Music Therapy

An integral part of music therapy is using musical activities as therapeutic tools in a client-therapist relationship. Music therapists are often professionally trained via clinical training by the American Music Therapy Association both in music and therapeutic techniques to build a therapeutic relationship with a client using evidence-based, music practices. They can collaborate with clients to develop musical programs that align with their individual needs and treatment goals.

Understanding music therapy

The therapeutic process begins with an assessment, during which the music therapist evaluates the client's physical health, emotional well-being, communication abilities, and cognitive skills. Using the initial assessment, the music therapist may then devise a tailored intervention plan based on the music therapy standards set by the American Music Therapy Association. 

Depending on the client’s needs, music therapists may include activities like singing, songwriting, listening to music, playing musical instruments, or guided improvisation. For instance, rhythm-centric activities may be employed to enhance motor skills, while songwriting can be a conduit for expressing deep-seated emotions or trauma.¹

Music serves as a mediator, facilitating a nonverbal channel of communication that bypasses linguistic or cognitive barriers. Music becomes an expressive medium, allowing individuals to explore and convey feelings that might be challenging to articulate through their words. Moreover, the multisensory nature of music and song — encompassing rhythm, melody, and harmony — stimulates the brain, making it especially effective in neurorehabilitation.

American Music Therapy Association

Music therapy led by a board-certified music therapist from the American Music Therapy Association is also about reflecting on and processing the experiences and emotions it evokes. Post-session discussions between the client and the music therapist may help in assimilating these experiences, transforming the musical engagements into therapeutic insights and progress. Music therapy can lead to the potential for healing, growth, and transformation through these structured yet flexible sessions.

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According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy, music exploration, and musical activities can be a rewarding journey of self-discovery and healing, combining therapeutic intent with musical interventions. For those considering music therapy, understanding what lies ahead can pave the way for a more fulfilling experience.

Music therapy sessions

Your music therapist may begin by initiating an assessment session to introduce you to therapy music practices based on training from the American Music Therapy Association. This assessment isn't a test of musical skills but an exploration of your needs, preferences, and goals for therapy. Whether you're a seasoned musician, someone who's never picked up an instrument, or you fall somewhere in between, music therapy is designed to cater to your unique profile. 

Therapists may look to understand your history, your current challenges, and what you hope to achieve. This process may include managing stress, improving cognitive function, or expressing suppressed emotions. The music therapist may also incorporate other forms of therapy alongside music therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, music therapy in group settings, or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). 

The subsequent sessions are tailored to these discussions. You might play an instrument, listen to a curated playlist, engage in rhythmic body movements, write songs, or improvise melodies. Each activity, though rooted in music, is designed with a therapeutic outcome in mind. There's no "right" or "wrong" — these sessions are safe spaces where you're encouraged to express yourself freely, explore your emotions, and engage with music at your own pace and comfort level.

Post-session reflections can help you and your therapist discuss your feelings, thoughts, and reactions to the musical experiences you've had. It's an opportunity to articulate and process the emotions evoked during the treatment. Over time, as you immerse yourself in the process, you may notice shifts in your emotional, cognitive, and physical state.

The healing touch of music is often universal and can resonate with people across many age groups, backgrounds, and challenges. The versatility of music therapy makes it a suitable intervention for a broad spectrum of individuals, including the following:

• Children with special needs: Many children with developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder,² have shown remarkable progress with music therapy. The structured nature of music can help improve communication skills, social interactions, and emotional expressions. For children who find words overwhelming or challenging, musical interactions can offer an alternative medium of communication and understanding.
• Mental health concerns: Individuals with depression,³ anxiety,⁴ post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),⁵ or other mental health disorders may benefit from music therapy. Music provides an outlet for expression, helps in managing emotions, and aids in alleviating symptoms by promoting relaxation and stress reduction. The therapeutic sessions can also be a refuge for those seeking solace from internal challenges.
• Older adults and dementia patients: For older adults and those diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, music therapy can be a beacon of hope. Familiar tunes can evoke memories, leading to increased socialization and moments of lucidity in an otherwise difficult cognitive landscape. Engaging with music can also slow cognitive decline and improve mood and sleep patterns.
• Physical rehabilitation: Music therapy isn't just about emotional and mental well-being. It may benefit those undergoing physical therapy. The rhythmic aspect of music can aid in improving motor functions, coordination, and muscle movement for patients recovering from strokes or traumatic injuries.

Music therapy is goal-oriented, with each session tailored to the individual's unique needs and aspirations. The therapist and client can collaboratively set these goals to guide the therapeutic process, ensuring that the musical experiences are purposeful and meaningful.

• Emotional expression and management: One goal of music therapy is to provide clients with a safe, constructive outlet for emotional expression. Through musical activities, individuals can express feelings they might find difficult to articulate verbally. As they identify and express their emotions through music, they also learn to manage those emotions, which can be helpful for those living with mood disorders or trauma.
• Cognitive enhancement: Music therapy can aim to enhance cognitive skills. Cognitive enhancement can involve exercises that target memory recall, attention span, or decision-making. For instance, rhythm-based activities may improve attention in children with ADHD.
• Improving motor skills: Enhancing motor skills might be a key goal for individuals recovering from physical traumas or experiencing developmental disorders. Drumming, playing an instrument, or tapping to the beat can assist in refining gross and fine motor coordination.
• Social skills and communication: Group music therapy sessions can have the goal of bolstering social interactions and communication skills. Engaging in group musical activities requires listening to others, cooperating, and, often, non-verbal communication. These experiences can be especially beneficial for children with autism or adults with social anxiety.
• Enhancing self-awareness and insight: Sometimes, the journey of music therapy is introspective. For individuals experiencing identity challenges or existential crises, the goal might be gaining deeper self-awareness. Through creating or reflecting on music, they can explore their feelings, beliefs, and aspirations, leading to insights and personal growth.

Music therapy objectives

The goals for music therapy can be as varied and unique as the individuals who seek treatment. What remains consistent is the therapeutic power of music, which, when harnessed correctly, may lead to positive outcomes in many areas of life. 

Music therapy is safe and low risk, but because of the power of music, it’s possible that this type of therapy may trigger painful memories for you. If this is the case, you should speak to your therapist about this.

The transformative potential of music therapy isn't just anecdotal. Rigorous scientific studies have explored its efficacy, presenting promising results across various domains.

For older adults, depression and dementia often serve as dual threats, diminishing their quality of life. To uncover non-pharmacological interventions, researchers have completed clinical trials focusing on the effects of music interventions for this demographic. Group music therapy (GMT) and recreational choir singing (RCS) demonstrated the potential for positive changes in mood, self-esteem, and cognitive functioning. Additional research is necessary to understand the long-term benefits of such interventions.

Music therapy studies

Chemical dependency often encompasses a labyrinth of psychological and physiological challenges. An investigation was undertaken to determine whether music therapy can reduce stress among individuals living with chemical addictions. Participants were immersed in a 60-minute music therapy intervention. The post-session analysis revealed a significant decline in the mean salivary cortisol levels, a primary biomarker of stress. This decrease in the "stress hormone" underscored music's capacity to physiologically counteract the stressful effects of addiction. 

These studies indicate that music therapy is steadily making its mark, backed by a growing body of clinical research. The research is a testament to music's age-old assertion: its ability to heal, soothe, and connect. As science continues to unlock its therapeutic potential, it appears that music may indeed be a healing force.