By Olivia Harrington, M.M., MT-BC
You might have heard about music therapy from your friends, family, doctors, and other healthcare providers; and want to know what exactly is music therapy? Music Therapy can function in many different ways and that is the magic of it all!
To define music therapy, it is the “clinical & 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, 2005). Breaking it down, it is the use of music interventions to work on non-music goals.
What happens in music therapy sessions:
In music therapy sessions, it is a unique approach based on the clients needs and music preferences. The music therapist will facilitate the session, providing prompts and cues as needed to participate in the music activities. At Motive Music Therapy, in Tampa, FL we allow the client to take the lead in terms of their wants / needs. This expands the therapeutic relationship and allows clients to fully express themselves.
Music therapists might use music games, instrument play, and improvisation within each session. Music games allow clients to immerse themselves in a new form of therapy through a familiar form of ‘fun.’ Instrument play has many benefits including self-expression opportunities, elevating mood, and exploring autonomy. Improvisation fosters a spontaneous environment that can increase creativity, increase creative thinking skills, and improve mood.
A typical music therapy session might follow this format:
A “Hello Song,” is used to introduce the session and engage clients right away. This song can also work on communication goals like waving hello, saying hello, and greeting the therapist in the room.
Music intervention 1 can serve as the first activity, typically at a low to medium energy level to assess the needs of the client that day.
Music intervention 2-3 (or more) will follow a continuous bell curve shape to have the highest energy intervention in the middle to sustain attention levels. The intervention will be based on the client's preferences, length of session, and what the music therapist has planned.
The “Goodbye Song,” is used to wrap up the session and ease with transitions. This can work on communication goals and work on transition to another activity which might be a challenge for some clients.
How is music therapy effective:
Music therapy works with the needs of each individual to connect with their brain, their personality, and them as a person. Music ignites neuropathways like no other medium and it can have profound success with many goals that clients are working on. Whether those goals are self-expression or reduced stress; let music therapy help!
To find out more about your specific needs and how music therapy can help visit https://www.musictherapy.org/research/factsheets/. To contact Motive Music Therapy in Tampa, FL email motivemusictherapy@gmail.com and follow us on instagram @motivemt.
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