Music Therapy

Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.  Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.  Music therapy interventions can be designed to:

- promote wellness

- manage stress

- alleviate pain

- express feelings

- enhance memory

- improve communication

- promote physical rehabilitation.

Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings.

What is music therapy?

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. (American Music Therapy Association definition, 2005)

What do music therapists do?

Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.

Who can benefit from music therapy?

Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer's disease and other aging related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, and acute and chronic pain, including mothers in labor.

http://www.musictherapy.org

This is an article I have looked at as part of my research to explore other methods of therapy that differ from the conventional methods. It is so interesting to open my mind to these new forms of therapy that I never knew were available. I think it is amazing that there is help in every form to every kind of person and any form of illness. Even though some of these alternative remedies may not be medically proven to have success, the fact that they boost self-esteem and confidence and can distract people from dwelling on the disorder proves to me that they have a positive effect on people's lives and well beings. For this I am grateful.