No musical skills? No problem! At least not if you’re interested in starting music therapy, which can improve your quality of life and help manage various conditions. If this sounds like a form of treatment that could benefit you, keep reading!
What Is Music Therapy?
Music therapy uses music or elements of music to help individuals reduce stress, calm anxiety, and deal with an array of other health issues. Typically, musical therapists get to know their clients’ needs and musical preferences to custom-design sessions for their needs. The amount, length, and activities during each session depend on the individual’s needs and goals. Music therapy sessions may involve making music, writing songs, singing, dancing, or listening to or discussing music. The best news? Music therapy can benefit people of all ages from every walk of life.
What Conditions Can Music Therapy Help Manage?
It’s not uncommon for music therapy to be part of a more comprehensive treatment plan to treat:
- Dementia
- Brain injuries
- Stroke
- Impulsivity
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cancer
- Autism
- Negative mood
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Learning disabilities
- Pain
- Low self-esteem
- Substance abuse disorders
Types of Music Therapy
Therapists typically use a combined approach that involves different kinds of music interaction. There are several types of musical therapy, including:
- Benenzon: This type of therapy includes the search for a person’s musical sound identity, which describes external sounds that closely match their psychological state.
- Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy: This practice typically includes playing an instrument while the therapist accompanies using another instrument. The process is used to enable self-expression.
- Analytical: This includes improvised musical dialogue through instruments or singing to express unconscious thoughts discussed with the therapist later.
- Cognitive Behavior Music Therapy: The goal of this type of therapy is to reinforce some behaviors while modifying others.
- Vocal Psychotherapy: Various vocal exercises, natural sounds, and breathing techniques are used to connect with both emotions and impulses. The goal is to create a deeper sense of connection with yourself.
- Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music: This method uses classical music to stimulate the imagination.
The Benefits of Music Therapy
The benefits of music therapy vary, depending on a person’s goals and why they are seeking music therapy in the first place. However, many benefits include:
- Providing relaxation
- Improving quality of life
- Reducing anxiety or depression
- Improving coordination
- Easing stress
- Reducing pain
- Enhancing communication, speaking, and language skills.
- Helping form healthy coping skills
- Strengthening self-confidence