What is music therapy?

Music therapy is an interpersonal process in which the therapist uses music and all of its facets-physical, emotional, mental, social,...

Music therapy is an interpersonal process in which the therapist uses music and all of its facets-physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual-to help clients to improve or maintain their health. In some instances, the client's needs are addressed directly through music; in others they are addressed through the relationships that develop between the client and therapist.

Music therapy is used with individuals of all ages and with a variety of conditions, including: psychiatric disorders, medical problems, physical handicaps, sensory impairments, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, communication disorders, interpersonal problems, and aging. It is also used to: improve learning, build self-esteem, reduce stress, support physical exercise, and facilitate a host of other health-related activities.


WHAT DO MUSIC THERAPISTS ACTUALLY DO?

Working as a music therapist essentially involves preparing, conducting, evaluating and documenting sessions with clients. Working with a client usually begins before the first session. The first step is to collect the necessary background information by reviewing any written records or referrals that may be available. Then in the first session, the music therapist usually conducts an assessment to determine the client's strengths and therapeutic needs.

In a music therapy assessment, information on how the client makes, responds to, and relates to music is collected and analyzed, and then related to other aspects of the client's life. Based on the assessment findings, the music therapist formulates goals, sometimes with input from the client, the client's family, other professionals, or an interdisciplinary team of clinicians. Care is taken that the goals are realistic enough to be accomplished within the time frame set for therapy. Once goals have been set, the music therapist makes a treatment plan outlining possible strategies and music experiences that might be helpful in meeting the client's needs.

In institutional settings, a meeting is usually held to coordinate treatment efforts and to formulate a program plan. As a result, the client is placed in individual, family, or group sessions, and the treatment phase of music therapy begins. Then after working with the client for a sufficient time, the music therapist conducts periodic evaluations to determine whether the methods of treatment are effective and whether the client is making any progress in reaching the prescribed goals, When necessary, adjustments are made in the goals or methods.

Finally, when the time comes for ending therapy, the music therapist prepares the client for leaving and helps to bring some kind of closure to the process.

WHAT DOES MUSIC THERAPY HELP?Studies have shown that music therapy can lower blood pressure, improve sleep and reduce anxiety. Cancer patients who get music therapy in addition to chemotherapy report less nausea, anxiety and pain in the initial phases of treatment. Stroke patients who get music therapy not only have more motivation and better moods, but an improvement in their movement recovery.

Moreover, music therapy may benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities and adults with Alzheimer's disease. Because music therapy is closely linked to other forms of stress reduction, it might also be helpful for depression, anxiety disorders and memory enhancement.

Even if it doesn't cure all your ailments, unlike other therapies your doctor may recommend, music therapy won't hurt a bit!

HOW DO I BECOME A MUSIC THERAPIST?

To become a music therapist, one has to complete an undergraduate degree in music therapy (or it equivalence) at an accredited college or university, do an approved internship of approximately 1040 supervised clinical hours, and then obtain certification by passing a national examination given by the Certification Board for Music Therapist (CBMT). You can look through the different music therapy schools on this website and make your choice according to their ratings.

Here are some Music Therapy Pictures (click to view)