Catherine Moeller-Cunanan is a sound therapist and the founder of Cat and Owl Alchemy, a sound healing practice that offers a range of services, including individual sound therapy sessions, sound baths, and workshops. Catherine’s approach to sound therapy is rooted in the belief that sound has the ability to restore balance, promote relaxation, and facilitate healing on all levels. Through her work at Cat and Owl Alchemy, Catherine aims to help individuals reconnect with their innate ability to heal themselves through the power of sound. MysticMag finds out more.
Can you tell us about your background and how you became a sound therapist? What inspired you to pursue this work, and how has your own personal journey shaped your approach to sound therapy and healing?
I have been playing the violin for nearly four decades now and received classical training. Over time, I’ve become increasingly interested in finding ways to combine music with healing. I always believed that there was a connection between the two, and I had heard of music therapy and various other techniques that utilized music to promote healing.
I stumbled across a documentary on Gaia featuring a musician named Tom Kenyon. His journey in music and spiritual exploration paralleled my own, as we both sought personal healing and a way to use music to heal the world. Tom utilized sound bowls and his voice to facilitate healing, and he traveled extensively around the globe. He currently resides on Orca Island in Washington State.
Tom’s story inspired me to explore the world of sound bathing, which I had heard of previously, and vibrational sound therapy. I delved deep into these topics and discovered how music can relax the human body and mind, creating an environment in which the body can heal itself. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling for me, and I am excited to continue exploring the ways in which music can be used to promote healing and wellbeing.
What exactly is sound healing and vibrational sound therapy? What are some of the different types of instruments and techniques that you use in your sound healing sessions?
If someone has never experienced vibrational sound therapy before, I would best describe it as a massage for the nervous system, or a massage without being physically touched. During a session, the person lies down on a massage table and Himalayan bowls are placed on specific points of their body. I use my musical training to create a repetitive, rhythmic beat using the bowls, similar to the binaural beats found on YouTube. The person on the table can feel the vibrations moving through them as the sound fills the room.
In addition to the Himalayan bowls, I also use crystal bowls and rainsticks to create a soothing atmosphere. The overall effect is deeply relaxing and can promote a sense of calm and wellbeing. It’s a unique and powerful way to release tension and promote healing in the body and mind.
What are some of the benefits of experiencing about and practicing sound therapy in a group setting as opposed to one on one?
In a group setting, the sound bathing experience is typically what is offered. It is challenging to conduct vibrational sound therapy on multiple people simultaneously since one practitioner would be needed for each person attending. In a sound bathing experience, instead of the bowls being placed directly on the body, the sound fills the room and creates a surrounding vibration. Participants can still feel the impact and benefits of the sound, but it’s more of an overall experience rather than a direct, targeted impact. The vibration from the bowls can still be incredibly relaxing and provide a sense of calm and healing for those in attendance.
Can you share some stories or examples of clients who have experienced transformation or healing through your sound therapy sessions? What are some of the most common issues or challenges that you see in your clients, and how do you work with them to address these issues?
Many of my clients experience deep relaxation during their sessions. I work with individuals who are dealing with high levels of anxiety, stress, grief, PTSD, and depression. I’ve noticed that after a sound bath or vibrational sound therapy session, many of my clients report feeling much more relaxed, as if the chatter in their mind has quieted down. They often mention sleeping better, feeling calmer, and having more mental clarity in the days following the treatment.
Overall, stress and anxiety are the most common issues or challenges that my clients face. Many people come to me seeking relief from the pressures of daily life and the impact that it has on their mental and physical wellbeing. Through sound therapy, I strive to create a safe and healing environment where they can relax, release tension, and restore balance to their mind and body.
What are some of the key things to keep in mind when exploring the healing modality of sound for the first time?
If you’re interested in exploring the connection between music and healing, I would recommend doing your research and seeking out experts in the field who have been practicing for a long time. Read the books they recommend and listen to the people they follow. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the various modalities and techniques that are available.
It’s also essential to develop your own unique approach and bring your personal talents to the practice.
As a classically trained violinist, I was able to use my musical training and skills to create a unique sound therapy experience for my clients. Everyone has their own unique talents and abilities that can be incorporated into their practice. By combining your personal strengths with the techniques and knowledge you’ve learned, you can create a truly unique and effective approach to music and healing.
If you would like to find out more about Catherine, visit https://www.catandowlalchemy.com/ or follow on https://www.instagram.com/catandowlalchemy/ or https://www.facebook.com/catandowlalchemy
