How did you first discover sound therapy?

My journey into sound therapy began during a period of personal stress, when I attended a sound bath out of curiosity. I was struck by how deeply relaxed and centred I felt afterward -more so than with any other relaxation practice I’d tried. That experience sparked a fascination with the tangible effects of sound on the nervous system, and I went on to study modalities like Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls, and tuning forks. What drew me in was the simplicity and universality of sound; it’s a non-invasive, accessible way to guide the body and mind towards healing.

Sound healing is often described as an ancient practice - how do you see traditional methods fitting into modern wellbeing?

Traditional sound practices, from Aboriginal didgeridoo to Himalayan bowl rituals, were rooted in the understanding that sound influences health and consciousness. Today, we’re rediscovering this wisdom through a scientific lens, recognising how rhythm and frequency affect brainwaves and stress responses. In modern wellbeing, these ancient methods offer a tangible, tech-free counterbalance to our overstimulated lives. They fit beautifully alongside contemporary therapies because they address a fundamental human need: to slow down, tune in, and restore from the inside out.

How Sound Healing Works

How do sound vibrations interact with the body’s energy systems or nervous system?

Sound vibrations are physical waves that travel through air and tissue. When these vibrations reach the body, they can create a phenomenon called entrainment - where our brainwaves, heart rate, or even cellular rhythms begin to synchronize with the sound’s frequency. From an energy perspective, many traditions hold that sound helps clear or balance subtle energy pathways (like meridians or chakras) by resonating through them, much like ripples in water smoothing out disturbances. Scientifically, we know vibration stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which guides the body into ‘rest and digest’ mode.

Many people report feeling deeply relaxed or even emotional during a session - why do you think sound has such a powerful effect?

Sound bypasses the thinking mind and speaks directly to the body and subconscious. Because vibration is a primal, physical experience, it can reach places words or thoughts can’t. On a physiological level, sustained rhythmic sound reduces cortisol and encourages dopamine release. Emotionally, it can act as a key to stored stress or memories, allowing gentle release without needing to ‘talk through’ issues. In a world full of noise and mental clutter, intentional sound creates a rare space where we can truly drop out of our heads and into our felt experience, which is often both profound and moving.

Sound therapy can involve different instruments like singing bowls, gongs, and tuning forks. Do different instruments affect the body in different ways?

Absolutely. Each instrument carries its own ‘voice’ and vibrational character, which influences the body and mind uniquely. For example, singing bowls, especially crystal bowls, often produce clear, sustained tones that many find calming and centering, ideal for quieting mental chatter. Gongs create complex, sweeping overtones that can feel immersive and transformative, almost like a ‘sonic journey’ that releases deep-seated tension. Tuning forks, applied with precision, deliver targeted frequencies that can help realign energy and promote balance in specific areas. In my practice, I often combine instruments to create layered, nurturing soundscapes that meet the client where they are.

Are there specific frequencies or sounds that are particularly effective for relaxation or stress relief?

Yes, though it’s often about the quality and intention behind the sound as much as the exact frequency. Lower, slower vibrations, like those from large bowls or deep gong tones, tend to encourage delta and theta brainwave states, which are linked to deep rest and restorative healing. Many also find 432 Hz or 528 Hz (often called the love or repair frequency) calming, though individual responses can vary. What’s key is that the sound is predictable, harmonious and sustained… this regularity signals safety to the nervous system, allowing the body to shift out of fight-or-flight and into relaxation.

How do you decide which instruments or sounds to use in a session?

My choice depends on the client’s needs, the setting and the intention we set together. In a one-on-one session, I might use tuning forks for focused work on tension areas, or select specific bowls whose notes correspond to energy centres that feel out of balance. In group sound baths, I often build a journey using gongs, multiple bowls and gentle percussion to carry the group into deep relaxation. I also stay intuitive during sessions - if the energy feels stuck, I might introduce brighter, higher tones; if someone is overstimulated, I’ll lean into grounding, lower frequencies. It’s a blend of training, intuition and listening to what the moment calls for.

What are some of the most common benefits people experience after a sound bath?

The most immediate and commonly shared benefit is a deep sense of relaxation - many describe feeling as if they’ve had several hours of restful sleep. People often report reduced mental clutter, easier breathing and a noticeable softening of physical tension, especially in the shoulders, jaw, and back. Over the following days, clients frequently mention improved sleep, a calmer response to stress and a brighter, more focused mood. For some, it’s also an emotional reset; they feel lighter, as if they’ve released something they were carrying without even realising it.

Have you noticed any patterns in how people respond to sound therapy over time?

Yes, definitely. In the beginning, people often come with curiosity and may experience the session more on a surface level, noticing the sounds and physical relaxation. With regular sessions however, the responses tend to deepen. Clients become more adept at ‘dropping in’ quickly - and the effects become more integrative. Many start to notice subtle shifts in their daily resilience, emotional balance, or self-awareness. It’s as if consistent sound practice helps recalibrate their nervous system to a more balanced baseline, making it easier to access that state of calm outside of our sessions. The journey often moves from simple stress relief toward a more sustained sense of inner harmony.

What role do you think smartphone apps or digital soundscapes play in modern sound therapy?

Apps and digital soundscapes make therapeutic sound wonderfully accessible. They can introduce people to frequencies, binaural beats, or ambient soundscapes that support relaxation, focus, or sleep, especially when attending a live session isn’t possible.
In my view, they’re a great starting point or daily supplement. However, the physical vibration of live instruments and the tailored, responsive space a practitioner creates offer a depth that recorded sound can’t fully replicate. I often recommend high-quality recordings or apps as a way to extend the calm between sessions, while still encouraging people to experience live sound when they can.

Do you have any tips for creating a calming sound environment at home?

Absolutely. Small adjustments can make a big difference:

- Time of Day: Early morning or evening tends to work well, when the mind is naturally quieter. Even 10–15 minutes can be restorative.

- Posture: Lie down comfortably with support under your knees or head if needed, or sit upright with your back supported if you tend to fall asleep. The key is to be comfortable but not so slumped that you lose awareness.

- Setting: Dim the lights, perhaps light a candle or use soft lighting - and ensure you won’t be interrupted. A blanket and pillow can help you feel held and secure. Using good-quality earphones, like Flare’s Calmer earphones, or a speaker with clear, immersive sound, can really deepen the experience by isolating the therapeutic frequencies.

What advice would you give to someone who finds it hard to relax or ‘switch off’ during a sound bath / meditation?

First, be gentle with yourself. It’s common, especially in the beginning. Instead of trying to ‘empty your mind,’ give it a simple job: follow one sound as it fades, notice where you feel the vibration in your body, or count your breaths. If thoughts arise, acknowledge them and imagine placing them gently aside. Remember, there’s no ‘right’ way to feel - even if you’re aware of busy thoughts the whole time, your nervous system is still receiving the benefit of the sound. Over time, the practice of returning to the sound builds your ability to drop into relaxation more easily. Start with shorter sessions and be consistent - it’s a skill that deepens with patience.

If someone could take away just one thing from their first sound bath experience, what would you hope it would be?

I’d hope they walk away remembering how it feels to be truly rested while awake… that deep, cellular quiet that so many of us have forgotten. Sound healing offers a tangible experience of letting go without trying - and if a first session can provide even a glimpse of that, it plants a seed. That sense of inner spaciousness is something you can return to long after the last vibration fades.