HOME
Call Me
Sound Recovery: Healing Through Music
A creative music-based peer support programme for people in recovery from gambling harm
Sound Recovery
A Creative Music-Based Peer Support Group for People in Recovery from Gambling Harm
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.
Sound Recovery harnesses the therapeutic power of music to create a safe, supportive environment where people can explore their emotions, build connections, and rediscover joy on their recovery journey.
Programme Overview
Sound Recovery is a warm, online creative peer-support group for anyone in recovery from gambling harm. Facilitated by someone with lived experience, the group provides a fun, expressive and encouraging space where music becomes a tool for connection, healing, and joy.
Each week, we gather to explore music in all its forms—listening, sharing, discussing, and creating. You don't need to play an instrument, sing, or even think of yourself as "musical." You just need a curiosity to try something new, and a willingness to show up for yourself and others.
"I never thought I'd use music in my recovery, but these sessions help me connect, reflect, and just feel good again. I've made friends and rediscovered joy."
— Sound Recovery participant
Programme Aims
Emotional Healing
Use music to support emotional healing and reduce gambling urges through creative expression
Build Confidence
Develop self-assurance, meaningful connections, and creative skills in a supportive environment
Encourage Expression
Provide alternative ways to communicate feelings through sound and storytelling
Create Community
Establish a regular, supportive space for connection and personal growth
Session Format
6-week rolling format
Participants can join at any point in the cycle
Weekly sessions
1 hr – 1.5 hrs (e.g., Mondays 6:30–8pm via Zoom)
Structure:
  1. Check-in & welcome (15 mins)
  1. Creative music-based activity (30 mins)
  1. Sharing & peer support (30 mins)
  1. Optional reflection/wind-down (15 mins)
Each week follows a loose structure but varies in content to keep things fresh, inspired, and participant-driven.
Week 1 – "My Soundtrack"
Explore songs that define different moments in your life
This session helps participants reflect on their personal journey through music that has meaning to them. It creates a foundation of trust and connection within the group.
Create a 3-song mini soundtrack of your life so far
Share songs that evoke strong memories or emotions
Group discussion: "What does music say that words can't?"
Week 2 – "Mood Music"
Discover how music affects your emotions and energy
This session focuses on using music as a tool for emotional regulation and urge management. Participants learn practical strategies they can implement in their daily lives.
Build a "feel better" playlist together
Collaborative creation of resources to support emotional wellbeing
Explore music for urge management
Learn techniques to use music during challenging moments
Identify personal go-to tracks
Reflect on what music supports you when struggling
Week 3 – "Voices and Lyrics"
Dig into lyrics that speak to you and create your own
This session encourages participants to find their voice through exploring and writing lyrics that reflect their experiences. It builds confidence in self-expression.
  • Choose or rewrite lyrics that reflect your personal recovery story
  • Participate in a collaborative lyric-writing exercise
  • Optional opportunity to read or perform your words aloud
Finding words for difficult feelings can be powerful - lyrics give us a framework to express what might otherwise remain hidden.
Week 4 – "Rhythm & Release"
Use rhythm and movement to let go of stress
This session focuses on the physical and emotional benefits of rhythm. Participants learn how using simple beats can help ground them during moments of stress or when experiencing urges.
Experience guided rhythm exploration using body percussion, tapping, or digital apps
Create a group beat or rhythm that represents your collective journey
Reflect on the physical connection between sound, emotion and urge management
No instruments or musical experience needed - just a willingness to try something new.
Week 5 – "Message to My Future Self"
Look forward with hope and imagination
This session helps participants envision a positive future and set intentions for their recovery journey. It builds hope and reinforces commitment to change.
  • Write or record a musical message to your future self
  • Use voice notes, playlists, or lyrics to capture your vision
  • Group theme: "What am I working toward in my recovery?"
Participants create tangible reminders of their hopes and goals that they can revisit during challenging times.
Week 6 – "Celebration Jam"
A creative celebration of progress and possibility
The final session focuses on recognising achievements and reinforcing group connections. It ends the cycle on a positive note while preparing for continued growth.
Participate in a group "jam session" using virtual instruments or sounds
Share favourite songs, lyrics or playlists from your Sound Recovery journey
Reflect on what you've gained and how you'll continue using music in recovery
This session reinforces the skills and connections built throughout the programme, helping participants integrate them into their ongoing recovery.
Creative Approaches
Playlist Building
Collaborative creation of themed playlists that support emotional regulation and provide resources for difficult moments
Lyric Exploration
Analysing and creating lyrics that reflect personal experiences and growth in recovery
Sound Mapping
Using journaling and audio diaries to track emotional responses to music and identify helpful patterns
Guided Listening
Structured music listening experiences followed by emotional check-ins and group discussion
Body Percussion
Simple rhythmic exercises using the body as an instrument to release tension and build connection
Music Games
Fun activities like "Guess the Feeling" or "Sound Story" that build skills while keeping sessions enjoyable
Participant Voices
Mark, 42
"I didn't think I could contribute much because I don't play an instrument. But it turns out I can write lyrics, I can share, I can connect. It's been huge for my recovery."
Sarah, 29
"These sessions remind me that recovery doesn't have to be all serious. There's space for fun, creativity, and feeling good again. Music helps me manage urges better than anything else."
Raj, 58
"After gambling took over my life, I lost touch with things I enjoyed. Sound Recovery helped me rediscover music as a healthy passion that supports my wellbeing instead of harming it."
Who Can Join?
Open to anyone in recovery from gambling harm
Whether you're just beginning or years into your journey, Sound Recovery welcomes you.
  • No music experience required
  • All ages (18+) welcome
  • All backgrounds and abilities included
  • No special equipment needed
You don't need to bring anything—just yourself, an open mind, and a pair of ears. Our supportive environment ensures everyone feels welcome regardless of their recovery stage.
Facilitation
Led by experts with lived experience
Each session is facilitated by someone who understands gambling recovery firsthand, creating an authentic, empathetic environment where participants feel truly understood.
Our facilitators are:
  • Trained in creative facilitation techniques
  • Experienced in peer support principles
  • Skilled at creating safe, inclusive spaces
  • Focused on participant-led approaches
Facilitators guide the group gently, ensuring all participants feel heard, seen, and safe throughout their creative journey.
Expected Outcomes
85%
Emotional Regulation
Participants report improved ability to manage difficult emotions and gambling urges
90%
Reduced Isolation
Experience decreased feelings of loneliness through meaningful peer connections
78%
Identity Rebuild
Develop enhanced sense of self beyond gambling and increased confidence
83%
Practical Tools
Gain music-based techniques for managing stress and urges in daily life
Based on pilot programme results and similar creative intervention outcomes for addiction recovery
Join the Sound Recovery Community
Sound Recovery is more than a music group—it's a creative, supportive space for healing, connection, and rediscovery. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your recovery journey, join us to find your rhythm again.
Our next 6-week programme begins soon. Sessions are free, confidential, and accessible online from anywhere in the UK.