Having recently listened to Brad Kella's new album, Phoebe's Melody, I was fascinated to hear about his background story, and the way in which his foster parents encouraged his musical self-taught journey to mastering the piano., culminating in him winning the second series of The Piano.

It therefore seems appropriate to explore the connection between classical music, mental health and psychotherapy.

In an age of rapid technological change and constant mental stimulation, the search for calm, emotional balance, and self-understanding has never been more important. While modern psychotherapy offers structured approaches to healing the mind, classical music — with its depth, complexity, and emotional resonance — has increasingly found a place in therapeutic settings, offering unique psychological benefits. The intersection of classical music, mental health, and psychotherapy creates a powerful triad that can support emotional regulation, enhance introspection, and promote healing.

Classical music has long been recognized for its ability to evoke emotion, from the haunting melancholy of a Chopin nocturne to the triumphant swell of a Beethoven symphony. This emotional expressiveness mirrors the inner experiences of many who struggle with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Music’s nonverbal nature allows listeners to connect with feelings that may be difficult to articulate, making it an especially valuable tool in psychotherapy.

Music therapy, a clinical and evidence-based practice, uses music to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. Although not limited to classical music, many therapists turn to its structure and emotional range when working with clients. For example, listening to or playing classical compositions can help individuals process grief, manage stress, and explore suppressed emotions. In some psychodynamic approaches, classical music may even act as a symbolic language through which unconscious material can be accessed and interpreted.

Recent neuroscience has shed light on why classical music may be so effective in this context. Listening to music has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, stimulate dopamine release, and activate areas of the brain associated with memory, emotion, and self-reflection. This physiological response not only improves mood but can also support therapeutic breakthroughs. For those with depression, for instance, slow movements from pieces by Bach or Mozart can create a sense of safety and containment, providing a backdrop against which emotional exploration becomes less overwhelming.

Beyond the clinical setting, incorporating classical music into everyday life can be a powerful act of self-care. Mindful listening, where one focuses deeply on the music without distraction, can be a meditative practice that fosters presence and emotional awareness. For individuals in therapy, this can complement traditional techniques like cognitive-behavioral strategies or narrative therapy by encouraging moments of stillness and introspection between sessions.

Importantly, the use of classical music in therapy is not about intellectual appreciation or elitism. It’s about resonance — finding in the music a reflection of one’s inner world. A client might not know the history of a composer, but they may deeply connect with the tension in a Mahler symphony or the serenity of a Debussy prelude. These emotional connections can open doors to meaningful dialogue in therapy and help clients feel seen, even in their silence.

In a world that often rushes us past our feelings, classical music invites us to slow down and listen — not only to the notes, but to ourselves. When woven thoughtfully into psychotherapy, it becomes more than art; it becomes a bridge to healing.