Music Therapy for Mental Health
How does Music Therapy help with mental health needs?
Music Therapy is an efficacious and valid treatment for persons who have psychosocial, affective, cognitive and communicative needs. Research results and clinical experiences attest to the viability of music therapy even in those who are resistive to other treatment approaches. Music is a form of sensory stimulation that provokes responses due to the familiarity, predictability and feelings of security associated with it. Music therapy for clients with mental health concerns uses musical interaction as a means of communication and expression. The aim of therapy is to help individuals develop relationships and address issues they may not be able to address using words alone. (AMTA 2006, musictherapy.org)
Music Therapy can help with
- managing anxiety and stress
- transitions, goals and life changes due to medical diagnosis or condition
- identity, confidence and self-esteem
- social interactions and relationships
- voice and speech or communication issues
- behavioral challenges
- supporting trauma and ptsd recovery
Music Therapy interventions provide opportunities to
- Build coping skills to manage anxiety, stress, and mental health symptoms
- Support and improve emotional regulation
- Improve music skills to support positive music engagement and quality of life
- Explore personal feelings and issues
- Express oneself both verbally and non-verbally
- Practice executive function + decision making skills
- Adopt positive forms of behavior
- Explore non-pharmacological treatment options
Psychological benefits of Music Therapy may include
- Positive changes in mood and emotional states
- Reduction in anxiety, depression, stress and/or feelings of isolation
- Sense of control through successful experiences
- Reminiscence and satisfaction with life
- Increased awareness of self and environment
- Growth of relationship with self and voice
- Increased motivation and positive engagement
