Benefits of Music Therapy to Emotional Well-being and Mental Health
Introduction
World Music Therapy Week is an annual event celebrated from April 10th to April 15th. This week aims to raise awareness about the power and benefits of music therapy, for all age groups.
Music therapy activities is a unique form of therapy that uses music interventions to address individuals’ physical, emotional and other depressive symptoms, mental health disorders, cognitive, and social needs. In most cases these days, music therapy is used to treat symptoms and has become part of clinical rehabilitation.
As people these days experience mental health concerns and depression symptoms due to work, global issues that bring uncertainty, stress related outcomes of financial instability, a primary care physician need to be ready to address this life impacting need, or find alternate ways to alleviate the problem.
Music therapy is currently one of the accepted methods, even in child psychology, to improve emotional regulation.
In fact, there has been a proliferation of affordable online therapy for those who find it challenging to bring up their condition to their primary care physician.
Role of music listening to soldiers returning home
During World War II, the physical and psychological tolls of combat became evident as soldiers returned home.
Traditional medical approaches struggled to address the complex needs of these veterans. In response, innovative healthcare providers turned to music listening as a means of rehabilitation and emotional support.
Positive effects on mental and physical health
Today, it is a recognized and evidence-based profession that has been shown to positively affect mental and physical health.
In this article, we will explore the music therapy methods and benefits, and applications of music therapy and the importance of recognizing and supporting World Music Therapy Week.
What are the Methods of Music Therapists
The therapeutic relationship between the board-certified music therapist and the client is an essential aspect of music therapy.
A music therapist creates a safe and supportive environment where the client can freely express themselves through music, as they provide music therapy. This relationship is built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect.
Clinical Music Therapy
One commonly used method by music therapists in music therapy is clinical music therapy, which involves the use of carefully selected music to address specific therapeutic goals, and of course involves listening to music.
Improvisational Music Therapy
Improvisational music therapy is another technique in making music where clients are encouraged to spontaneously create music using instruments or their voices.
Benefits of Music Therapy
Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation
One of the primary benefits of music therapy for mental health conditions is its ability to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and increase self esteem.
Music increases the feeling of calm and relaxation
Listening to calming or classical music and taking part in music activities can activate the body’s relaxation response, leading to a decrease in stress hormones and an increase in feelings of calmness and relaxation.
This can be beneficial for individuals with anxiety disorders or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as music therapy provides a safe and soothing space for emotional release.
Improves Emotional Expression and Regulation
Emotions play a central role in our daily lives, influencing our thoughts, behaviours, and overall well-being.
An outlet for emotional expression
Music has the power to evoke emotions and provide an outlet for emotional expression, allowing individuals to process and release negative feelings.
Active participation in music-making activities, such as playing an instrument or singing, can enhance mood and increase feelings of happiness and pleasure.
Moreover, there are other forms of creating music, like instrument play, song writing, which provide music therapy another layer for people who rather write out their inner feelings and mood than belting them out or crafting music and harmony.
Writing song lyrics is a form of self expression in a very personal way, revealing and sharing one’s inner thoughts and emotions.
Enhances Cognitive Function
Improved memory, attention and problem-solving skills
Recent research has shown that musical training can have a profound impact on cognitive function and cognitive skills, particularly in areas such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Studies have found that individuals with musical training have better working memory and executive function compared to those without musical training.
Helps improve academic performance and language skills
These cognitive benefits can extend beyond the musical domain and have implications for other areas of life, such as academic performance and language skills.
Musical training has also been shown to improve auditory processing abilities, allowing individuals to better distinguish and interpret sounds in their environment.
Regulates Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
Promotes cardiovascular health
Music therapy has been shown to improve cardiovascular health. For older adults, research shows that listening to live music or playing a musical instrument can reduce blood pressure and heart rate, promoting cardiovascular health.
These benefits are relevant for individuals with cardiovascular conditions or those recovering from cardiac events.
Improves Coordination and Motor Skills
Improves motor functions in people with neurological conditions
Music therapy has also been found to be effective in improving motor function in individuals with neurological conditions, such as stroke or traumatic brain injury.
Enhances fine and gross motor skills, coordination, and balance
Playing musical instruments or engaging in rhythmic exercises can enhance physical skills, fine and gross motor skills, coordination, and balance. It can also promote neuroplasticity and facilitate the reorganization of neural pathways in the brain structures.
By targeting sensory skills and motor function through music therapy, individuals can improve their overall physical rehabilitation and quality of life.
Music therapy offers a creative and enjoyable approach to therapy, making it a highly motivating and effective intervention.
Facilitates Communication
The power to bypass language barriers
One of the significant benefits of music therapy is its positive impact on communication skills. Music has a unique ability to bypass language barriers and facilitate communication.
Provides a platform to connect with others
It provides a non-threatening and creative platform for individuals to express themselves and connect with others.
In a group music therapy session, individuals can engage in activities such as singing, playing instruments, and improvisation.
These activities encourage collaboration, turn-taking, and active listening, fostering a sense of connection and camaraderie among group members.
Applications of Music Therapy
Neurological Disorders
Music therapy has been found to have many benefits for individuals with neurological disorders.
Neurological disorders can range from conditions such as traumatic brain injury to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.
Listening to music activates various areas of the brain, including those involved in memory, attention, emotional reactions, and other symptoms.
Physical Health Challenges
Music therapy can be beneficial for individuals with physical health challenges, such as those recovering from injuries or living with chronic pain.
Playing instruments or engaging in rhythmic movements can improve motor skills and coordination. Music therapy can also help manage and relieve pain and provide relaxation during medical procedures and after surgeries.
In randomized controlled trials conducted in the past for a control group in a managed group setting, Music therapy can also improve sleep quality and address insomnia. Using music as a sleep aid has been shown to regulate sleep patterns and promote better sleep hygiene.
Slow-tempo music and nature sounds can create a calming environment, helping individuals fall asleep faster and experience deeper sleep.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours.
Music therapy has emerged as a promising intervention for improving social skills and emotional processing, enhancing the quality of life of individuals within the autism spectrum.
Research has shown that music therapy can improve social skills in young adults and even older adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
It has been found to increase eye contact, verbal and nonverbal communication, and social engagement.
Stress Reduction and Depression
Research has shown that group music therapy can also be effective in reducing negative emotions, such as anxiety, depression, and anger.
Music therapy also helps individuals develop emotional skills and coping mechanisms.
Through writing music or engaging in improvisation, individuals can explore and express their emotions in a creative and cathartic way.
Music therapy can be used as a complementary treatment alongside traditional psychotherapy approaches for depression, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
It can enhance the therapeutic relationship, promote self-awareness, and provide a creative outlet for emotional exploration and growth.
Music Therapy Resources and Organizations – American Music Therapy Association
The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) is a professional organization that supports and promotes the clinical practice of music therapy.
The AMTA provides resources, education, and advocacy for music therapists and those interested in the field.
Their website offers valuable information about music therapy, including research articles, publications, and a directory of board-certified music therapists.
Conclusion
Music therapy is a powerful and evidence-based form of therapy that has numerous benefits for mental and physical health. And having musical abilities is not even a requirement.
Recognizing and supporting World Music Therapy Week is essential to raise awareness about the benefits of music therapy and promote its integration into healthcare and educational settings.
So let us celebrate World Music Therapy Week and the transformative power of music therapy in improving the lives of individuals and communities.
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