The human brain has an incredible way of “healing itself” in ways modern medicine can only observe. As humans, when we can observe a situation or an event for a long enough time and in an accurate way, we consciously process all of the information. Then, during REM sleep cycles, our subconsciousness processes the rest, leaving us feeling more “in control” of our feelings and “at peace” with our thoughts.

When certain feelings or events occur that are more difficult to observe objectively for any length of time, we often need structured guidance in this part of the process. Music, along with peer support, has proven to be a very effective tool to observing complex thoughts and feelings, or even events we witness. The use of music, songs, lyrics, or acoustic instruments, can make observing these things much easier and far more objectively. It can give us a place to surrender our anxiety and allow ourselves to just “accept the things we can’t control”. As we conscientiously process our experiences in a healthy way, our minds and nervous system can finish the job when we are fast asleep and in our own “dream world”.

Music Wellness Coaching is literally human kinds oldest way of stimulating conscious processing, and even our earliest ancestors made beats with sticks, loud chants, and tonal cries to express their feelings when certain events took place. Mothers hummed to their babies to calm them, and families sang together in caves long before words or instruments were even invented. It’s arguably the most natural way to process our complex understandings, and one thing science, art and even every religion agree on, is that “none of this is an accident”.

Professional songwriter/musician Matthew Griswold, has been using music as his primary form of therapy for over four decades. Facing childhood trauma, neurodivergent adolescents/adulthood, a war Veteran with PTSD/Depression/Anxiety, and even diagnosed with a Nervous System Disorder, music has been a large part of how he’s still moving forward. It’s serendipitous that it led to him being a professional songwriter with over 1,000 placements in TV & Film, and two decade of over 3,000 live acoustic performances, but music has been what “saved his life” and what has provided him a life, career and a family. ​

Matthew’s personal insights in music, wellness and applied science, has made him one of the most respected names in Music Wellness/Therapy around the world. He now provides opportunities to share his passion with individuals who may need it most. Those who may be struggling with a certain life event, lethargy, anxiety, grief, guilt or any other state of mind that keeps them from being fully present in a healthy lifestyle, can meet with a Music Wellness Coach to give themselves another tool for their journey. Though it’s in no way intended to replace modern medicine, formal therapy, or other healthy activities, it is a great addition to any of those resources.

CREDENTIALS:

*Pro Songwriter with over 1, 000 song placements in TV & Film

* Professional performer with over 3,000 gigs to date

* Awarded a "Professional" certification from Berklee College of Music

* 10 year regular Music Wellness guest at the MNPLS VA Med Center

* Speaker at the American Music Therapy Association convention

* Keynote speaker at Great Lakes Music Therapy convention

* Keynote speaker at the Veterans Affairs Mental Health summit

​* “Above and Beyond Person of the Year" MN Assistance Council for Vets

* 2 Year member of the ‘Society of Ethnomusicology’

* Music Wellness advisor/coach at MacPhail Center for Music

* Over 50 ‘independent study’ credits for applied Musicology

* Over 60 ‘independent study’ credits for health and wellness

* Personal experience & insights as a Child Abuse Survivor & War Veteran

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*LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Music Wellness Coaching is a symptom based wellness session with the use of music as a primary tool. No diagnostics are made from any assessments and activities are on a volunteer basis, not formal medical treatment or therapy. Clients must be 18 years of age or older, or have a written consent from a legal guardian. Assessments of symptoms and specific events are only to help guide the use of appropriate corresponding services. For formal diagnosis based treatment, a board licensed Music Therapist would need to be present. This service is not partnered with any insurance companies nor is it partnered with any formal medical clinics. It is solely a peer based, experience driven wellness program that has shown to have lasting benefits, but it does not grantee anything beyond an attempt to help a client improve their mood, general health and/or emotional wellbeing.