Experience Creative Healing
with Music Therapy
in Tennessee
with Kathryn Wood, LPC-MHSP, CRC, MT-BC
Find Your Healing Rhythms with Music Therapy in Tennessee!
You’re moving through your day when you hear an unfamiliar song...
As the melody plays, your body starts to sway to the rhythm, and something inside you clicks. “THIS! This song is exactly what I’ve been feeling like!” You notice a sense of validation & catharsis as the music washes over you, without ever needing to say a single word.
If you’ve ever had a moment like this, you’ve already experienced the healing power of music. Now, imagine harnessing that power intentionally to support your emotional well-being and mental health. That’s where music therapy comes in!
As a board-certified music therapist with 14+ years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how music can unlock emotions, provide comfort, and promote healing.
Who Can Benefit from Music Therapy in Tennessee?
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Teen years can be a tumultuous time, filled with emotional highs and lows. But, with music therapy, teens have a safe space to explore their feelings, build self-esteem, and develop coping strategies - without judgement or restrictions. Whether it’s through songwriting, playing instruments, or simply listening to music, teens can express themselves in ways that feel authentic and meaningful - WHILE learning crucial lifestyle skills for a healthier way of being!
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Music therapy is especially powerful for those dealing with trauma. Music can reach parts of the brain that are difficult to reach through traditional talk therapy, making it an effective tool for processing traumatic memories and emotions. Music therapy offers a non-verbal way to explore and heal, no matter what your trauma story is.
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Music therapy helps individuals with OCD and anxiety by offering a creative outlet for emotional expression, promoting mindfulness, and enhancing emotional regulation and self-confidence. It incorporates techniques like Exposure and Response Prevention to help confront triggers without compulsions, breaking the cycle of obsessions and improving social interactions, focus, and concentration, while complementing other OCD treatments.
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Life can be overwhelming, whether you’re juggling work, relationships, or personal challenges… and sometimes ‘regular’ talk therapy just doesn’t cut through the noise. That’s when music therapy comes in! Music therapy can help you manage stress, process emotions, and reconnect with your inner self. It’s an opportunity to step away from the chaos of everyday life and find solace in the rhythms and melodies that resonate with you!
Whether you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or simply looking to learn more about yourself, music therapy offers a unique and powerful path to healing for people of all ages & backgrounds!
Music therapy sessions are as versatile
as they are powerful.
Tailored to meet *your* specific needs & goals,
music therapy can help you reconnect with yourself
in a meaningful & healthy way!
So… What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a scientifically-proven therapy approach that incorporates both structured & improvisational music-informed strategies to support your mental & emotional wellness. It’s not just about listening to your favorite tunes (though we do that, too!) - it’s about using music strategically to enhance your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Using your favorite music and some new-to-you music, we’ll do things like:
Analyze lyrics from songs to process overwhelming issues or past traumas in a non-threatening way
Write songs together to help you express emotions that are hard to put into words.
Design music & mindfulness practices to improve stress management & relaxation
Engage in rhythmic activities to improve focus and bring a sense of play back into your life
Create therapy-informed playlists that match your mood or help you shift your emotions toward a healthier balance
And SO much more - learn more here!
Hi! I’m Kathryn, and I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m a licensed therapist in Tennessee with over 14 years of experience helping teens and adults heal and find hope. Therapy can feel confusing, unhelpful, or even boring if your therapist doesn’t understand you. That’s why I use engaging tools like music therapy to bring real results.
I offer fully online therapy across Tennessee, including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Memphis, so you can get support from wherever you’re located. If you want to feel calm, confident, and connected instead of overwhelmed, I’m here to help you get there!
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Board Certification in Music Therapy (MT-BC), #09750 from the Certification Board for Music Therapists
Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP) #5001 in the State of Tennessee
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), #405805 from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling
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Bachelor & Master of Music Therapy degrees from Loyola University New Orleans, 2010 & 2012
Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Rehabilitation & Counseling from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans, 2019
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Eye Movement Densitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained Therapist through EMDR International Association
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Trained Therapist through The Knowledge Tree
CBT-Insomnia (CBT-I) Trained Therapist through the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs' Center for Deployment Psychology
Prolonged Exposure (PE) Trained Therapist through the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Habit Reversal Trained (HRT) Therapist through nationally-renowned OCD & Anxiety Expert Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) Trained Therapist through the Centerstone Research Institute
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14+ years in the social services field providing high-quality outcome-oriented services to youth and adults in Nashville, and beyond - in settings like:
Alternative High Schools & Inclusive Learning Classrooms
Acute Crisis Inpatient Hospitals & Long-Term Psychiatric Residential Facilities
Structured Mental Health Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Programs
Skilled Nursing Care & Memory-Care Facilities
Dual-Diagnosis Substance Abuse & Mental Health Recovery Treatment Centers
Adult Developmental & Intellectual Disability Dayhabilitation Programs
Forensic Vocational Rehabilitation Practices
Community Outpatient Mental Health Centers
Music Therapy Tennessee: Success Stories
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"Music Therapy helps me get the words out, and helps me feel more confident in all areas of my life. And Kathryn lets me play all kinds of music! It's the best."
After experiencing academic & social traumas, B.’s parents found online Music Therapy in Tennessee to help B. gain stronger self-esteem.
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"This is the MOST FUN I've ever had in therapy. And I've had a lot of therapy!"
C. participated in online Music Therapy to explore new ways of tackling decades-old trauma & PTSD triggers.
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“I never imagined I'd be working on my OCD through Music Therapy, but I'm glad I am. Somehow, having music in our sessions helps some of the intensity of the OCD therapies not feel so strong. I recommend checking it out!"
S. participated in both traditional OCD ERP Therapy & Music Therapy with Emboldened Therapy for a unique take on often-intense anxiety treatment.
Music Therapy F-A-Q-s
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Wondering how music therapy works in an online setting? It’s simple, really! All you need is a stable internet connection and a willingness to explore the power of music. Our online sessions are designed to be just as effective as in-person therapy, with the added benefit of convenience. Whether you’re in Chattanooga, Nashville, Knoxville, Johnson City, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Jackson, or anywhere else in Tennessee, you can access music therapy from the convenience of your own home (or office, or practice room, or car!).
During our online sessions, we’ll use secure, private video conferencing tools to connect. We’ll explore music together, whether that means listening to specific tracks, creating music, or processing how music impacts your emotions. You’ll have the chance to engage with music in new and meaningful ways, all guided by a trained professional - and you DON'T have to have any musical experience or skill to participate!
Set-up a Consultation to learn more!
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Curious about what a typical online Music Therapy Nashville session looks like? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Introduction and Check-In: We’ll start each session by checking in on how you’re feeling and what’s been on your mind. This helps set the tone for the session and allows us to tailor the activities to your current emotional state!
Music & Intervention Selection: Based on our discussion, we’ll choose the most appropriate therapy techniques, or specific songs or pieces of music, to focus on in your session. We'll make sure whatever we decide on best suits your therapeutic goals and emotional state that session!
Music Therapy Technique and Reflection: We’ll engage with your pre-determined music therapy activities, paying close attention to how it makes you feel. We’ll discuss the emotions, memories, or thoughts that come up, and explore how they connect to your life.
Creative Expression: Depending on your preferences, we might engage in creative activities like songwriting, playing instruments, or even creating your own music. These activities are designed to help you express yourself in new and meaningful ways!
Mindfulness and Relaxation: We’ll often incorporate mindfulness techniques into our sessions, using music to help you relax and focus. This might involve guided imagery, deep breathing, or simply letting the music wash over you as you unwind.
Wrap-Up and Reflection: At the end of each session, we’ll reflect on what we’ve explored and discuss how you can incorporate the insights and techniques into your daily life. This might include creating a playlist for specific moods, setting intentions for the week, or simply carrying the music with you as a source of comfort and strength.
Book a consultation today to learn more about what a music therapy session with me might look like!
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While I find most folks surprise themselves with how much they thrive with music therapy, we’re not limited in your therapy journey! I’m also highly-trained & skilled in more ‘traditional’ talk therapies like CBT, ACT, ERP, and DBT; as well as body-based EMDR trauma therapy. Check out the “About Me” page to learn more! Or Book Your Consultation to explore all the ways I can support your healing.
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Emboldened Therapy deeply believes in the transformative power of music. As a 15+ year board-certified music therapist, I bring a rich experience and a deep understanding of how music can be used to support emotional and mental well-being. Prioritizing a safe, supportive space to explore your emotions and find healing through music is the priority!
Here’s what sets Emboldened Therapy apart:
Personalized Approach: Everyone’s relationship with music is unique. That’s why I tailor your music therapy sessions to your individual needs, preferences, and goals. Whether you’re drawn to classical music, rock, jazz, or hip-hop, we’ll find the right tunes & tools to help you heal.
Convenience: With online therapy, you can access services from anywhere in Tennessee. Whether you’re in Chattanooga, Nashville, Knoxville, Johnson City, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Jackson, or any other part of the state, Emboldened Therapy is here for you.
Evidence-Based Techniques: Emboldened Therapy's music therapy practices are grounded in research and proven to be effective. Combining structured and unstructured music-informed techniques, you'll explore your unique story in an emboldened way to achieve your therapeutic goals.
Compassionate Care: I’m committed to helping you find the emotional clarity and mental well-being you deserve. If you’re seeking to step toward a brighter, more fulfilling future, book a consultation today to start working together!
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Book a free consultation to discuss your needs, and explore how I can help!
