Music as a Therapy

Music therapy is an evidence-based treatment for a number of illnesses, including heart disease, depression, autism, substance misuse, and Alzheimer's. It can aid with memory, blood pressure, coping, stress reduction, and self-esteem, among other things. You don't need any musical experience to take part. Music therapy is a therapeutic strategy that aims to improve people's mental health and overall well-being by utilising music's inherently mood-lifting effects. 1 It's a goal-oriented intervention that can include music making, song writing, singing, and listening to music.

Music therapy can be an active process in which clients participate in the creation of music or a passive approach in which clients simply listen to or respond to music. Some therapists may employ a hybrid strategy that includes both active and passive musical encounters. Music therapy is the clinical application of music to achieve customised goals such as stress reduction, mood enhancement, and self-expression. It is a well-known evidence-based therapy in the medical world. Listening, singing, playing instruments, and composing music are all examples of music therapy activities. It is not necessary to have any musical abilities or capabilities to join.

Types

Analytical music therapy enables you to communicate your unconscious thoughts through an improvised musical "conversation" such as singing or playing an instrument, which you may then reflect on and discuss with your therapist.

Benenzon music therapy blends some psychoanalytic notions with the process of composing music. The quest for your "musical sound identity," which identifies the exterior sounds that most closely fit your internal psychological condition, is part of Benenzon music therapy.

CBMT (cognitive behavioural music therapy) is a treatment that combines cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and music. Music is utilised in CBMT to reinforce and change certain behaviours. Listening to music, dancing, singing, or playing an instrument are all examples of structured, not unstructured, approaches.

Who Needs It?

Music and music therapy can benefit people of various ages, backgrounds, and cultures. Military service members and veterans are two populations that music therapists have assisted. Music therapy can assist you in overcoming trauma.

Autism Spectrum Disorder sufferers (ASD): When there is familiarity, structure, predictability, and consistency, people on the spectrum learn better.

People who have Alzheimer's disease. Because of its consistency, familiarity, and feelings of security, music therapy may aid memory and excite the intellect.

People who are incarcerated. If you're in prison, a mental health facility, a halfway house, or a group home, music therapy can help with problem-solving, communication, relaxation, and impulsivity reduction.

Trauma and crisis victims. You may have anxiety, tension, and pain if you've been through trauma or a crisis.

Those who are afflicted with a physical ailment. Persons with chronic pain, diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, headaches, recent surgery, and people in rehab are among those on the list.

Individuals suffering from mental illnesses. Music therapy can help you communicate and express yourself, explore your ideas and feelings, enhance your mood and attention, and develop coping skills if you have a mental health issue.

People who suffer from persistent discomfort. Pain, anxiety, exhaustion, and despair can all be alleviated by music therapy.

What is the location of music therapy?

Hospitals, schools, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, mental health centres, and houses for people with developmental disabilities are the most typical locations. Music therapists work in a variety of settings, including juvenile detention centres, schools, and private offices.

Is music therapy an outpatient or an inpatient treatment option?

The individual programme determines whether music therapy is provided as an outpatient or inpatient service. You might be able to come in for sessions during the day (like a counselling appointment), or a music therapist might visit you while you're in the hospital or at school. Music therapy is sometimes done in groups.