Music therapy is the clinical use of music to achieve personalized goals such as stress reduction, mood improvement, and self-expression, among others. It is an evidence-based therapy that has a long history of success in the medical world. A music therapy session can include listening, singing, playing instruments or producing music as part of the treatment plan. It is not necessary to have any musical abilities or abilities to participate.
Music therapy may be beneficial for you on several levels, including mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, intellectually, and socially. The following are only a few of the advantages:
- Bringing down blood pressure.
- Memory improvement is a goal.
- Through sharing musical experiences with others, you may improve your communication and social skills.
- Self-reflection. Keeping track of your thoughts and feelings.
- Muscle tension can be reduced.
- Self-regulation. It is important to learn good coping mechanisms to help you regulate your thoughts and emotions.
- Increasing the level of motivation.
- Pain management is important.
- Increasing one’s happiness.
In 1945, the United States War Department developed and implemented the first formalized music therapy program. It provided occupational therapy, education, recreation, and physical reconditioning to military service men recuperating in Army hospitals, among other things.
What kind of people do music therapists work with?
People of various ages and ethnicities, as well as people from all backgrounds, can respond to music and music therapy. Among the notable organizations that music therapists have worked with are:
- Service personnel and veterans from the armed forces.
- Music therapy can assist you in coping with traumatic events.
- Individuals suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- A familiar environment, structure, predictability, and consistency are the most effective learning environments for those on the autism spectrum.
- Individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Because of its regularity, familiarity, and feelings of security, music therapy may be beneficial in improving memory and stimulating the intellect.
- People who are in correctional facilities. While jailed or in a mental health institution, half-way house or group home, music therapy may be beneficial in improving problem-solving abilities, increasing communication skills, relaxing, and lowering impulsivity.
- Victims of traumatic events and crises If you have been through a traumatic or crisis, you may be experiencing worry, tension, and pain. When it comes to reducing those three experiences, boosting your mood, feeling confident and in control, and giving a nonverbal outlet for emotions, music therapy may be quite beneficial.
- Those who are suffering from a bodily illness. People suffering from chronic pain, diabetes, heart problems, cancer, headaches, recent surgery, and those in rehabilitation are among those on the list, which is not exhaustive.
- Individuals who suffer from mental health issues. Whether you are struggling with a mental health issue or not, music therapy may assist you in improving your communication and expression abilities, exploring your thoughts and feelings, improving your mood and focus, and developing coping mechanisms.
- People who suffer from chronic discomfort. Pain, anxiety, tiredness, and sadness can all be reduced with the aid of music therapy.
- Addicts who take drugs. If you suffer from a drug addiction issue, music therapy may be beneficial. According to research, it can enhance self-awareness and coping abilities while also increasing motivation and self-esteem, reducing muscular tension, decreasing anxiety, and improving self-awareness.
Music therapy takes happen in a variety of settings.
Hospitals, schools, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, mental health facilities, and houses for people with developmental impairments are the most prevalent places where these services are provided. Music therapists work in a variety of settings, including juvenile detention centers, schools, and private clinics.
Is music therapy an outpatient or an inpatient treatment option?
Whether music therapy is provided as an outpatient or as an inpatient service is dependent on the specific program. Music therapy sessions may be scheduled throughout the day (much like a counseling appointment), or you may be required to travel to the location where the music therapy sessions will take place, such as a hospital or school. Music therapy sessions are sometimes done in groups.
Do music therapists have any experience working with children or adolescents?
Yes. Music therapy may be beneficial in the following situations:
- Behavioral disorders are a kind of mental illness.
- Anxiety and depressive disorders.
- Dyslexia and hyperactivity-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of diseases that include (ASD).
- Trauma.
- Disorders associated with substance addiction.
What can I expect following my music therapy session?
After the music therapy session, your music therapist will assess the efficacy of the session and determine whether or not your goals were accomplished. Multiple sessions are available for your participation if desired.
Risks vs. Advantages
What are some of the advantages of music therapy?
Music therapy has been shown to be helpful in six different areas, including the psychological, emotional, physical, spiritual, cognitive, and social domains.
Emotional:
Music has the ability to arouse suppressed (bottled up) emotions, which may then be let out.
Isolation can be lessened by listening to music.
Mood has improved.
Decreased depression.
Anxiety reduction is the goal.
Self-expression.
Stress management is important.
Physical:
Music has the ability to impact the body by altering your heart rate, decreasing your blood pressure, and increasing your respiration (breathing) rate.
Motor development or processing has been improved.
Relaxation and/or a better night’s sleep
Enhanced gait (walking) and speech are possible as a result of physical stimulation of conscious or unconscious body motions, such as toe tapping or big body movements, as well as improved speaking.
Pain management and/or diversion from pain are two options.
Asthma bouts have been reduced.
Pain has been reduced.
Help preterm newborns gain weight and sleep by providing them with nutritional supplements.
People suffering from Parkinson’s disease might benefit from assistance in improving their motor skills.
Spiritual:
Music has the ability to open doors spiritually, providing you and your family with the chance to examine your own spiritual views and those of others.
Cognitive:
Music can help people feel more in control of their lives.
Adaptability abilities.
Reduce the severity of the consequences of dementia.
Social:
In social situations, music may draw people together. This is true not just during major events such as weddings or funerals, but also in more casual, private situations such as a hospital ward.
Assist autistic youngsters in improving their communication skills.
The Recovery and the Prognosis
What is the prognosis (long-term outlook) for persons who get music therapy services? What is the effectiveness of it?
Your talents are enhanced and transferred to other areas of your life as a result of your musical engagement in a therapeutic environment. For example, you may practice vowel sounds by singing them aloud, which can help you use those sounds more effectively while speaking. It is possible that music therapy will have a good impact on many different parts of your life.
