What’s your therapy song? The one that helps you pause, process, or feel a little lighter? Music has a way of reaching us when words fall short. It can steady us, help us release emotion, or simply remind us that we’re not alone in what we’re feeling.
We asked our team the same question. Their answers move from soothing to nostalgic to unexpectedly cathartic – and say a lot about how we each move through life’s harder moments.
Scroll through to see what our team is listening to – you might find your own therapy song in the mix.
On the Springboard Team's Therapy Song Playlist
Recommended by Sonja Knaus, RP, MMT, MTA – Psychotherapist, Music Therapist:
- The Happy Song – JoJo
- Defying Gravity – Cynthia Erivo and Arianna Grande (Wicked movie)
- Sir Duke – Stevie Wonder
- Leave it in my Dreams – The Voidz
“The Happy Song brings lightness to my day, and reminds me that the simple things in life are often the best parts of life. Defying Gravity makes me feel empowered and gives me a boost of energy when I’m feeling down or low energy. Sir Duke reminds me of the power and joy of music, and is just super catchy. Leave it in my Dreams is nostalgic for me and makes me think about positive memories like road tripping in the summer time.”
Recommended by Diana Kinslikh-Mohamed, MSc OT Reg. (Ont.) – Treatment Team Lead, Occupational Therapist:
- Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
“I like this song because it’s upbeat but also has a very important message around putting things into perspective and having some compassion for yourself.”
Recommended by Kim Abramowitz, DTATI, RP, Art Therapist – Supervising Psychotherapist:
- Everything I Do – Bryan Adams
- Ahead by a Century – The Tragically Hip
- I Want it That Way – Backstreet Boys
- Wannabe – Spice Girls
“My comforting songs would probably be by Bryan Adams (Everything I Do) or The Tragically Hip (Ahead by a Century). Both singers/bands are meaningful to my family and are attached to a lot of memories. Listening to songs connected to positive memories can help with grounding and self-regulation. My motivating songs are probably anything from the 90s – specifically Backstreet Boys (I Want it That Way) and Spice Girls (Wannabe). Listening to these songs energize me and help build momentum to tackle a task. Singing songs in your head can also be a helpful distraction and calming strategy when faced with an anxiety provoking task.”
Recommended by Stephanie Potter, BA, ACC – ADHD Coach:
- Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
“I love this song – the beat is always sure to get me bopping. I also love the concept for the sun coming – that could be rising, breaking through after a storm or peeking out from behind a cloud. Darkness is not negative but a necessary component to light, representing the natural cycle of creation and wholeness, much like day and night.”
Recommended by Julia Nanfara, BHS, MPA – Community Relations Lead:
- You Are – Lionel Ritchie
“This song represents both love and healing. Its message reminds me that love can be grounding and constant – a source of comfort and strength when I need it. It reflects being seen, valued, and accepted, which is why it resonates with me.”
Recommended by Adam – Care Team Administrator, Intake:
- Healing – The Blue Stones
- Rolling with the Punches – The Blue Stones
- Shaking Off the Rust – The Blue Stones
“After navigating my own ADHD and taking time to regroup – even switching careers – these songs really resonated with me. They’ve given me comfort and inspiration. The Blue Stones are strong advocates for mental health, and a lot of their music reflects real experiences with it.”
Recommended by Nicole – Care Team Administrator:
- There’s a Rhythm – Bon Iver
“Off of his latest album, this song reflects the artist’s journey of radical acceptance and finding clarity after a difficult period in his life. The lyrics and melody evoke a sense of gratitude that helps me remember the small things that bring me joy when I have a tough day.”
Recommended by Joanna – Director of People and Culture:
- Better Together – Jack Johnson
- Float On – Modest Mouse
- Lodestar – Sarah Harmer
- Sunday Best – Surfaces
“Better Together is simple, warm and always a good reminder that we need each other. Float On is my forever reminder that stuff goes wrong…and you keep going anyway. Lodestar is best listened to on a cottage dock on a warm summer night. Around the three-minute mark it lifts and gives me that cozy, Canadian feeling – highly recommend. Sunday Best is light, fun to sing in the car, and unapologetically optimistic.”
Recommended by Haley – Director of Marketing:
- Dog Days Are Over – Florence and the Machine
“This song captures the feeling of moving through hard times and unexpectedly finding lightness and joy on the other side.”
Recommended by Alexie – Digital Media & Special Projects Coordinator:
- Both Sides, Now – Joni Mitchell
Music to Meet You Where You Are
Music can do a lot—it can comfort, make us think, lift our mood, or just help us feel a little less alone. Our team’s therapy song picks show that there’s no one way to use music as a tool: some songs help us reflect, some give us energy, and some are just pure joy.
Whether it’s on repeat or a track you only return to once in a while, a therapy song is whatever helps you pause, feel, or reset. Take a listen, find your own pick, and let music meet you where you are.
