If you or a loved one is suffering, please contact us today.
Many different types of therapies can be effective in treating drug and alcohol addiction. Experiential therapy, a category of therapies that involve participation in structured activities, can be particularly effective in helping clients verbalize their emotions and uncover subconscious obstacles while exploring their passions and improving self-esteem. One of the experiential therapies offered at Transformations Treatment Center is SoundPath Recovery, our music therapy program.
Using music in addiction treatment helps individuals struggling with substance abuse express their emotions and access their creative energies. Music can be a powerful tool for processing emotions and dealing with cravings, and creativity and self-expression provide a unique means of healthy communication. According to the American Music Therapy Association, by participating in musical activities in a therapeutic context, “clients’ abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives.”
Research on music therapy has also shown that this experiential therapy decreases anxiety and agitation, increases verbalization, enhances interpersonal relationships, and improves group cohesiveness. At Transformations, we believe in the power of experiential therapy, such as music therapy, which is why we developed a unique program called SoundPath Recovery.
SoundPath Recovery is a Transformations’ music therapy program. Like the other programs at Transformations, SoundPath helps people in addiction recovery reclaim their lives and live happy, fulfilling lives in sobriety. Through the SoundPath program, we encourage clients to discover their passions. Through creativity and music, we help our clients realize that they can have fun and enjoy a sober life. The SoundPath Recovery program is open to all clients, regardless of their musical abilities. Our treatment team believes that everyone can get something amazing out of this experiential therapy.
Our SoundPath team works in conjunction with Transformations’ clinical team to provide a well-rounded therapeutic environment for our clients. Clients who participate in SoundPath attend therapy groups, songwriting sessions, and studio time. However, clients cannot participate in music therapy activities unless they first finish their other recovery and therapy work. This teaches them to create a balanced relationship with themselves, others, music, and recovery. When they complete their therapy assignments, our clients get to explore the SoundPath recording studio, where they record the songs they have written. SoundPath also holds talent shows, where clients can show off their talents and bring the community together through music.
The SoundPath studio was designed with high-quality parts and equipment. From our microphones to the sound balancing effect of our walls, we’ve put a lot into our studio so our clients can get a lot out of it. The SoundPath studio is more than the gear, more than the walls – it’s another stop on the path to recovery.
Collaboration becomes a source of support, not something to fear, as our production staff and counselors encourage clients to write songs based on their own personal experiences. Musical development, including optional live performances, music outings, and other activities help add clarity to the addict’s mind, changing the unknown into a vision they can replay throughout the rest of their recovering lives.
“Before SoundPath, I didn’t even know I could sing. Let alone have the thought that my musical abilities could be intertwined with the recovery process. The recording studio itself has nothing but good vibes and is extremely conducive to happiness…. The hardest question asked in early recovery is, “Who are you?” Thanks to SoundPath Recovery, I, formerly believed to be a lost cause, am so much closer to answering that question.” – Anonymous
“Amazing experience. The SoundPath team had something to do with me sticking out staying here as well as realizing I can experience music without the limitations of drugs. I thought before that, I needed drugs to enhance music, but it killed it instead. SoundPath had a major influence on my getting an extension here at TTC. Music has opened my head to positive things and the music classes, writing, opening up and receiving support from the group were just as, if not more enticing than the recording time itself.”
– Francis C.“I’ve been able to unleash my inner music with SoundPath.” – Eric L.
To hear some of the songs our clients have written and performed, click here.
