Ep. 28- The Power of Music with Megan Ronnow, Music Therapist

Becky and Autumn sit down with Megan Ronnow, a music therapist. Megan lives in Murray, Utah and is the mom of three little girls. She loves hiking, embroidery, and photography.

Megan shares how music therapy can help heal the body and mind. She describes music therapy as an allied health profession that is a clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship with a credentialed professional who has completed a music therapy program.

Megan explains that music therapy is used in Special Education, in hospitals, hospice, mental health, rehabilitation centers, and more. Music therapy is very individualized and can help us change our behaviors.

Megan describes how music therapy is helpful in easing anxiety, managing pain, and increasing mindfulness. It enhances quality of life and helps people stay in the present moment. When asked why music is so powerful, Megan explains that music facilitates an emotional release. It’s a way of communicating without speaking and can improve listening skills. It also helps resolve conflicts and increases self-respect and self- esteem.

The idea of music therapy helping people find their voice resonates with those who suffer from trauma. So often, those who experience trauma feel they can’t communicate their feelings. Writing songs or being part of a drum circle gives us a voice without having to speak. It helps vocalize the ways in which we are hurting.

Megan has found that meeting people where they are, instead of being dismissive of their feelings, is what has helped engage and heal those she works with. 

For those who are unable to have formal music therapy, Megan suggests putting together playlists that contain songs that go along with certain types of emotions we may be feeling. This has a way of supporting us where we are, instead of thinking we “shouldn’t” be experiencing the emotions we’re experiencing.

Other helpful things to do include chanting, affirmations, deep breathing, focusing on the present moment, and drumming. Music therapy looks different for everyone. 

Megan’s favorite resources:

MUSIC!

Writing your own songs

Breathing

Your favorite music

Megan’s song:

“Youth” by Daughter

Ep. 27- Ali's Story

Becky and Autumn sit down with Ali to share her story. Ali is a divorced mom who loves going to concerts, finding weird, awesome things in nature, and doing yardwork.  

Ali explains that for most of her life, she was focused on “Churchianity” instead of “Christianity.” She describes “Churchianity” as being more driven to do the checklist of everything we “should” do, versus having a personal relationship with God.

Ali shares that soon after she found porn on her husband’s computer near their ten-year anniversary, more and more issues came to light. She felt like it was a very dark time for her.

I felt like [pornography addiction] was something that happened to other people, not to me. 

Ali says her ecclesiastical leader gave her a chance to speak, believed her, listened to her, and provided a safe space for her to share.  She describes her relationship with God at this time as very troubled. She knew the only way she could survive this was to turn to God—but she was angry with Him. Her world had turned upside down.

I felt that someone had taken black paint and smeared all of my memories and all I knew.

When asked about her wrestle with God, Ali explains that she was grateful for her 12-step group. Through their support, she began shattering her formal relationship with God and not caring what it looked like, saying “If He really wants me, He’s gonna get all of me.” The angry parts, the hurt parts, everything.  And this was what started her rebirth with God.

Finding a qualified therapist was instrumental in her healing.  She learned so much. But Ali shares that the most pivotal point for her was attending “The Heart of a Woman” retreat. It was there she was able to start seeing God in a different way:  as a loving Father who has been with her this whole time. 

I started on my path to an authentic relationship to God.

Ali describes how she thought she could “save” her husband with the right resources, but it eventually became clear that he had to make that choice himself. When she realized she couldn’t control his recovery and healing, Ali embarked on her own healing journey.

I would say “my needs really matter” as an affirmation, but over time I really started to believe it.

Ali describes her eventual divorce as another time where her world was burned to ashes—she shares she was shaken to her core. However, trying to love herself and be aware of her emotions and needs, as well as using courage to reach out to an amazing network of women, have helped her continue to heal.

When asked what part God has played in her healing, Ali says: “All of it. He has been the source of healing for me…God is loving. He takes the ashes of our life and finds beauty.” 

Isaiah 61:3- To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Ali’s Recovery Resources:

Qualified Therapist

12-Step Support Group

Heart of a Woman retreat

Ali’s song:

“Beautiful Heartbreak” by Hillary Weeks