I enjoy music.   Music finds its way into my day when I'm working on reports, driving in the car, and at times at the end of my day when I want to slow things down a bit.  I think everyone will find music sneaking into their lives.  Maybe you have the car radio on, you might hear it via the television or you might be in the grocery store and hear it in the background. 

How does music affect your moods? Do you turn to music when you need to calm down or reduce anxiety?  Do you put on faster music when you feel like partying or being more active?  It's amazing how it controls how we feel.  

Music, to many, is a reward. A certain song may trigger a certain memory.  That memory may remind us of someone important in our life or a special past event.  Just today I was watching a documentary when I heard a song I hadn't heard in years and immediately an image of my mother popped into my head. She used to sing this to me when I was very young.  I recall her trying to teach it to me.  The connection was “immediate” and then a long flow of memories came back. So you're wondering what the song was?  Here's a youtube of it.  I think you'll enjoy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dny_JDlwGFM

At times we all get songs stuck in our head. We hear the same song over and over.  We makes jokes about it happening. But it also can be very distracting in our lives. The music that gets stuck in our heads is generally just simple verses of a song.  Research indicates that these loops of music play over and over when neural circuits get stuck. Sometimes if we just listen to a different song it will break that neural circuit from getting stuck. But sometimes it just creates another loop with a new song.

I found this handy image on Bing images.

See the “Memory of Sound”?  That is the area of the brain that works with sound... and music.  So when we listen to music our brains begin to change. When the music we are listening too brings us pleasure we begin to release dopamine.  Actually the dopamine is released seconds before we experience the peak of pleasure. The brain actually knows what’s coming next.  It can predict the pleasure.  We like that!

When you are feeling tense, anxious, angry, rushed and you want to slow down try listening to some relaxing music.  Something slow and easy.  You will notice how it affects you.   Turn off the news, hard rock, etc or whatever you feel speeds you up.  Sit comfortably or lay down.  Listen to some relaxing music.  Take the music in, enjoy the notes, control your breathing to a slower pace and when thoughts or words come in just gently push them out and before you know it you'll feel the tension leaving. For that moment in time you should feel some peace and relaxation.

If you need some assistance in slowing down I do progressive relaxation for my clients.  Sometimes we just need a session to wind down and relax.  We deserve it.  In the end, we can take on the next day with a renewed vitality. 

Youtube, Chris Pikal, Jan 10, 2009 The Lawrence Welk Show: Mairzy Doats
CNN Health  Elizabeth Landau, May 28, 2012 http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/26/health/mental-health/music-brain-science/



​I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who can provide services with anyone who resides   in the State of California. I have also been trained in Clinical Hypnotherapy which is beneficial for more specific goals.
Liz Birch, LMFT, CHt ~ 714-584-6047 ~ LizBirchMFT@gmail.com

Home-Based Psychotherapy: a Fantastic Convenience

How many times have you thought about seeking out the services of a therapist but just can’t seem to fit it in the schedule, or want to keep it more private, thus avoiding going to a “therapist’s office”.  Maybe you are feeling too depressed or anxious to even think about getting in the car and making the drive.  You’re home with the kids and one of them needs therapy services. You dread getting all the kids in the car for the one who needs the appointment.  How would you feel if you had a therapist come to you?  You think….  Really?  That can happen?

I enjoy being a Home Based Therapist.  I feel like I connect with my clients on a very different level... on equal ground.  I enjoy the process that takes place outside of the clinical office.  I feel privileged entering my clients home, sitting on their sofa or at the kitchen table.  I listen as they describe the change(s) they are looking for.  With some clients we sit for coffee at a local coffee venue, others it may be a park bench. For teens, home based therapy works very well because we can meet on their turf.  For businesses, I provide staff with some relaxation techniques or assistant with relationship issues such as conflict resolution.

Benefits?  Nerves seem to dissipate quicker.  My clients seem to open up sooner.  Less cancellations thus leading to better outcomes. Convenience for my clients.

Home-based therapy has been happening for many years and while it may not be heard of very often, and it may be hard to find, it is available.

The fees for home-based therapists are not that much different from traditional in office therapy.  It may be slightly higher to account for the cost of the drive.

Feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed?  Seeking out a home-based therapist may be what you need.

Let me know what you think and if you've ever worked with a home based therapist. Comments are welcome.


I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who can provide services with anyone who resides   in the State of California. I have also been trained in Clinical Hypnotherapy which is beneficial for more specific goals.
Liz Birch, LMFT, CHt ~ 714-584-6047 ~ LizBirchMFT@gmail.com


*photo found on google image search