Music Therapy
This Article Is Part of A Series For Expressive Therapy
Introduction
Music Therapy is a form of treatment that studies the relationship between musical acoustics and clinical therapy. This is an interpersonal study illustrated when certified music therapists use music as a tool in helping people deal with their mental, emotional and physical being. Most of Music Therapy focuses on helping the patient improve their level of functioning regardless of the area they are lacking in. It may assist them with their motor skills or emotional and behavioral development. These musical experiences are used to push them toward their goals and personal objectives. Physicians or teams of clinicians will refer patients to music therapy services depending on the condition. These therapists can be found everywhere and many of them will treat those who are suffering from developmental issues such as how they communicate with others.
Goals of Music Therapy
The goal of music therapy is to achieve the objectives that cater to the needs of the patient. Depending on the areas that the patient is lacking in, treatment may help in improving motor function, social skills, emotions and coordination. It aims to promote self-expression and growth in the patient. How that individual is growing from the music varies. Music has the power to stimulate the brain in a way that no other therapy can. When a therapist is working on a patient that is suffering from a physical condition the sound and rhythm can actually assist them in completing a timed motion. The focus of the therapy is to help the clients in an aesthetic manner. When the patient can make progress with physical movement or when they begin to experience more motivation then the therapy is proven effective. Music is powerful in exploring individual emotions because it is a neutral way to promote wellbeing without an aggressive approach.
When is Music Therapy Used?
Music Therapy is used on those who benefit from developmental work. Whether or not that development pertains to motor skills, socializing or special needs - it provides patients with the same pleasurable feeling. It may be used to help the elderly or rehabilitation patients relax. The rhythmic sensations serve as a form of adrenalin and entertainment in many patients such as with stroke victims. Music is a universal language that everyone can relate to. It serves diverse audiences such as those who are diagnosed with a developmental disability or those with Parkinson's disease. Research shows that Music Therapy reduces the feeling of pain in the brain and blood pressure. It is effective in reproducing memories and in patients who suffer from abnormal respiratory rates. As you can see the treatment is used in various situations and medical settings.
How Music Therapy Works
The patient must first speak to their physician about the types of music therapy programs in their area. The first step is identifying the type of music that has a calming effect on patient. The genre is different for everyone and there shouldn't be any limitation in the type that patient chooses. Although classical music works for some people, rock n' roll may work better for others. If the patient is unsure as to the genre of music that has a powerful effect on them, they can confide in the therapist and take a personality type test. The patient will look into how they feel when they hear a type of sound and how that affects their pain tolerance. After coming to understand the way that it changes one's feelings, the patient can begin to use this therapy within the comfort of their own home.
Music therapy works because of the affect that it has on the brain and how it can stimulate a patient emotionally. Anyone who uses music as a therapeutic measure knows how it can be used as coping mechanism or motivating factor. Even the research that has been conducted proves that it is supportive in non-musical scenarios. It promotes mental stimulation and when a therapist is working with the patient that is suffering from a physical impairment, the rhythm can help them achieve a full range of motion. The sound increases adrenalin in the body. By using music the patients begin to explore their feelings, especially the sounds that serve them in an uplifting and therapeutic manner. Everyone is intrinsically musical in one way or another. In order to benefit from music therapy all that is required is finding the sound that is therapeutic. Even if the patient is not musically inclined the therapist will show the individual how they can relax and use it to control their emotional responses.
References
About music therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.temple.edu/musictherapy/home/program/faq.htm
Music therapy treatment process. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.heartbeatsmusictherapy.com/Planning_Treament.htm
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