Leveraging Urban Soundscape Research for Enhanced Online Therapy Practices

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed many aspects of our lives, including the urban sound environments around us. A recent study titled Quieted City Sounds during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Montreal provides fascinating insights into these changes. This research can be instrumental for practitioners in online therapy services like TinyEYE, as it highlights the importance of understanding environmental factors that affect mental well-being.

The Impact of Quieted City Sounds

The study conducted in Montreal's Quartier des Spectacles observed significant changes in urban sound levels due to pandemic-induced lockdowns. The findings revealed a reduction of 6–7 dB(A) in sound levels during lockdowns, with variations across different sites and times of the day. As restrictions eased, sound levels gradually returned to near pre-pandemic levels, despite reduced pedestrian activity.

Key Acoustic Indicators

• Energetic Acoustic Indicators: These include A-weighted equivalent continuous pressure levels (LAeq,T) and day-evening-night indicators (Lden).
• Statistical Acoustic Indicators: These measure the sound level exceeded for a certain percentage of the measurement period, such as L10 and L90.

The study's outcomes suggest that noise management strategies should not only focus on festival sounds but also consider mechanical noises that persist even when typical city noises are absent.

Implementing Research Outcomes in Therapy Practices

The insights from this research can be valuable for online therapists aiming to improve their practice. Understanding how environmental noise affects mental health can help therapists tailor their sessions to accommodate clients' needs better. Here are some actionable steps:

• Create Awareness: Educate clients about the impact of environmental sounds on mental well-being and encourage them to create quieter spaces for therapy sessions.
• Incorporate Soundscapes: Use calming soundscapes or white noise during sessions to help clients focus and relax.
• Pursue Further Research: Encourage clients to observe their environment and report how different sounds affect their mood and concentration.

The Path Forward: Encouraging Further Research

This study opens avenues for further research into how urban sound environments influence mental health. Practitioners are encouraged to delve deeper into this field to enhance their understanding and improve therapeutic outcomes. By staying informed about such research, therapists can offer more comprehensive support to their clients.

The transformation of urban soundscapes during the pandemic presents an opportunity for therapists to explore new dimensions of environmental psychology. By integrating these insights into practice, therapists can better address the holistic needs of their clients.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Quieted City Sounds during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Montreal.