Expressive Therapies

Institutes & Centers / Center for Integrative Health / Programs / Expressive Therapies

Music as Medicine

According to a growing body of research, listening to or making music affects the brain in ways that may help promote health and manage disease symptoms. Performing or listening to music activates a variety of structures in the brain that are involved in thinking, sensation, movement, and emotion. This type of brain activity may have physical and psychological benefits.

a group of people laying on blankets in the grass listening to sound immersion Music can encourage social connection at a live concert, motivate you through a workout, or even help you fall asleep. A board-certified music therapist can help you deepen your connection to and understanding of how music impacts well-being. Music therapists can help you find the best intervention and “dose” to positively impact your health and provide a form of healing. Music therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses evidence-based music interventions to address therapeutic healthcare goals. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the use of music interventions (listening to music, singing, and music therapy) can create significant improvements in mental health, and smaller improvements in physical health-related quality of life.

Monthly Sound Immersion Events

two people performing sound immersion with gongs, sound bowls, and flutes Immerse yourself in soothing sounds produced by instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, didgeridoos, flutes, and chimes for an immersive sensory experience. Shown to promote deep relaxation and nervous system regulation, sound therapy uses sound, music, and special instruments played in therapeutic ways, combined with deep self-reflection techniques to improve health and well-being.

Where: Blood Cancer Healing Center 3232 Healing Way, Cincinnati, OH 45229
When: Second Tuesday of each month from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to attend the full session but are welcome to come and go if needed.
Cost: This class is offered at no-cost thanks to a generous donation from the Waddell Family Foundation.
Registration: Sound Immersion registration information.

Art Therapy for People Living with MS & Movement Disorders

Reduce stress, connect with others in a creative and supportive art therapy group designed for individuals living with multiple sclerosis and movement disorders. No art experience needed—just a willingness to connect with yourself and others! The group is guided by a licensed psychologist & board-certified art therapist and UC student assistants.

Where: UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute
When: Mondays from 1 - 2:45 p.m.
Cost: No-Cost thanks to generous donations from the Strike Out MS Fund and supplies donations from the Weaver Family
Registration: Contact veronica.denoma@uchealth.com if interested in joining.

Educational Opportunities through the University of Cincinnati

MEDS 2090 Music & Health: this course will expand student knowledge beyond traditional coursework by including experientials pared with the growing scientific evidence of music and health outcomes. Students in health-related fields will possess new ways to connect with their patients or clients through additional therapies and/or modalities that may be part of their existing skill set or of particular interest.

Certificate in Pre-Art Therapy - UC Clermont

Dementia and the Arts Service Learning

Narrative Medicine M3/M4 Course