What is Music Therapy

What is Music Therapy

Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based intervention that uses music to achieve individualized goals. It is provided by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. 

This blog post will explore what is music therapy , what to expect from music therapy and the benefits and effectiveness of music therapy.

 

When Music Therapy is Used

Music therapy is most commonly used with children and adolescents, although it can be used with people of all ages. It is often used to help those who have difficulties with communication, social interaction, or behavior.

Music therapy can also be used to help people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

 

What to Expect from Music Therapy

Music therapy is an evidence-based clinical intervention that uses music to achieve individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare and educational goals, such as improving communication skills, developing social skills, reducing anxiety, and managing stress.

When you participate in music therapy, you can expect to:

-Engage in purposeful musical activities with a credentialed music therapist

-Work towards meeting individualized goals that are specific to your needs

-Experience the benefits of music in a safe and supportive environment

 

What Music Therapy Can Help With

Music therapy can help with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:

-Anxiety

-Depression

-Stress

-PTSD

-Substance abuse

-Eating disorders

-Autism spectrum disorder

-Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia

-Developmental disabilities

-Chronic pain

 

Techniques (How Music Therapy Works)

There are a number of different techniques that music therapists use to help their clients achieve their goals. 

common techniques include:

• Guided imagery and music (GIM): This technique involves using music to help people relax and focus on positive images and thoughts. Music therapy can be used to help people with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD, and pain.
• Music-assisted relaxation (MAR): This technique uses music to help people relax and reduce stress. MAR can be used to help people with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD, and pain.
• Sensorimotor rhythm (SMR): This technique uses music to help people improve their motor skills and coordination. SMR can be used to help people with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia.
• Rhythmic entrainment intervention (REI): This technique uses music to help people improve their mood and reduce anxiety. REI can be used to help people with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD, and pain.

Benefits of Music Therapy

Music therapy has a wide range of benefits that can be experienced by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Music therapy can help to improve mental health, relieve stress and anxiety, support cognitive function, and promote physical well-being.

One of the most well-known benefits of music therapy is its ability to improve mental health. Music therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Music therapy can also help to reduce stress and anxiety and support cognitive function.

Another benefit of music therapy is its ability to promote physical well-being. Music therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic pain, and can also help to improve physical function and mobility in people with Parkinson’s disease. Music therapy can also help to reduce fatigue and improve quality of sleep in cancer patients.

In addition to the benefits already mentioned, music therapy can also help to improve communication skills, social skills, and self-esteem. Music therapy can also be used as a tool for managing difficult emotions such as anger and grief.

If you are considering music therapy as a possible treatment option, it is important to consult with a qualified music therapist to discuss your specific needs and goals.

 

Effectiveness of Music Therapy

There is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of music therapy. A number of studies have shown that music therapy can be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Music therapy has also been shown to be an effective treatment for physical conditions such as chronic pain.

One study found that music therapy was an effective treatment for anxiety in people with cancer. The study found that music therapy helped to reduce anxiety levels in participants and that the effects of music therapy were comparable to those of relaxation therapy.

Another study found that music therapy was an effective treatment for depression in older adults. The study found that music therapy helped to reduce levels of depression in participants and that the effects of music therapy were comparable to those of antidepressant medication.

A number of studies have also found that music therapy can be an effective treatment for stress. One study found that music therapy was an effective treatment for stress in medical students.

The study found that music therapy helped to reduce levels of stress in participants and that the effects of music therapy were comparable to those of relaxation techniques.

Music therapy has also been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic pain. One study found that music therapy was an effective treatment for chronic pain in people with fibromyalgia.

The study found that music therapy helped to reduce levels of pain in participants and that the effects of music therapy were comparable to those of medication.

 

Cost of Music Therapy

Music therapy is an evidence-based clinical use of music interventions to achieve individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare and educational goals.

The cost of music therapy varies depending on the type of music therapy services provided, the setting in which music therapy is provided, and the credentials of the music therapist.

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) defines music therapy as “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” (AMTA, 2016).

According to the AMTA, there are four types of music therapy: active, receptive, analytical, and creative. Active music therapy includes singing, songwriting, playing instruments, and moving to music.

Receptive music therapy includes listening to and discussing music. Analytical music therapy includes reflecting on one’s own reactions to music. Creative music therapy includes composing or improvising music.

Music therapists must have at least a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from an accredited institution and must complete an internship or practicum prior to becoming certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).

In order to maintain their certification, they must complete continuing education credits every three years. The American Music Therapy Association provides a list of accredited institutions on its website (AMTA, 2016).

The cost of music therapy services depends on the type of service provided, the setting in which the service is provided, and the credentials of the therapist providing the service.

For example, group sessions may be less expensive than individual sessions because they require fewer resources. Sessions that take place in a hospital or other medical setting may be more expensive than those that take place in an educational setting because hospitals generally have higher overhead costs.

And finally, sessions with a board-certified music therapist may be more expensive than those with a less experienced therapist because board-certified therapists have completed more training and have more experience working with clients.

The best way to determine the cost of music therapy services is to contact a board-certified music therapist in your area and discuss your specific needs.