Sound Baths in Mental Health Practice: Research, Relaxation, and Clinical Applications

As rates of stress, anxiety, burnout, and nervous system dysregulation continue to rise, immersive sound experiences ("sound baths") have rapidly gained popularity in wellness and mental health settings. Yet many mental health and wellness professionals remain uncertain about what a sound bath is, how it works, whether there is scientific support for its effects, and how sound-based approaches may be integrated responsibly into therapeutic practice.

Monique Mead’s presentation explores the emerging role of immersive sound experiences in both group settings and individual therapy. Drawing from research conducted at Carnegie Mellon University and ongoing EEG-based collaborations with the Carnegie Mellon Neuroscience Institute, Monique Mead will examine how immersive sound experiences may support stress reduction, relaxation, emotional regulation, and attentional focus.

In addition, Mead will lead a separate immersive sound experience for all conference participants, offering attendees the opportunity to directly experience the practices discussed during the session. REGISTER

This immersive experience leans into the rich sonority of gongs, creating vibrations that travel through the body and awaken physical sensation. Their primal, expansive tones often evoke a sense of dissolution and renewal. 

As Monique weaves in the deep resonance of singing bowls, you may begin to feel a low rhythmic pulsing—almost like a “brain massage”—drawing the mind into profound relaxation. No effort is required, but to simply receive the sounds and follow them wherever they lead. More

Located in Shadyside at the Awareness & Wellness Center, Monique curates music and sound to induce and maintain deep relaxation, stimulating the body’s natural healing response.

The Classic Sound Bath features violin, singing bowls, gongs, and the luxurious comfort of beanbag beds and other amenities.

Monique’s sound healing work has been featured in Post Gazette, NPR, CBS Pittsbugh, and Next Pittsburgh.

Located in Shadyside at the Awareness & Wellness Center, Monique curates music and sound to induce and maintain deep relaxation, stimulating the body’s natural healing response.

The Classic Sound Bath features violin, singing bowls, gongs, and the luxurious comfort of beanbag beds and other amenities.

Monique’s sound healing work has been featured in Post Gazette, NPR, CBS Pittsbugh, and Next Pittsburgh.

Located in Shadyside at the Awareness & Wellness Center, Monique curates music and sound to induce and maintain deep relaxation, stimulating the body’s natural healing response.

The Classic Sound Bath features violin, singing bowls, gongs, and the luxurious comfort of beanbag beds and other amenities.

Monique’s sound healing work has been featured in Post Gazette, NPR, CBS Pittsbugh, and Next Pittsburgh.

DEVILISH MERRY blends Appalachian and Irish melodies with ballad-based songs on American history and heritage. It’s a lively mix of old-time fiddle tunes, Irish jigs and reels, Pennsylvania folk and new songs from the musicians’ own life experience. Everyone welcome. Donations gratefully accepted. Bring your own chair and drinks. Sign up for weather updates.

Relax in a lounger or lie on the lawn poolside as you gaze up at the dance of clouds while Monique’s team orchestrates an immersive sound bath from all parts of this beautiful Shadyside garden. The evening ends at sunset with drinks and relaxed conversation. Cost: $45 More

This immersive experience leans into the rich sonority of gongs, creating vibrations that travel through the body and awaken physical sensation. Their primal, expansive tones often evoke a sense of dissolution and renewal. 

As Monique weaves in the deep resonance of singing bowls, you may begin to feel a low rhythmic pulsing—almost like a “brain massage”—drawing the mind into profound relaxation. No effort is required, but to simply receive the sounds and follow them wherever they lead. More

The Deep Dive Sound Bath is a 75-minute session that is limited to 12 participants for more personal space and closer proximity to the instruments.

In this session, you'll be lying close to low-frequency singing bows and gongs to enhance the physical sensation of the sound vibrations. This session also incorporates breathwork and a soundscape that evokes tension and release for deeper relaxation.  The generous 75-minute session allows extra time at the end for a Tibetan singing bowls to be placed and played on your body to help you tune in to a harmonized flow of energy. Sign up.

Violinist Alice Tang played her first porch concert at age seven in 2026. Now, she returns alongside other talented musicians from the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony and Carnegie Mellon University. Everyone welcome. Donations gratefully accepted. Bring your own chair and drinks. Sign up for concert updates and rain dates.

Located in Shadyside at the Awareness & Wellness Center, Monique curates music and sound to induce and maintain deep relaxation, stimulating the body’s natural healing response.

The Classic Sound Bath features violin, singing bowls, gongs, and the luxurious comfort of beanbag beds and other amenities.

Monique’s sound healing work has been featured in Post Gazette, NPR, CBS Pittsbugh, and Next Pittsburgh.

Reiki is a universal healing practice that promotes relaxation and reduces tension throughout the body. With multiple practitioners offering Reiki during this sound healing session, you'll benefit from personalized attention as they hold healing presence through gentle hands-on placement on your head and shoulders.   

To support this deeply healing practice, Monique cocoons you in meditative sound vibrations from singing bowls, gongs--and her signature violin melodies.

This immersive experience leans into the rich sonority of gongs, creating vibrations that travel through the body and awaken physical sensation. Their primal, expansive tones often evoke a sense of dissolution and renewal. 

As Monique weaves in the deep resonance of singing bowls, you may begin to feel a low rhythmic pulsing—almost like a “brain massage”—drawing the mind into profound relaxation. No effort is required, but to simply receive the sounds and follow them wherever they lead. More

Located in Shadyside at the Awareness & Wellness Center, Monique curates music and sound to induce and maintain deep relaxation, stimulating the body’s natural healing response.

The Classic Sound Bath features violin, singing bowls, gongs, and the luxurious comfort of beanbag beds and other amenities.

Monique’s sound healing work has been featured in Post Gazette, NPR, CBS Pittsbugh, and Next Pittsburgh.

Isabel Cardenes shares music stories from her graduate program at the Curtis Institute of Music, joined by Monique Mead, violin. Everyone welcome. Donations gratefully accepted. Bring your own chair and drinks. Sign up for concert updates and rain dates.

This immersive experience leans into the rich sonority of gongs, creating vibrations that travel through the body and awaken physical sensation. Their primal, expansive tones often evoke a sense of dissolution and renewal. 

As Monique weaves in the deep resonance of singing bowls, you may begin to feel a low rhythmic pulsing—almost like a “brain massage”—drawing the mind into profound relaxation. No effort is required, but to simply receive the sounds and follow them wherever they lead. More

Located in Shadyside at the Awareness & Wellness Center, Monique curates music and sound to induce and maintain deep relaxation, stimulating the body’s natural healing response.

The Classic Sound Bath features violin, singing bowls, gongs, and the luxurious comfort of beanbag beds and other amenities.

Monique’s sound healing work has been featured in Post Gazette, NPR, CBS Pittsbugh, and Next Pittsburgh.

The Deep Dive Sound Bath is a 75-minute session that is limited to 12 participants for more personal space and closer proximity to the instruments.

In this session, you'll be lying close to low-frequency singing bows and gongs to enhance the physical sensation of the sound vibrations. This session also incorporates breathwork and a soundscape that evokes tension and release for deeper relaxation.  The generous 75-minute session allows extra time at the end for a Tibetan singing bowls to be placed and played on your body to help you tune in to a harmonized flow of energy. Sign up.

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

As summer blooms, embark on a creative journey with Garrett Coleman and Monique Mead into the heart of embodied courage, engaged compassion, and clear presence amidst a world in conflict.

Pathways to Peace is an original offering that weaves together somatic movement, healing sound, and expressive arts process as a means to cultivate individual and community resilience. In this unique experience, participants will be guided through a series of activities—including movement, visual art, poetic dialogue and group sharing— to cultivate inner resources for navigating moments of individual, collective, and socio-political conflict.

Admission is free. Registration required.

From her Sound Studio at the Awareness & Wellness Center, Monique curates music and sound to induce and maintain deep relaxation, stimulating the body’s natural healing response.

The Classic Sound Bath features violin, singing bowls, gongs, and the luxurious comfort of beanbag beds and other amenities.

Monique’s sound healing work has been featured in Post Gazette, NPR, CBS Pittsbugh, and Next Pittsburgh.

Tino Cardenes will be joined by Sung-Im Kim, Associate Teaching Professor of Collaborative Piano at Carnegie Mellon University, and Daniel Shan, a fellow CMU music technology student. 

Having recently won the CMU concerto competition with Nikolai Kapustin's Piano Concerto, Tino is eager to introduce you to the jazzy brilliance of this composer in collaboration with Sung-Im Kim. 

The program also features romantic piano music by Fauré, Ravel, and Rachmaninoff, topped off with a dash of jazz.

 Everyone welcome. Donations gratefully accepted. Bring your own chair and drinks. Sign up for concert updates and rain dates.

The Deep Dive Sound Bath is a 75-minute session that is limited to 12 participants for more personal space and closer proximity to the instruments.

In this session, you'll be lying close to low-frequency singing bows and gongs to enhance the physical sensation of the sound vibrations. This session also incorporates breathwork and a soundscape that evokes tension and release for deeper relaxation.  The generous 75-minute session allows extra time at the end for a Tibetan singing bowls to be placed and played on your body to help you tune in to a harmonized flow of energy. Sign up.

As summer blooms, embark on a creative journey with Garrett Coleman and Monique Mead into the heart of embodied courage, engaged compassion, and clear presence amidst a world in conflict.

Pathways to Peace is an original offering that weaves together somatic movement, healing sound, and expressive arts process as a means to cultivate individual and community resilience. In this unique experience, participants will be guided through a series of activities—including movement, visual art, poetic dialogue and group sharing— to cultivate inner resources for navigating moments of individual, collective, and socio-political conflict.

Admission is free. Registration required.

From her Sound Studio at the Awareness & Wellness Center, Monique curates music and sound to induce and maintain deep relaxation, stimulating the body’s natural healing response.

The Classic Sound Bath features violin, singing bowls, gongs, and the luxurious comfort of beanbag beds and other amenities.

Monique’s sound healing work has been featured in Post Gazette, NPR, CBS Pittsbugh, and Next Pittsburgh.

A Pittsburgh-favorite, we are happy to welcome Cello Fury back to our porch for their unique mix of symphonic sounds and rock beats. Bring a chair and drinks. Donations gratefully accepted. Sign up for concert updates and rain dates.

From her Sound Studio at the Awareness & Wellness Center, Monique curates music and sound to induce and maintain deep relaxation, stimulating the body’s natural healing response.

The Classic Sound Bath features violin, singing bowls, gongs, and the luxurious comfort of beanbag beds and other amenities.

Monique’s sound healing work has been featured in Post Gazette, NPR, CBS Pittsbugh, and Next Pittsburgh.

Our season opens with an evening of Latin Jazz with Tino & Friends. Everyone welcome. Donations gratefully accepted. Bring your own chair and drinks. Sign up for concert updates and rain dates.

Develop your sound healing skills in in this 3-day training designed to give you the tools to bring your sound practice to life in your home or within a therapeutic setting. In 3 days and 12 hours of personalized instruction, this Sound Practitioner Certification Program will train you in powerful musical practices that reliably shift consciousness and produce transformative results.

🎓 This course is approved for CEU through the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. Learn more

This immersive experience leans into the rich sonority of gongs, creating vibrations that travel through the body and awaken physical sensation. Their primal, expansive tones often evoke a sense of dissolution and renewal. 

As Monique weaves in the deep resonance of singing bowls, you may begin to feel a low rhythmic pulsing—almost like a “brain massage”—drawing the mind into profound relaxation. No effort is required, but to simply receive the sounds and follow them wherever they lead. More