Embracing ADHD Through Sound Healing and Cacao: My Journey

If you’d told me a few years ago how much sound healing would help me —especially with my ADHD - I never would’ve believed it. From the very first sound bath I attended, I was hooked, and I quickly realised just how much it supported my focus, clarity, and overall well-being. I now host sound baths in my local village, Littleborough, where I get to create a beautiful space for people to relax, reflect, and restore, all while diving into the incredible healing power of sound. It’s become a true passion, one that’s shaped by my journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Planning each sound bath is an experience in itself. I spend hours crafting the perfect playlist and choosing the right instruments to bring into the session. It’s a detailed process, and with ADHD, it often means things take a lot longer. But I’ve come to realise that’s okay. I just need a bit more time to process and organise my thoughts, and I’ve learned to embrace that.

When it comes to public speaking, like guiding a meditation or setting the scene at the start of a sound bath, it does push me out of my comfort zone. My short-term memory doesn’t always cooperate, so I rely on my trusty iPad to keep me on track. At one point, I thought this might make me seem unprofessional, but I’ve learned that it’s just part of who I am. The goal is always the same: creating a beautiful, relaxing experience for everyone who joins me, and that’s what matters most.

One of the things I love most about leading sound baths is the way they allow me to tap into my intuition. The sounds are a big part of that. Whether it’s the deep vibrations of my crystal singing bowls or the soft hum of the gong, the healing journey is unique every time. The sounds guide us, and I let myself follow where they lead, trusting the process.

It’s also about the little details. I absolutely love decorating around my bowls with flowers and crystals to set the right vibe. It’s my way of putting love and intention into every session. It’s funny because I never expected to enjoy those moments of preparation so much, but they feel just as healing as the sessions themselves.

Something else I’m often asked about is the cacao we offer at every sound bath. I absolutely love preparing it—it’s one of my favourite parts of the whole experience. I use ceremonial grade cacao, mixed with coconut milk, coconut sugar, and a touch of agave. But here’s my little secret: I always infuse the cacao with three special Reiki symbols: Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, and Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen. I prepare the cacao while playing beautiful music and burning palo santo in the house, infusing the space with a peaceful, grounded energy. The symbols I use help to set a powerful intention and align the energy for the session.

We always start by holding our cacao to our hearts, setting an intention, and silently sipping before the sound bath begins. It’s a sacred moment, one that connects us to the present and helps everyone drop into the space with openness and mindfulness. This ritual is something I absolutely adore, and it’s a beautiful way to prepare ourselves for the healing journey ahead.

I’ve come to realise that sound healing isn’t just for my clients - it’s also for me. It’s a practice of patience, acceptance, and self-love. When I hear feedback from people about how they’ve felt during the sessions, it reminds me why I do this work. Knowing that I’ve been able to help someone relax, de-stress, and even journey into deeper states of awareness fills me with so much gratitude.

Sound healing has been such a game-changer for me, especially with ADHD. Here's how it helps me, and why I believe it can be so beneficial for others with ADHD too:

1. Calming the Nervous System: The soothing frequencies and vibrations in sound healing really help calm my nervous system. As someone with ADHD, my brain can often feel like it's running at full speed, and sound healing helps to slow things down, reducing anxiety and overstimulation. It’s like a reset button for my mind and body.

2. Improving Focus and Clarity: I’ve found that the sound baths really help me focus. Whether it’s the crystal singing bowls or the gong, the sounds seem to help guide my brain into a more focused state. It’s easier for me to settle my racing thoughts and feel more clear, which is a huge benefit when I’m trying to stay on task or concentrate.

3. Reducing Stress and Overwhelm: ADHD can leave me feeling overwhelmed at times, with my mind constantly bouncing from one thing to the next. Sound healing provides a space where I can just let go of all that tension and noise. The sounds help me stay in the present moment, and I feel much more relaxed and centered after a session.

4. Balancing Emotions: Emotions can be all over the place with ADHD, and sound healing really helps bring balance. The frequencies create this calm energy that helps me feel more grounded, and it seems to smooth out my mood swings or impulsivity. I feel more at ease and in control of my emotional state.

5. Better Sleep and Rest: One of the struggles I’ve faced is falling asleep due to my racing thoughts. The deep, resonant sounds during a sound bath help me relax, which makes it easier to wind down and sleep better. I’ve noticed when I sleep better, I’m more focused and clear-headed the next day, which really helps with my ADHD.

   
   

Overall, sound healing has been such a supportive tool in managing my ADHD. It gives me the space to calm down, focus, and find balance. It’s a gentle, nurturing way to help with everything from stress and focus to sleep, and I truly believe it can make a big difference for others too.

Sound baths, paired with the beautiful cacao ritual, are such incredible tools for relaxation and healing. And I’m lucky to be able to share them with others. It’s not about perfection; it’s about the energy, the sounds, and the intention behind them. And that’s something I hope people take away from every session.

If you're looking for a space to unwind and tap into your own inner peace, I’d love for you to join me in Littleborough. Let’s experience the healing power of sound and cacao together.

Love, Lisa Jo