What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is an evidence-based allied health service similar to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology that uses music as the therapeutic tool to address physical, cognitive, social, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and/or behavioral needs.
Why Should I Try Music Therapy?
- Music is part of our every-day life and provides a non-threatening, fun, and reinforcing way to address needs in all domains (physical, cognitive, social, emotional, spiritual and behavioral).
- Music structures communication, expression, and interaction allowing clients to develop relationships and address issues they may not be able to address using words alone.
- Music therapists can empower clients with healthy coping mechanisms to control pain, discomfort, anger, frustration, stress, sadness, aggression, and/or anxiety.
What Are Some Music Therapy Interventions We May Use in Sessions?
- Lyric Analysis
- Songwriting
- Drumming
- Music Assisted Relaxation
- Music Discussion/Education
- Mood Vectoring
- Iso Principle
- Music and Movement
- Song Selection/Dedication
- Improvisation
What Are Some Things We Might Work on in Music Therapy?
Cognitive
- Increase independence and decision-making skills
- Improve reality testing and problem-solving skills
- Improve concentration and attention span
- Improve executive functioning/planning skills
- Enhance awareness of self and environment
- Improve expressive and receptive communication
Social
- Increase verbal and non-verbal self-awareness and self-expression
- Positive social interaction and improve social awareness
- Improve group cohesiveness
- Decrease isolation and improved sense of belonging
- Increase ability to resolve conflicts leading to stronger family, peer, and work relationships
Emotional
- Increase sense of control over and satisfaction with life
- Support healthy feelings and thoughts
- Positive changes in mood, affect, and/or emotional states
- Increase awareness of personal feelings and therapeutic issues
- Improve interest, self-image, self-esteem, and feelings of self-purpose
- Increase motivation
- Successful, safe, and appropriate emotional release
- Improve coping mechanisms
Physical
- Increase ability to relax the mind and body in healthy ways
- Improve biochemical indicators of immune functioning and stress levels
How Do I Know if Someone is Qualified to Provide Music Therapy Services?
- Qualified music therapists carry the credential MT-BC indicating that they have passed the national, independent certification board exam and have maintained awareness of current practice through continuing education or retesting. DO NOT work with anyone claiming to be a music therapist without the MT-BC designation.
- To confirm MT-BC status go to: http://www.cbmt.org/certificant_search
