Music therapy: Feel the beat

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Music therapy is an alternative treatment. It is defined as the use of music in a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of a group or an individual. Music therapy is able to touch the mind, body, brain and behavior.

It is considered safe and non-invasive as a systematic way to support well-being, recovery and health, but should not be used alone for serious medical and psychological issues.

The top instruments used by music therapists are drums, guitar, piano and voice, but a client doesn't need to have musical abilities to benefit from music therapy.

As in standard therapy, music therapy has treatment goals. Here are some examples of how music therapy may be used:

- for special education, songs are designed to incorporate cognitive and behavioral goals, reinforcing individualized concepts.

- for Parkinson's disease, the rhythm in music stimulates the basal ganglia, so listening to music while walking improves pace and the number of steps.

- for difficulty in communication after a stroke, singing words or short phrases to a simple melody enhances speech production and fluency.

Music therapy incorporates receptive/passive and creative/active processes.

Receptive/passive techniques involve listening with a purpose. Listening to melodies can provide focus. Guided imagery can help with relaxation and the exploration of emotions and thoughts. Moving or dancing to music allows relaxation and the ability to connect the mind with the body. Lyric discussion provides opportunities to discuss thoughts, feelings or ideas elicited by the music.

Creative/active interventions allow clients to express themselves while developing cognitive skills, improving self esteem and building better relationships. Music therapists may encourage singing, chanting, drumming or playing an instrument to build self esteem or in a group setting, to help with nonverbal communication. Composing songs and song improvisation allows the expression of emotions and improves capabilities.

Music distracts the mind, slows body rhythms, alters the mood and influences behavior.

Click on the link below to view a video of a music therapy session.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciubgEkE1i4