In a world brimming with sound bites and talking heads, sound therapy is expanding as a popular method for reducing stress, enhancing mental clarity and promoting overall wellness. Among practitioners leading the charge in Lancaster and Berks counties are Lana Ryder, Jen L. Rose and Sarita-Linda Rocco, each bringing their unique approaches to this ancient practice.

Lana Ryder: A Lifelong Passion for Healing Through Sound

Lana Ryder

Based in Lancaster, Lana Ryder is the founding director, owner and senior instructor of Soundwise School of Harmonic Therapy. With decades of practitioner and teaching experience, Ryder offers heartfelt, science-based knowledge and sound therapy experiences, both in private practice and through her school. With customized sound baths, community sound meditations and yearly cohorts of students learning comprehensive sound therapy techniques, she is a pillar of the local sound therapy community.

“I have known the power of music since the womb—my mother was a professional musician and nurse. I, too, worked in allopathic health care for 25 years, and I entered the holistic field upon graduating from massage school in 1995. Aware of the benefit of the relaxing music played during massage sessions, I knew there had to be a more effective way to use music. When WellSpan announced the opening of a holistic center, I helped manage the facility. The grand opening hosted Dr. Mitch Gaynor of Cornell University and the chief of oncology at Strang Cancer Center. Gaynor used singing bowls with his terminal cancer patients, and I had just read his book, The Healing Power of Sound. As I listened to his lecture and experienced his sound meditation, my serious pursuit of learning how sound, voice and music could be used therapeutically began.”   

When working with the community, Ryder explains that the instruments have a specific effect, but in varying ways. “How instruments affect people depends on the skill of the sound practitioner. It is important that sound practitioners be trauma-informed and understand not only how to play the instruments and use their voice in effective and pleasing ways, but to understand the art and science of sound healing.”

Ryder highlights that there is a myth of using certain notes for certain chakras or health issues. “I have seen this proven wrong in working with thousands of clients over the past 25 years. Thinking that one note works equally well for the same health issue for nearly 8 billion people on the planet makes no sense. Psychoacoustics are being studied more, but it will take time to have specific, peer-reviewed, evidence-based studies. I have lots of anecdotal evidence over the years, and as I apply that experience and knowledge, I see a pattern with some instruments.”

Jen L. Rose: Combining Sound, Singing and Somatics

Jen L. Rose

Jen L. Rose, Somatic Voicework instructor, is an adjunct teacher of Soundwise School of Harmonic Therapy and owner of ResonateYou, a Lancaster-based voice and sound studio. Rose is known for her natural and intuitive ability to work with the voice. She ascribes her effectiveness in part to being a trained jazz singer.

“As a jazz vocalist I learned to improvise, which comes easily to me. I close my eyes and find the notes, and that’s what leading a vocal meditation often feels like: channeling the sounds that need to be heard. Like reiki, the energy moves through me. The sounds are not mine, they are what’s being called in and what is needed in the moment.”

When Rose works with clients, she experiences being in a flow. “When I am sharing a vocal meditation, it feels like I am channeling the vocal sounds. In a sound meditation, it feels like my hands are being guided towards different instruments, intuitively. I’ve been practicing for over six years, so there is a process of surrender when I am leading—I lean into the moment, surrender, and the sounds come through me.”

Sarita-Linda Rocco: Bringing Steadiness to a World of Static

Sarita-Linda Rocco

Sarita-Linda Rocco practices sound therapy in partnership with her husband, Michael, in West Reading. Together, they offer monthly sound baths at The Nest Collaborative.

“What moves me most is the shared presence my husband and I bring into the space—we don’t just offer sound, we offer our steady connection. In a world overwhelmed with noise and disconnection, holding space together with love feels like a quiet and meaningful act of service.”

When asked about how people often feel after a session, Rocco explains, “Energetic shifts after a sound healing session often occur because sound bypasses the thinking mind and interacts directly with the body’s subtle energy system—what many traditions call prana, chi or life force. The vibrations can help release stagnant or blocked energy, allowing for greater flow and balance. As the nervous system relaxes and the body recalibrates, people may feel lighter, clearer, more grounded or emotionally open. These shifts reflect not only physical relaxation but also the movement and reorganization of energy on a deeper, often unconscious level, creating space for healing, insight and renewal.”

The Future of Sound Therapy in the Region

Experts suggest that sound therapy could become a mainstream complementary approach to mental health and physical wellness, particularly as research sheds more light on its benefits. For Ryder, Rose and Rocco, the common thread is their dedication to helping others find peace and healing through sound. Whether through individual sessions, workshops or retreats, these practitioners are shaping the future of holistic health in their communities.

For more information about sound therapy in our region, contact Lana Ryder, of Soundwise School of Harmonic Therapy, at 610-301-4356 or SoundwiseHealth.com; Jen L. Rose, of ResonateYou, at ResonateYou.com; and Sarita-Linda Rocco, of The Nest Collaborative, at TheNestCollaborative.com. 

Trella Dubetz is a trauma-informed bodyworker, holistic and human design practitioner, graphic designer and writer based in Lancaster and Huntingdon counties, PA. She blends creativity with healing practices to support personal transformation. Connect with her at TrellaDubetz.com.