Participants’ Reflections on Music Therapy: A Pathway to Healing in Lahore

Music has always held a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis. Whether it’s the soul-stirring verses of Sufi poetry or the nostalgic melodies of folk tunes, music is deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of the nation. Recently, the Healing Tunes of Pakistan organization has brought this love for music into the realm of healing through music therapy, offering sessions that aim to address both emotional and physical well-being. As more people experience the benefits of this alternative form of therapy, participants have shared their reflections on how music therapy has impacted their lives. All the participants in these sessions are based in Lahore, and their stories provide a glimpse into the profound healing potential that music offers.

A Journey from Anxiety to Calmness: Maria Ahmed’s Experience

Maria Ahmed, a 32-year-old mother of two, initially joined the music therapy sessions at Healing Tunes to manage her anxiety.

“I’ve struggled with anxiety for years,” she explained. “I’ve tried medications, but they made me feel disconnected. I wanted something that could help me feel present in my own life again.”

At first, Maria was skeptical about whether music therapy could truly make a difference.

“I thought it was just going to be some calming background music, nothing more,” she admitted.

But after attending several sessions, her perspective shifted.

The way the therapist tailored the music to match my emotional state was incredible. It felt like the music was speaking directly to my anxiety, helping me let go of the tension I didn’t even realize I was holding.

Maria now considers music therapy an essential part of her mental health journey.

I leave each session feeling lighter, like I’ve offloaded a burden. The music helps me regulate my emotions in a way that nothing else has. It’s not just therapy—it’s healing on a much deeper level.

Rebuilding Life after Trauma: The Story of Ali Raza

Ali Raza, a 25-year-old university student, came to Healing Tunes following a traumatic car accident that left him with both physical injuries and emotional scars.

“After the accident, I couldn’t sleep for months. The physical pain was difficult, but the emotional toll was even worse. I felt like I was reliving the accident every time I closed my eyes,” he shared.

At the suggestion of a friend, Ali decided to attend a music therapy session at Healing Tunes. “I wasn’t sure how music could help with something as serious as trauma, but I was willing to try anything at that point,” he said.

The impact was almost immediate.

“In my first session, they played a slow, instrumental piece that somehow took me back to a peaceful memory from my childhood. It was the first time in months that I felt a sense of calm,” he recalled.

Over time, the therapy sessions helped Ali reconnect with positive memories and emotions.

“Music gave me a way to process the trauma without having to relive the pain. It brought back a sense of control over my thoughts and feelings.”

Ali now credits music therapy with helping him regain a sense of balance in his life.

“It’s been a lifeline. It’s allowed me to process the emotions I was too afraid to face on my own.”

A Pathway to Physical Recovery: Bilal Hussain’s Journey

Bilal Hussain, a 40-year-old shop owner, came to Healing Tunes after suffering a stroke that left him with partial paralysis on one side of his body.

“My doctor recommended physical therapy, but I was struggling to make any real progress. I was frustrated and felt like I’d never get my life back,” Bilal recalled.

Upon hearing about music therapy, Bilal was intrigued, though unsure of how it could help with his physical rehabilitation.

“I didn’t see how music could help me walk again,” he admitted.

After attending several sessions that incorporated rhythm and movement, Bilal began to notice subtle changes.

“We did these exercises where I had to move my body in time with the music. At first, it was really hard, but slowly, my body started responding to the rhythm. The music helped me coordinate my movements.”

What Bilal found most surprising was how music also helped him stay motivated.

“There were times when I wanted to give up, but the music kept me going. It gave me something to focus on other than the pain and frustration,” he said. “I’ve made more progress in my recovery than I ever thought possible, and I truly believe that music therapy played a huge role in that.”

Overcoming Depression: Fatima Sheikh’s Testimonial

Fatima Sheikh, a 28-year-old graphic designer, struggled with depression for years before she discovered music therapy through Healing Tunes.

“Depression is such an isolating experience. Even when I was surrounded by people, I felt like I was completely alone,” she said.

Fatima found it difficult to express her feelings in traditional therapy sessions.

“Talking about my emotions was always hard for me. I didn’t know how to put into words what I was feeling.”

Her experience with music therapy was entirely different.

“When I first attended a session, they played a piece of music that somehow mirrored exactly what I was feeling. It was like the music was giving voice to the emotions I couldn’t express myself.”

The sessions became a safe space for Fatima to explore her emotions without fear of judgment.

Music therapy helped me access parts of myself I had shut off for so long. It’s like the music opened a door, and I could finally step through and start healing.

Now, Fatima uses music therapy as a regular part of her self-care routine.

“It’s given me a new way to manage my depression. Some days, it feels like music is the only thing that understands me.”

Finding Balance and Peace: Zainab Ali’s Reflection

Zainab Ali, a 45-year-old teacher, turned to Healing Tunes to help manage the stress and burnout she was experiencing in her profession.

“Teaching is such a rewarding job, but it can also be incredibly stressful. Over time, the stress just builds up, and I found myself becoming irritable, exhausted, and disconnected from my students,” she said.

Zainab attended her first music therapy session with an open mind but wasn’t expecting the profound effect it would have.

During the session, they played calming instrumental music that felt like it was guiding me into a state of deep relaxation. By the end of the session, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

For Zainab, music therapy has become a way to maintain balance in her life.

“It’s not just about reducing stress in the moment; it’s about creating a sense of peace and harmony that lasts beyond the sessions. I feel more grounded and present in my daily life now,” she shared.

Conclusion: Music Therapy as a Gateway to Healing

The experiences of participants at Healing Tunes reveal the incredible potential of music therapy to address a wide range of emotional, psychological, and physical challenges. From managing anxiety and depression to facilitating physical rehabilitation and trauma recovery, music therapy offers a powerful and personalized approach to healing. As each participant’s story demonstrates, music therapy isn’t just about playing soothing sounds—it’s about connecting with one’s innermost emotions, overcoming obstacles, and finding a sense of peace and balance in the chaos of life.

Healing Tunes of Pakistan continues to pave the way for music therapy in Lahore, offering hope and healing to those who may have struggled to find it elsewhere. For people like Maria, Ali, Bilal, Fatima, and Zainab, music therapy has been nothing short of transformative—a testament to the power of music to heal not just the body, but the soul..