The Role of Gratitude in Music Therapy

By Lizzy Davis, MT Intern

As the holidays approach, gratitude becomes a central theme this time of year. It’s a time to reflect on the people, moments, and experiences that bring joy and meaning. In music therapy, gratitude can take on a powerful role for both the client and the music therapist. Gratitude has been shown to enhance mental health, improve relationships, and foster resilience. When people actively practice gratitude, they experience a shift in focus to what is present and meaningful. While it is important to validate one’s hardships and emotions, integrating gratitude into sessions and into one’s own life can create more coping strategies for those difficult experiences. 



Music therapy provides a unique platform for expressing and exploring gratitude. Here are some ways it can be integrated into sessions:
    1.    Songwriting for Gratitude
Clients can write original songs or adapt existing ones to express their appreciation for specific people, events, or experiences. For instance, a client might compose a song dedicated to a supportive family member, weaving in lyrics that reflect their thankfulness.
    2.    Listening Exercises
Therapists can guide clients to create playlists of songs that evoke feelings of gratitude or remind them of meaningful moments. Reflecting on the music’s emotional impact helps deepen their sense of appreciation.
    3.    Improvisation and Reflection
Improvised music-making offers a space for clients to express their emotions in real time. A simple theme, like “What I’m Thankful For Today,” can inspire spontaneous melodies and rhythms, fostering a moment of mindful gratitude.
    4.    Community-Based Music Therapy
Group sessions can highlight gratitude through collaborative activities. Clients might share songs that represent thankfulness or participate in group drumming circles focused on collective appreciation for shared experiences.

Gratitude isn’t just for clients. For therapists, maintaining a gratitude practice can reduce burnout and enhance personal well-being. Incorporating gratitude-focused interventions allows therapists to witness and celebrate their clients’ progress, creating a reciprocal cycle of thankfulness. I have found that the sessions that incorporate themes of gratitude tend to lead to building good rapport with clients and also creates more joy and comfortability with self-expression. While this season is a natural time to focus on gratitude, its practice doesn’t need to be confined to the holiday season. Integrating gratitude into music therapy sessions year-round can build stronger therapeutic relationships and support lasting emotional growth. 

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