Curiosity drives innovation at MSU University Health and Wellbeing, where staff consistentlyexplores creative approaches to engaging survivors. Since each survivor's journey of healing from trauma is unique, the Center for Survivors staff wanted to harness the universal power of music during group therapy sessions. This led to the development of a program where survivors analyze lyrics, share their favorite songs, create friendship bracelets, and paint interpretations of personally meaningful songs. The pilot program, All Too Well, debuted with Taylor Swift's music in Spring 2023, and a second iteration featuring the music of Beyoncéis scheduled for Fall 2024.

“We wanted to use music as the foundation for group therapy, as something that could serve both as a connector and an emotional conduit,” said Megan Spedoske, LMSW, AAT, Center for Survivors Therapist “We knew that the music of Beyoncé and Taylor had a broad reach, and we were excited to try something innovative.”

The pilot program was comprised ofnearly a dozen members from the MSU and Greater Lansing communities. Facilitators sometimes selected songs to complement specific topics and coping strategies, while other sessions encouraged survivors to bring their own favorite music. Most group therapy programs last from six to eight weeks, and the music sessions are closed groups. Groups are evaluated at the end of the last session, and there was enough positive response to the Taylor Swift group to prompt a second group with Beyoncé.

“We run several different groups. This is just one modality that was driven by the curiosity of our team and the interest of survivors,” said Cierra Stubbs, LMSW, Center for Survivors Advocate. “Healing through music is just one way we’re trying to help survivors on their journey.” 

This story originally appeared on the University Health and Wellbeing website.