an A-Z of alternative therapies
Music Therapy
Music therapy is the use of music to gain physical and emotional healing and wellness. A trained and certified music therapist, dance/movement therapist, or creative arts-expressive therapist can provide music therapy. Therapy sessions can involve listening to music, music-making, or both.
Ma be used for the treatment of:
- Autism
- Learning difficulties
- Mental problems
- Emotional problems
- Behavioural problems
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Care for the elderly
- Pain relief in labour
- Pain relief in terminal illness
How does it work?
Music Therapy is "the prescribed use of music by a qualified person to effect positive changes in the psychological, physical, cognitive, or social functioning of individuals with health or educational problems". It is the systematic application of music in the treatment of the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of an illness or disability.
Music therapy is the use of music to accomplish therapeutic aims: the restoration, maintenance and improvement of mental and physical health. It is the systematic application of music in a clinical environment, directed by a music therapist, to bring about desired behavioural changes.
Music Therapy can be used as a diagnostic aid, to identify problem areas such as developmental delays, emotional/psychological issues, family interaction, feeling expression, pain management, and decreased environmental awareness, in both verbal and nonverbal persons. It can also reinforce other treatment modalities, such as occupational therapy and physical therapy.
Individuals undergoing treatment experience a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Experiences
Treatment may take place on a one-to-one or on a group basis.
Patients range from those seeking help for emotional problems to physically or mentally disabled people.
The aim of the therapy is to help you release tension and deal with problems more effectively by expressing emotions in a nonverbal way and building a trusting relationship with a practitioner or other group members.
A session usually starts with the practitioner playing a tune or singing a song. As your confidence grows, you will be encouraged to respond, improvising on percussion instruments or with your voice.
You will not be taught to play an instrument and musical knowledge is unnecessary. Eventually you will be able to express feelings in new ways.
For stress related conditions and pain relief, the practitioner may ask you to listen to a piece of music that you find particularly soothing. With older and terminally ill patients, this can stimulate memories, something which is therapeutic in itself.
Side effects
Duration and number of sessions
Sessions usually last 1 hour.
The number of sessions will vary according to the condition.
Safety issues
- Safe for every age group.
- Safe for every level of health.
- You should make the therapist aware of any existing medical condition.
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