Music and counseling

How i like to use music in counseling:

🕊️ 1. Set the Tone with Worship Music

Before or at the start of a session:

• Play soft instrumental or worship music in the background as clients arrive or during prayer.

• This can calm anxiety, quiet distractions, and create a Christ-centered atmosphere.

Examples:

• Instrumental versions of hymns

• Soaking worship (e.g., Bethel, Upper Room)

• Psalms put to music (e.g., Shane & Shane’s “Psalms” album)

🎵 2. Use Lyrics as Counseling Tools

How:

• Choose a Christ-centered song that aligns with a client’s current struggle.

• Discuss specific lyrics like you would a passage of Scripture:

• “What does this lyric say about God?”

• “How does this reflect your situation?”

Example:

• Struggling with fear? Use “You Make Me Brave” by Amanda Cook.

• Feeling unseen? Use “Jireh” by Maverick City Music to talk about God’s provision.

📖 3. Connect Music to Scripture

Help clients see how truth in music flows from the Word of God.

Example Exercise:

• Play a song (or read the lyrics).

• Ask the client to find Scripture that supports the main message.

• Discuss how the Word reinforces what the song proclaims.

🙌 4. Encourage Music for Personal Devotion

Music can be homework!

Assignments:

• Create a personalized worship playlist.

• Journal while listening to a specific song.

• Sing or meditate on a hymn during morning devotion.

❤️ 5. Use Music to Minister to the Heart

Sometimes when a client can’t find the words to pray or express pain, music speaks for them.

Examples:

• Songs of lament (e.g., “Though You Slay Me” by Shane & Shane)

• Songs of hope (e.g., “Firm Foundation” by Cody Carnes)

Let music become part of their emotional and spiritual vocabulary.

🎧 Sample Homework Assignment:

Listen to “Goodness of God” every morning for 7 days.

• Journal 3 things God has been faithful in.

• Write out Psalm 23 as a personal prayer.

Final Tip:

Guard Discernment. Not all “Christian” music is biblically sound. Choose songs rooted in Scripture and aligned with sound doctrine.

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