Welcome to Beyond the Mind Podcast, where we explore the intersections of science, healing, and human connection.

In this episode, host SC sits down with Alison Mahal, a board-certified music therapist, to explore how music therapy supports neurodiverse individuals in expressing, processing, and healing through sound.

From her experiences at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit to her deeply personal journey as both therapist and advocate, Alison shares how music can unlock new pathways for emotional regulation, self-understanding, and connection.

Together, they explore the transformative power of rhythm, melody, and resonance in therapy revealing how customized, compassionate approaches help clients navigate complex emotions and find balance beyond words.

Whether you’re curious about music therapy, exploring new therapeutic modalities, or seeking inspiration for personal growth, this episode offers powerful insights into using music as a tool for healing, alignment, and well-being.

Subscribe to Beyond the Mind for more conversations bridging neuroscience, creativity, and emotional healing because transformation happens when we go beyond the mind.

About this Episode

Follow Alison Mahal: Biographies - Bay Area Music Therapy

About: American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

Find a music therapist: Certification Board for Music Therapists

Chapters/Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Meeting at the Summit

00:43 Alison's Journey to Music Therapy

01:41 Experiences at the Neurodiversity Summit

02:48 Challenges and Adjustments in Conferences

05:42 Music Therapy Techniques and Emotional Connection

08:10 Understanding Restraint Collapse and Personal Experiences

13:36 Discovering ADHD and Its Impact

15:49 Hyperfocus and the Role of Stimulants

16:50 Music as a Language and Improvisation

19:48 Music Therapy in Practice

24:34 Processing Emotions Through Music

34:18 History and Applications of Music Therapy

42:06 Understanding Non-Physical Pain

43:11 Challenges in Starting Music Therapy

43:46 Pathological Demand Avoidance in Therapy

46:31 The Importance of Therapeutic Relationships

49:33 The Healing Crisis in Therapy

55:56 AI in Therapy: Opportunities and Concerns

57:28 The Role of Music in Therapy

01:12:48 Future of Neurodivergent Therapy

01:20:54 Resources and Final Thoughts

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