What are the benefits of music therapy?

Research on music therapy shows that it is useful in six domains: Emotional, physical, spiritual, cognitive, social, and psychological.

Emotional:

§  Music can call up repressed (bottled up) emotions that may then be released.

§  Music can lessen feelings of isolation.

§  Improved mood.

§  Decreased depression.

§  Anxiety reduction.

§  Self-expression.

§  Stress management.

Physical:

§  Music can affect the body by changing your heart rate and lowering blood pressure and respiration (breathing) rate.

§  Improved motor development or processing.

§  Relaxation and/or improved sleep.

§  It can physically stimulate conscious or unconscious body movements, such as toe tapping or large body movements, and improved gait (walking) and speech.

§  Management of and/or distraction from pain.

§  Reduced asthma episodes.

§  Reduced pain.

§  Help premature infants with weight gain and sleep.

§  Help people with Parkinson’s disease improve their motor functions.

Spiritual:

§  Music can open the door spiritually and allow you and your family the opportunity to explore your own spiritual beliefs.

Cognitive:

§  Music can provide an increased sense of control.

§  Coping skills.

§  Lessen the effects of dementia.

Social:

§  Music can bring people together socially, not just at large gatherings such as parties, weddings, or funerals, but in more informal, intimate, shared experiences, like a hospital room

§  Help autistic children improve communication.

 

Where does music therapy take place?

Hospitals, schools, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, mental health facilities, and houses for people with developmental disabilities are the most typical settings. Additionally, music therapists visit schools, private practices, and juvenile detention centers.

Is music therapy outpatient or inpatient?

Depending on the specific program, music therapy may be provided as an outpatient or inpatient service. For a counselling appointment, one could be able to attend sessions throughout the day, or a music therapist might visit the patient while they are in the hospital or at school. In groups, music therapy is occasionally offered.

Do music therapists work with children and adolescents?

Music therapy may help with the following:

§  Behaviour disorders.

§  Mood and anxiety disorders.

§  Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

§  Autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

§  Trauma.

§  Substance abuse disorders.