How Music Therapy Calms Minds and Improves Sleep in Kids with Candace Szymanski and Jessica Bryant
Welcome to another episode of the Catching Zzz’s podcast! Better Sleep Council representative and pediatric sleep strategist Jessica Bryant of Sleep Happy Consulting is in the host seat for this week’s episode.
Our guest today is Candace Szymanski, a board-certified music therapist and founder of the Cultivate Community in Southlake, Texas and we’re diving into the world of music therapy and its powerful connection to sleep and emotional wellbeing.
We explore how music therapy goes far beyond just learning an instrument, offering creative and evidence-based ways for children and teens to express emotion, cope with stress, and build healthy sleep routines.
Candace shares insightful stories from her years of experience working in pediatric hospitals and private practice, revealing how music—whether through soothing playlists, songwriting, or even simple humming—can provide comfort, signal relaxation, and help kids wind down at bedtime.
Parents, caregivers, and anyone curious about integrating music as a tool for better sleep will walk away with tangible tips, relatable anecdotes, and a new appreciation for the science and heart behind music therapy.
You can learn more about Candace and the Better Sleep Council at bettersleep.org. Let’s dive in!
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MEET CANDACE
Candace Szymanski, MT-BC is a board-certified music therapist and founder of The Cultivate Community, a multidisciplinary practice supporting children, teens, and families through emotional, medical, grief-related, and developmental challenges.
She has extensive experience working with children and adolescents navigating medical diagnoses, anxiety, grief and bereavement, mental health needs, and behavioral challenges. Candace brings a warm, grounded approach to her work and believes in meeting each child just as they are, building trust through connection, consistency, and care that fits their needs.
Candace has supervised students and interns in both medical and psychiatric settings and provides ongoing supervision and resources for professionals through Music Therapy Made Simple. She regularly presents throughout North Texas and is passionate about walking alongside families and helping professionals feel equipped, supported, and inspired in their work.
