How does The Mood Bank work?

We think you will find The Mood Bank
simple to use.

Listen with intention.
That is, decide the purpose of your listening, as well as which segment you will listen to, and direct your listening session accordingly.


Choose your session length.
Most of the CDs have four segments, about 12-15 minutes each.  This allows for personal choice in listening for short periods of time or selecting a particular segment.   


Read the strategies and tips.
The written material in the CD insert contains strategies, information, and useful ideas for creating the specific mood or self-improvement, as used in the author's profession psychology work.   


Put it all together!

• Decide what you want to emphasize during your listening session, and how long you want it to be.
• Review the materials, and identify the strategies and tips on which you would like to focus your attention. 
• Organize any additional materials, such as pen and paper.
• Turn on the music and adjust the volume to your preference.
• Follow the suggestions in the material to focus your attention on two things: 1) acknowledge the challenge or issue you are dealing with.  Once you have done so, 2) transition to the steps necessary to change your state of mind so you can deal with this aspect of your life in a more proactive fashion.

Examples

• The 15-minute music segments allow you time to choose one, but focus on it throughout a longer session (i.e. 50-60 minutes).
• The music can be played while you complete a written exercise, or played softly as you discuss the topic at hand. 
• Hope is intended to encourage positive thinking in the midst of difficult times.  
• Reflection can be used to journal or discuss thoughts and feelings surrounding an event. 
• Sadness, Anger, and Emotional Pain, are intended to help you get in touch with negative feelings in a healthy way, process them, and move forward.
• Self-Esteem, with its big brass-like sounds, can be used when self-worth is an issue for you or someone you know.
• Stress Management outlines specific ways to strengthen these skills.