Music therapy is a new form of therapy being used both in one-on-one and in group settings. As its mental health benefits are being shown through research, it is becoming more and more of a common practice. It may be especially helpful for those in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and other mental health issues.
What Is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is also known as sound therapy and expressive therapy. It uses music and its facets (spiritual, physical, emotional) to help people heal and improve overall functioning.
The music therapist works with the patient and monitors their response rates when several types of music or sounds are played. For clients who have difficulty expressing their emotions, music therapy can help them record their emotions on paper. The therapist can keep notes in their records and treat the client accordingly.
Music therapy may incorporate music and meditation to relax the mind and body. Those diagnosed with psychological or psychological ailments can use music therapy. It may help them overcome intrusive thoughts and addictive behaviors.
Who Can Benefit From Music Therapy?
Music therapy has been shown to help people with depression. Those who use music therapy are less likely to experience mood swings as often. Moreover, music therapy has been shown to help improve the overall mood of depressed patients.
People in recovery from SUD can also benefit from music therapy. After all, many of them struggle with depression as well. Even those who do not have depression can benefit from music therapy. Recovery is, of course, a very emotional journey. Music therapy can be a great way to help them cope with their emotions.
One of the best things about music therapy is that it can be used for patients of all ages. This includes young children. Children in music therapy frequently improve their communication skills and reduce their behavioral problems. This is especially true if they are dealing with emotional stressors like depression and anxiety.
Is Music Therapy a New Practice?
The history of music and therapy isn’t new. Many people throughout the centuries have found calmness and healing through music. The relationship between music and healing has been evident for over two thousand years. We are now, however, starting to record the benefits of the practice in the modern world.
Although music has been used for its emotional effects for thousands of years, the practice of music therapy in a controlled environment as a collaboration between client and therapist is new to the late 20th and 21st centuries.
Types of Music Therapy Techniques
There are several types of music therapy techniques used by therapists. One type includes listening to music, otherwise known as active listening.
#1. Active Listening
This technique involves actively listening to a song and responding emotionally or physically. The song might trigger the patient into feeling a certain way, remembering a certain thing or experience. The therapist can respond to any emotional triggers their client is feeling to help them heal.
#2. Meditation
The practice of meditation has been shown to help those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Most people assume meditation must be done without music or sound. However, music therapy may enhance the meditative experience through song, sounds, and white noise.
#3. Live Music
Performing a song or recording one while the patient is responding physically is another music therapy technique.
Therapists specializing in music therapy often play instruments or record songs. They bring in their instrument and ask the patient to respond by clapping their hands, stomping their feet, or performing another type of movement. The patient is often able to achieve a state of awareness in the present moment rather than focusing on intrusive thoughts from traumas of the past.
The Benefits of Music Therapy
Music therapy can have many benefits for those struggling with their mental health. After all, music is not just something to listen to. It can make a deep impact on people struggling with mental health issues.
Understanding how exactly music therapy can improve one’s well-being may encourage them to seek it out as a technique to add to their treatment plan.
Emotional Coping Skills
Coping and managing mental health symptoms can be challenging. You may or may not be using medications in your treatment plan. Holistic approaches can be an excellent complement to well-rounded treatment. For example, music therapy can help you sort through emotions on a deeper level.
Stress Reduction
Understanding your responses to stimuli, including music, can reduce stress. For example, in a meditative state, one can achieve a relaxed mind and body. This causes the anxiety to settle. When you know how to calm yourself down, you can more easily overcome stress.
Is Music Therapy Right for You?
Music therapy continues to be studied in controlled environments. Like other new therapeutic techniques, more research is needed to fully prove its benefits. However, it is a promising holistic treatment that can complement other forms of therapy. It seems to give those struggling with mental health a boost in the overall therapeutic process.
Talking to your doctor about music therapy as an option to improve your mental health can be beneficial. If you are looking to add to your treatment plan, music therapy could be the way to go.
If you or someone you know is facing addiction and would like to receive help, Dream Recovery is here to help. We are licensed and trained mental health professionals who realize that the power of music, along with other therapeutic techniques, can help people heal from trauma, mental illness, and addiction. We encourage all who feel they have nowhere to turn to call us at (657) 216-7218 so that we can help them progress in treatment. Music therapy has been shown to improve the lives of our clients. Interested in learning more about this therapeutic technique? Reach out so that we can help you with a holistic approach to healing.