A healing technique to improve wellbeing. Sound therapy is safe to experience from the comfort of your own home and suitable for anyone, including those with a cancer diagnosis.
What is sound therapy and how does it work?
Sound therapy is a gentle, non-invasive complementary therapy that uses soothing sounds and vibrations to promote deep relaxation and emotional wellbeing. During a session, instruments such as gongs, singing bowls or recorded music alongside live guided meditation are used to create calming sound waves that can help quiet the mind, ease physical tension and support your overall balance. Many people find sound therapy helpful in managing stress, improving sleep and creating a greater sense of inner calm. It’s a restorative, holistic experience designed to support your wellbeing in a safe and nurturing space. Â
All of our Sound therapy sessions are free and can be done via Zoom from the comfort of your own home. Each session is different as Sonja, our Therapeutic Sound Practitioner, uses her understanding of group members’ preferences to tailor the experience, ensuring everyone is comfortable and relaxed. It’s also worth noting that sound therapy is very gentle and adaptable and can be experienced sitting, lying down or however you feel most comfortable. This makes it accessible even for people with limited energy or mobility. Sound therapy doesn’t require any previous experience or physical effort, making it easy to incorporate into even the busiest or most emotionally demanding days.
Does sound therapy help people with cancer?Â
Yes, sound therapy – also known as sound healing or sound meditation – is a complementary therapy which can be very beneficial for people with cancer and for those supporting someone with a cancer diagnosis. While it doesn’t treat cancer, it can support emotional and physical wellbeing during and after treatment. It offers a soothing way to reconnect with a sense of peace during what can be an overwhelming and uncertain time.
Cancer diagnosis and treatment often come with high levels of anxiety, emotional strain and sleep disturbance. The calming effect of sound, particularly rhythmic or harmonic tones, can help to quiet the mind, slow the heart rate and guide the body into a deeply relaxed state. This can ease tension, promote better sleep and improve overall emotional wellbeing. Some cancer patients also report that sound therapy helps to reduce pain or discomfort, shifting focus away from physical symptoms and into a more restful, meditative state. It also offers a space for emotional release and reflection. The experience can be both grounding and uplifting, helping individuals to process feelings, restore inner balance and reconnect with a sense of calm. While more research is needed to understand the full therapeutic potential of sound therapy, many hospitals and support centres like ours now include it as part of their holistic support for cancer patients.
How to refer
If you are new to Wessex Cancer Support and have not already had a wellbeing assessment with one of our friendly team, we ask that you contact us to make a referral for an appointment. Our team will provide you with further information and availability of any activities you both decide on. As a new client, we’ll add you to our email newsletter list so you can keep an eye on forthcoming activities, too.
Alternatively, you can email careteam@wessexcancer.org.uk to book your initial chat or drop into your local cancer support centre in person.
What to expect from a sound therapy session?Â
A sound therapy session is a calming and restorative experience, designed to help you relax deeply and feel more grounded.  You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for your session. Sonja will guide you through, so don’t worry if it’s your first time.  Â
We suggest you choose a quiet, comfortable space from which to join, ideally where you won’t be disturbed. Headphones or good-quality speakers can help you get the most from the sound but they are not essential; you’ll still get lots from each session. It’s a good idea to have a blanket nearby, as our body temperature can drop if we sit still for a while. And have a glass of water to hand for afterwards, too. Allow yourself a little time after the session to slow down and reflect; this helps you make the most of the calming effects. Some people find the experience so soothing and meditative that they even drift off to sleep There is no pressure or expectation as to how you should take part, just breathe, relax and enjoy the benefits you find in it.
Try Sound Therapy before you sign up
Sonja has put together some videos you can try, so you can see if it might be helpful.
Heart breathing for the heart breathing session click here
Meditation for the meditation session click here
Donate to support
a sound therapy session
Your donation helps make services like our sound therapy sessions possible. Our sound therapy sessions are non-invasive that uses soothing sounds and vibrations to promote deep relaxation and emotional wellbeing. Helping clients with their physical and emotional wellbeing. £60 could help support the cost of a session for up to 10 clients, giving them a relaxing and supportive environment.
Sound therapy sessions are generously funded by people who donate, fundraise, and shop with us. Every penny you donate makes a huge difference. From everyone at Wessex Cancer Support, thank you.
It’s like Sonja waved a magic wand to let those stresses just float away and I think there’s a good chance I’ll sleep so much better and more deeply. I feel super chilled and at peace.
Natalie, Sound therapy client
