Electronic Music Therapy at Project In

Why I’m bringing EMT into the Project In catalog — and what we’re building next.

I’ve always been interested in the moment where something internal becomes workable.

For some people that happens through words. For many others—especially when stress, trauma, or chronic tension is involved—words can be too slow, too intellectual, or simply not available in the moment. What is available is the body: breath, rhythm, sensation, impulse, sound.

That’s where Electronic Music Therapy (EMT) comes in.

EMT is a trauma-informed therapeutic approach that uses electronic music tools—rhythm, repetition, sound design, music production, and DJ techniques—to support self-regulation, emotional processing, and wellbeing. It’s not “music as background.” It’s music as a container: a space where the nervous system can settle, express, reorganize, and learn new patterns.

And it’s becoming a new pillar inside Project In.

A quick history: from Hip Hop Project In to Electronic Music Therapy

Project In began from a simple observation: when people create, they reconnect.

A therapeutic rap recording session from Hip Hop Project IN.

The first version of this idea became Hip Hop Project In—a social and therapeutic project I developed with immigrant and refugee youth, working with themes like belonging, identity, emotional literacy, and trauma symptoms. Hip Hop was the language that opened the door: lyric writing, beat-making, storytelling, co-creation, and group processes that created trust.

Through that work, I developed what I call the Integral Hip Hop Methodology:a structured approach combining rhythm-based regulation, creative expression, community building, and trauma-informed facilitation. The goal wasn’t “art for art’s sake”—it was building a reliable pathway from chaos to clarity:

• from tension to rhythm

• from shutdown to expression

• from isolation to belonging

• from reaction to choice

That project taught me something I still carry:when the rhythm changes, the internal experience changes.

And the more I worked, the more I saw that electronic music—because of its structure, repetition, and precision—has incredible therapeutic potential.

So… what is Electronic Music Therapy (EMT)?

EMT is built around one main idea:

We can use sound creation and sound based dialogue as a guided process to meet emotional material that’s hard to regulate in daily life—then transform it safely.

Electronic Music Therapy Logo

Instead of trying to “think” our way out of anxiety, stress, grief, anger, or numbness… we work with the nervous system directly:

• Repetition + rhythm create stability

• Layers of sound help us track internal complexity

• Breath + timing calm or mobilize the body

• Creative action turns stuck patterns into movement

In EMT sessions (1:1 or group), we don’t force anything. We create a safe container and work with what’s present. Sometimes that looks like beat-making. Sometimes it’s deep listening. Sometimes it’s building a soundscape that expresses what words can’t.

The point is not to make a “good song.”The point is to make a useful experience—one that changes the body and creates more choice inside the mind.

Why electronic music tools are therapeutic

Electronic music is one of the most “body-based” musical forms we have.

There are a few reasons it works so well for regulation:

1) It’s measurable and repeatable.Tempo, structure, intensity, frequency range, dynamics—these can be shaped precisely. That means we can build personal tools that are consistent and learnable.

2) It speaks the nervous system’s language.The nervous system learns through rhythm, repetition, and pattern. When those patterns become safe, the body softens. When they become dynamic, the body mobilizes.

3) It creates flow-state fast.Choosing sounds, building loops, shaping transitions—this is naturally absorbing. When guided well, it becomes a therapeutic flow-state: focused, present, embodied.

Looking ahead, it’s obvious that electronic music tools have huge capacity to be integrated into future health and medical settings: not as entertainment, but as regulation technology, using rhythm and frequency to support the body’s stability, recovery, and emotional resilience.

The new direction inside Project In: tools people can use

This is the part I’m most excited about.

Project In is not only about sessions or workshops. It’s also about accessible tools—things people can actually use in daily life.

Beat & Breathwork Excercise is a simple HTML tool that allows the user make a beat and breathe in sync with the ongoing beat for regulation, activation or meditation.

Recently, I started developing small digital prototypes that combine rhythm + breath + visual guidance to help regulation happen quickly. One of them is a Breath Synchroniser: a simple interface where the user can upload music, choose a breathing style (relaxation / meditation / activation), and follow a breathing bubble that expands and contracts in sync with the beat.

It’s a small thing—but it opens a big door:

• self-regulation tools that don’t require therapy language

• guided practices that can be used alone or in sessions

• simple “games” that train nervous system stability over time

• creative interfaces that make wellbeing feel alive, not clinical

Soon, people will be able to go to the EMT section of Project In (projectin.org) and try these tools directly—breath tools, rhythm exercises, and interactive self-regulation experiments.

This is a living project. It will evolve. And I want the community to be part of watching it grow.

Why I’m adding EMT to the Project In project catalog

Project In has always been a bridge between art + wellbeing + social impact.

EMT fits naturally because it brings together everything I’ve been working toward:

• trauma-informed psychology

• music therapy practice

• community-based creative methods

• digital tools and design

• the reality that many people need support that is accessible, embodied, and practical

My aim is simple:make regulation and emotional processing more accessible—especially for people who don’t respond to conventional approaches, or who feel stuck inside their own patterns.

This can show up in many forms: 1:1 sessions, group workshops, youth projects, community labs, and digital tools anyone can try.

Follow the project / stay connected

If you want to follow the evolution of EMT inside Project In—new tools, experiments, exercises, and ways to use electronic music for wellbeing:

• Instagram: @projectin_art_health

• Instagram: @salih.projectin

• Website: projectin.org

The next phase is building, testing, refining, and bringing the tools to life.

Empowering Creativity: The Vision of Co-Create

Introduction

Co Create YouTube Channel Banner

Nestled within the innovative framework of the Project IN Art and Health Brand, Co-Create emerges as a transformative project dedicated to addressing artists' struggles and fostering creative unity. Born in Barcelona, this initiative initially sought to unite artists in person, creating a vibrant community where they could empower one another. Though financial challenges halted its physical gatherings, Co-Create has since evolved into a dynamic online creative space. Today, it stands as a beacon for individuals worldwide, aiming to unblock the path to creativity and imagination through psychological tools and timeless wisdom.

The Origins and Evolution of Co-Create

Draw & Flow was a weekly event under Co-Create meetings in Barcelona

Co-Create began with a clear mission: to bring artists together. At the Project IN center in Barcelona, early meetings buzzed with energy as creatives shared their experiences and aspirations. However, limited financial resources forced a pause in these in-person events. Rather than fade away, Co-Create adapted, transitioning into an online platform that now reaches far beyond its original borders. This shift has broadened its scope, making it a sanctuary for anyone seeking to harness their creative potential, regardless of location.

Unlocking Creativity with Flow Psychology

At the heart of Co-Create lies an understanding of Flow Psychology, a concept that ties happiness to the frequency of entering a "flow state." Coined by psychologist Mihaly

flow occurs when an individual’s skill level aligns perfectly with the challenge at hand

Csikszentmihalyi, flow occurs when an individual’s skill level aligns perfectly with the challenge at hand, resulting in deep immersion and satisfaction. Csikszentmihalyi explains, "The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times... The best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile" (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). While sports can often structure this balance, the unpredictable nature of art and creativity poses unique difficulties. Artists may lack the structured support that athletes receive from sports psychologists, often turning to peers or friends for advice—a risky move akin to "going to a barber for taking out a bad tooth." Co-Create seeks to bridge this gap, offering tailored resources and psychological insights to nurture creativity, imagination, and artistic empowerment.

The Link Between Creative Blocks and Trauma

A significant focus of Co-Create is the profound connection between creative blocks and trauma. Through therapeutic observations, I identified the terms "creative trauma" or "music trauma"—a stifling of creative expression often rooted in childhood experiences. This trauma frequently stems from authority figures, such as teachers, whose excessive criticism or emphasis on grades and competition erodes a child’s creative confidence. As Sir Ken Robinson, an advocate for educational reform, noted, "We are educating people out of their creative capacities" (Robinson, 2006). This issue transcends borders, reflecting a global educational tendency to prioritize assessment over empowerment. Co-Create counters this by providing a nurturing environment where individuals can heal from these wounds and rediscover their creative voice.

Empowering Co-Creators of Reality

Beyond unblocking creativity, Co-Create embraces a deeper philosophy: empowering people as co-creators of their own lives. Drawing from ancient knowledge, this approach encourages a mindset where individuals actively shape their reality through intention and imagination. "Life is a canvas, and you are the artist; every stroke of imagination paints the world you live in," reflects this empowering idea (adapted from Emerson, 1841). For creators, adopting this perspective is liberating, breaking the chains of limitation and infusing their work—and lives—with purpose and possibility.

Creativity as a Source of Life

Co-Create redefines creativity, elevating it from a mere artistic tool to a fundamental source of life. It is the essence of living fully, enabling us to dream boldly, solve problems innovatively, and enrich every facet of our existence with powerful imagination. Psychologist Rollo May emphasized this vitality, stating, "Creativity is the process of bringing something new into being. It requires passion and commitment" (May, 1975). Through this lens, Co-Create inspires individuals to see creativity as a life force, essential for personal growth and fulfillment.

A Multifaceted Mission

Co-Create’s mission unfolds across multiple dimensions, offering a rich array of resources and initiatives:

- Information Sharing: Articles, blog posts, and research will educate and inspire a global audience.

- Artist Interviews: Conversations with creatives will be shared on YouTube and social media, providing relatable insights.

- Podcasts: Audio content will explore creativity, trauma, addiction, and flow psychology.

- Community Support: A safe harbor will welcome artists in times of panic or necessity.

- Research: Ongoing studies will investigate the interplay between trauma, addiction, creativity, imagination, and flow psychology.

Get Involved with Co-Create

Co-Create is a movement that thrives on participation. Whether you’re an artist seeking support, a creative enthusiast, or simply someone who values imagination, there’s a place for you. Stay connected by subscribing to the Co Create YouTube channel, becoming a member on http://www.projectin.org, or engaging with the community. Your involvement fuels this journey of empowerment and discovery. Seeking support and guidance to spark your creativity? Reach out to Co-Create!

Conclusion

Co-Create is more than a project—it’s a celebration of human potential. By weaving together psychological tools, ancient wisdom, and a passion for creativity, it offers a holistic path to empowerment. In a world that often stifles imagination, Co-Create stands as a reminder that creativity is not just an act but a way of being—a source of healing, joy, and transformation.

References

- Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). *Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience*. Harper & Row.

- May, R. (1975). *The Courage to Create*. W.W. Norton & Company.

- Robinson, K. (2006). "Do schools kill creativity?" [TED Talk]. Retrieved from [https://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity]

- Emerson, R. W. (1841). Self-Reliance. Essays: First Series.

The Intimate Dance of Sexuality and Creativity: A Journey Through Mind, Body, and Spirit

The dance of Shiva and Shakti symbolizes the cosmic interplay of consciousness (Shiva) and energy (Shakti), creating and sustaining the universe through their eternal, dynamic union.

Far from a mere romantic whimsy, the connection of sexuality and creativity is a profound reality etched into our biology, illuminated by psychology, and celebrated across ancient traditions. Yet, this delicate interplay can falter under the weight of trauma, dimming both the spark of imagination and the flame of intimacy. In this exploration, we’ll uncover the intricate ties between sexuality and creativity—through the lens of neuroscience, modern psychology, and timeless wisdom—and reveal how healing trauma can set both free to flourish once more.

The Biological Symphony: Neuroscience Lights the Way

At the heart of this connection lies the brain, a masterful conductor orchestrating both pleasure and innovation. Whether we’re swept away by a lover’s touch or struck by a burst of creative genius, the same neural pathways hum with life. Dopamine, neurotransmitter of reward, floods our system during moments of sexual arousal and artistic breakthrough alike. It’s the brain’s way of saying, “This matters. Keep going.” The reward system, a network of circuits craving satisfaction, binds these experiences together, rendering them irresistible and deeply fulfilling.

Hormones, too, play a starring role in this biological ballet. Testosterone, often celebrated for fueling libido, doesn’t stop there—it’s also a catalyst for creative daring. Research has shown that individuals with higher sex drives, often propelled by testosterone, tend to excel in creative pursuits, especially when they embrace novelty and exploration. This hormonal bridge links our primal urges to our wildest imaginings.

The brain’s architecture further reveals this unity. The amygdala, a sentinel of emotion, flares with intensity during moments of passion and inspiration. The prefrontal cortex, our strategist and storyteller, guides us through both romantic encounters and intricate projects. Even the default mode network—active when we daydream, fantasize, or let our minds wander—serves as a conduit between sexual reverie and creative epiphany. In essence, our biology doesn’t distinguish between these realms; it revels in their harmony.

Mind and Muse: Insights from Modern Psychology

Sigmund Freud, the provocative pioneer of psychoanalysis, cast sexuality and creativity as two sides of the same coin. His theory of sublimation posits that when sexual impulses can’t find direct release, they transform into bursts of artistic or intellectual brilliance.

Beyond Freud, personality traits deepen this narrative. Openness to experience, a hallmark of the adventurous soul, emerges as a golden thread. Those who score high in this trait—curious, bold, and unbound by convention—tend to revel in both creative risks and expansive sexual horizons. Openness becomes a passport, granting passage between the landscapes of imagination and intimacy, where boundaries blur and possibilities abound.

Echoes of the Ancients: Sexuality as Creative Force

Long before laboratories and theories, ancient cultures wove sexuality and creativity into their sacred stories. In Hindu mythology, the cosmic union of Shiva and Shakti transcends mere romance—it’s the genesis of existence itself, a divine act of creation. Taoist sages in ancient China harnessed sexual energy not just for pleasure but to harmonize life’s forces, channeling them into art, poetry, and philosophy.

Jewish mysticism offers its own poetic lens through the Kabbalah, where “zivvug” signifies both the physical union of lovers and the fusion of ideas in creative thought. Alchemists, too, envisioned transformation as a marriage of opposites—male and female energies sparking the birth of something new. From the Greeks’ tales of Aphrodite to the Mayans’ fertility rituals, the act of creation mirrors a sexual embrace, a timeless testament to their intertwined power.

The Silent Saboteur: How Trauma Casts a Shadow

A visual metaphor portraying the impact of unresolved trauma on creativity and sexuality, contrasting a dark, chaotic landscape with one full of vibrant colors, blossoming flowers, and flowing music.

Yet, this radiant connection can dim when trauma strikes. Sexual trauma, in particular, fractures the delicate bond, leaving survivors grappling with lost desire, fear of closeness, or haunting memories that taint intimacy. Even traumas unrelated to sexuality—like early neglect or emotional wounds—can disrupt the trust and vulnerability that both love and creativity demand.

The creative spirit fares no better under trauma’s burden. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD—frequent companions of unresolved pain—cloud the mind, stifling its ability to leap between ideas or embrace risk. Trauma often triggers dissociation, a numbing retreat from emotion that chokes the raw openness essential for art. Where sexuality and creativity once thrived on freedom, trauma creates walls of caution and silence.

Neuroscience offers a stark glimpse of this toll. Trauma can throw the stress response into chaos, flooding the body with cortisol and eroding cognitive flexibility—the mental agility that lets us weave disparate threads into something bold and new. In this way, trauma doesn’t just wound; it locks away the keys to both sexual joy and creative liberation.

Healing the Dance: Reclaiming Joy and Inspiration

The interplay of sexuality and creativity is a marvel—rooted in our wiring, shaped by our minds, and exalted by our ancestors. Yet, when trauma disrupts this rhythm, it doesn’t signal an end but a call to heal. By confronting and mending these wounds, we can dismantle the barriers that stifle desire and imagination. Therapy, mindfulness, and supportive relationships can gently reawaken the senses, restoring trust in both body and muse.

Healing is more than recovery—it’s a reclamation. It’s the moment when a hesitant brushstroke becomes a masterpiece, when intimacy transforms from fear to celebration. The dance between sexuality and creativity, once silenced, can play on, richer and more vibrant for the journey.