The Power of Mind and Music: An Interview with Dr. Don Goodman

Dr. Don Goodman is an expert in psychology and music, holding dual PhDs from the University of Southern California and the Chicago School of Psychology formally the California Graduate Institute of Psychology. He completed his undergraduate degree at the Chicago Musical College from 1971-1975 under Mr. Abraham Stokman and before him with Mr. Emelio Del Rosario and Dr. Herbert Zipper. After this training , Don was asked to attend The University of Southern California to study with Mr. Daniel Pollack and later Eduardo Delgado where he obtained his Masters and Doctorate in Performance. Later, owing to a strong and growing interest in Psychology and the mind, he obtained training as a Certified Hypnotherapist from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute and was later trained as a Biofeedback Technician while at the same time pursuing a PhD in Psychology from the California Graduate Institute of Psychology. While performing throughout, he specializes in pain management, performance anxiety, and mental resilience. He later served as Chief Pain Psychologist for many years in the Orofacial-Pain department at UCLA helping patients understand the mind/body connection and how our emotions can often be the root of many of our health challenges.

Now retired from that position, he is focusing on helping musicians overcome anxiety issues related to performance as well as physical challenges faced not only by musicians and performing artists but by sports artists as well. 

His groundbreaking research on hypnosis and performance anxiety has made him a sought-after authority in the field, particularly among musicians, actors, and athletes striving for peak performance. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Goodman is a trained concert pianist with a deep understanding of the psychological barriers performers face. 

As a member of the Performing Arts Medicine Association, he integrates his knowledge of music and psychology to offer private sessions and workshops tailored to creative professionals. He is also the CEO of the Heidrich Psychological Assessment Center, where he leads innovative approaches to mental health treatment. His philosophy centers on using emotional awareness as a key to healing, empowering individuals to achieve balance and success in both their personal and professional lives.

How did you start as a clinical instructor at UCLA?

I had a mentor, Dr. Robert Merrill, the head of the Orofacial Pain Department at UCLA, who played a pivotal role in shaping my journey as a clinical instructor. He encouraged me to sit in on rounds at UCLA, where I had the opportunity to observe firsthand how they integrated mind-body approaches into patient treatment. This experience demonstrated the powerful connection between psychological and physiological health, particularly in managing pain, sleep disorders, and stress-related conditions.

I began working pro bono, immersing myself in the department’s unique interdisciplinary approach. The hands-on experience allowed me to gain insights that many psychologists do not typically encounter in traditional clinical training. I collaborated closely with dentists, neurologists, and pain specialists, learning how psychological interventions could complement medical treatments for patients suffering from chronic pain and related disorders.

Over time, my role expanded as I developed specialized strategies for pain management, hypnosis, and biofeedback techniques. My contributions in these areas led to my appointment as the Chief Health and Pain Consultant in the department—a position I proudly held for many years. Through my work at UCLA, I have had the privilege of refining innovative therapeutic techniques and helping patients regain control over their mental and physical well-being.

Where did your passion for psychology and music come from?

My passion for both psychology and music was cultivated from a young age. As a pianist, I had the privilege of receiving one-on-one mentorship starting at the age of seven, not just in music but in life itself. This deep, personal guidance shaped my understanding of discipline, emotion, and the power of human connection. Over the years, I became increasingly fascinated by the psychological aspects of performance—how mindset, focus, and emotional regulation could impact a musician’s ability to excel. I explored the field of psychology, as I saw striking similarities between the intimate, structured mentorship I experienced in music and the therapeutic relationship in psychology. The transition felt natural, as both disciplines involved deep listening, personal expression, and the ability to adapt to the unique needs of an individual.

In many ways, I view psychology as an extension of music. While classical training is highly structured, much like certain psychological frameworks, psychology also requires a level of improvisation—similar to jazz. A therapist, like a musician, must be attuned to subtle emotional cues, adjusting their approach in real time to best support the individual in front of them. Just as a pianist conveys emotion through dynamics and phrasing, a psychologist navigates a patient’s mental landscape through tailored therapeutic techniques. 

My background in music has given me a heightened sensitivity to human emotions, allowing me to connect with clients on a deeper level and use creative approaches to help them overcome mental and emotional barriers.

What does a typical day look like for you as a certified Hypnotherapist?

As a certified Hypnotherapist, my days are filled with opportunities to help individuals break free from mental barriers and negative habits that hinder their well-being. Each session is unique, and tailored to the specific needs of my clients, whether they struggle with anxiety, chronic pain, sleep disorders, or performance-related stress. Using hypnosis, I guide them into a relaxed state where their subconscious mind becomes more receptive to positive change. Some cases yield remarkable transformations, even surprising me with their effectiveness. Witnessing clients regain confidence, control, and resilience through this process is both rewarding and a testament to the mind’s power.

How do you think your background has impacted the success of your career?

My background as a musician has profoundly influenced my approach to psychology and hypnotherapy, shaping my ability to connect with clients on a deeper level. Music requires intense listening, emotional awareness, and adaptability—skills that translate seamlessly into therapy. As a pianist, I learned to interpret subtle nuances in sound and emotion, which has enhanced my sensitivity to clients’ needs. 

This heightened awareness allows me to truly listen, not just to their words but to their underlying emotions and concerns. By combining my musical intuition with psychological expertise, I create a more personalized, empathetic, and effective therapeutic experience.

What lessons have you learned in a moment of professional failure? 

Throughout my career, both as a musician and a psychologist, I have encountered moments of failure that tested my resilience. As a pianist, mistakes during performances were inevitable, but I learned that perseverance was key—every setback was an opportunity to improve. This mindset carried over into my work with patients. Not every therapeutic approach works immediately, and some cases are particularly challenging. I’ve learned to remain patient, adapt my methods, and never give up on a client. Success requires persistence, flexibility, and the ability to learn from every experience. Always try to be eclectic, molding your modality to fit the needs of the patient. Don't be a one-trick pony.

What are the pros and cons of having a career in performing arts medicine?

I don't see any cons in having a career that combines both the arts and medicine. As human beings, we are not robots. We all make music in one way or the other. Music emanates from the heart. Medicine also emanates from the heart. Love comes from the heart. When we are engaged in music or therapy, it comes first from the heart and then from the brain.

What’s next for you in your professional endeavors?

My next endeavor would be to write a book, explaining how I think therapy needs to evolve to better help mankind by bringing faith-based beliefs back into the practice.