About two years ago, I had one of those unexpected “counselor aha” moments—not during a student session or professional workshop, but hanging out with my granddaughter. She was absorbed in a video on YouTube where someone gently tapped makeup containers and carefully scraped eyeshadow to create new shades. In another clip, she watched someone slowly unwrap and unbox a product, tapping each item along the way. At first, I didn’t quite understand what made these videos so captivating. I am thinking to myself, "Um, what are we watching?"
But then I noticed something important. She was calm. Focused. Regulated.
I noticed that the repetitive tapping, the soft sounds, the slow, intentional movements of the girl with the pretty, polished nails—it created a quiet sense of calm for her. After some investigation, I found out this is a real technique known as Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response or ASMR. Now, if you are a younger school counselor, you are probably way more knowledgeable about ASMR than we, well, more seasoned folks out there.
So I really got to thinking about this. For school counselors working with anxious, overstimulated, or emotionally overwhelmed students, this trend offers more than entertainment—it may offer a really helpful tool that can be easily implemented.
What is ASMR?
According to Psychology Today, Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a sensory experience often described as “brain tingles”—a calming, pleasant sensation that typically starts at the scalp and moves down the body. You have probably experienced this sensation at some point in your life.
The term was actually coined in the mid-2000s by an enthusiast who wanted a more clinical name for what many initially considered an unusual experience.
Students who experience ASMR report that it is triggered by:
- Soft sounds (whispering, tapping, brushing)
- Repetitive visuals (folding towels, sorting objects)
- Personal attention simulations (haircuts, makeup application)
- Gentle physical sensations (like massages or hair brushing)
While not every student experiences ASMR, many do—and for them, it can be incredibly regulating.
Why ASMR Works? It's About the Brain!
New evidence suggests that ASMR may positively impact the brain and body in several ways:
1. Neurochemical Benefits
ASMR experiences are associated with the release of both dopamine and oxytocin.
Dopamine → linked to pleasure and reward, and Oxytocin → associated with bonding, safety, and trust.
Together, these chemicals can promote relaxation and emotional comfort.
2. Nervous System Regulation
ASMR appears to activate our parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s “rest and digest” mode. This helps counteract the stress response and may lead to our students experiencing a slower heart rate, deeper breathing, and reduced physiological arousal.
3. Mood Stabilization
What school counselor doesn't love this one! Students often report a sense of calm and contentment after engaging with ASMR. As their stress decreases, your students may experience improved mood and a more positive outlook.
4. Sleep Support
Because of its calming effects, ASMR is increasingly used as a sleep aid, especially for students who struggle with racing thoughts or nighttime anxiety.
Is It for Everyone?
While many students find ASMR relaxing, some experience the cringe effect.
Some students describe feeling discomfort, irritation, some sensory overload, and even “cringing” at certain sounds. Truly, ASMR can be highly subjective, meaning what soothes one student may overwhelm another. As always, it is essential to follow the counseling principle of always offering choice and autonomy.
Practical Ways Counselors Can Use ASMR
If you decide as a school counselor to use ASMR and integrate it into your counseling practice, how can you do this as a low-risk, student-centered regulation strategy?
Here are some practical tips:
1. Create a “Calm Corner” Option
Offer ASMR as one of several regulation tools:
- Headphones with pre-selected calming audio
- Short, school-appropriate ASMR clips (there are a myriad of ASMR videos available on YouTube!).
- Non-digital options like textured objects or tapping tools. Some more interesting tools I have seen include a jumbo butter stick, a chocolate bar, dumplings, and even a croissant. You can go to Amazon and even Walmart to view these ASMR objects.
2. Introduce It as a Brain-Based Strategy
Explain it in student-friendly language:
“Some people’s brains relax when they hear soft or repetitive sounds. It’s like giving your brain a break.”
3. Use It for Transition Times
- Before testing
- After conflicts or stressful events
- When students enter counseling dysregulated and not able to talk
4. Pair It With Other Techniques
Combine ASMR with:
- Deep breathing
- Grounding exercises
- Mindfulness activities
Sample Counseling Scenario
Here is a simple scenario of how you can apply ASMR for an anxious student who comes to your office, and you don't really have a lot of time.
Situation:
A student is experiencing test anxiety, reports racing thoughts, and difficulty calming down before exams.
Intervention:
- The counselor introduces ASMR as an option alongside breathing techniques.
- The student listens to a short tapping and soft narration clip for 3 minutes (see videos below).
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Counselor guides the student to notice:
- Breathing changes
- Muscle relaxation
- Thought patterns
Possible Outcome:
Student reports feeling “less on edge” and begins using similar audio at home before studying.
Here is a handout that may be helpful if you decide to incorporate ASMR with your students. Click the link below for more insight.
Final Thoughts
As school counselors, we’re always looking for accessible, student-friendly ways to support emotional regulation. ASMR may not be a one-size-fits-all solution—but for some students, it can be a powerful, low-cost tool for calming the nervous system.
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