from anger to grief to anxiety. For those with dementia, familiar songs can connect them to happy moments in their past.

Alison’s dogs even joins the conversation, adding to the ambience and authenticity of the episode by singing their own rendition of, “Let’s All Bark at the Lawn Mower Guy.”

It was such a pleasure speaking with Alison about music, and taking a deeper dive into the magic of music therapy.

Find out more about Alison:

On Instagram: @composeyourselfcare

On the web: Carolinamusictherapy.com