Why Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. (American Music Therapy Association definition, 2005).

Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up. Music therapy can serve children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer's disease and other aging related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, and acute and chronic pain, including mothers in labor. Music therapists work in psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitative facilities, medical hospitals, outpatient clinics, day care treatment centers, agencies serving developmentally disabled persons, community mental health centers, drug and alcohol programs, senior centers, nursing homes, hospice programs, correctional facilities, halfway houses, schools, and private practice.

How Does Music Therapy Make A Difference In Response To Crisis Situations?

The directed use of music and music therapy is highly effective in developing coping strategies, including understanding and expressing feelings of anxiety and helplessness, supporting feelings of self-confidence and security, and providing a safe or neutral environment for relaxation. Research results and clinical experiences attest to the viability of music therapy even in situations outside of traditional therapeutic settings. Music is a form of sensory stimulation, which provokes responses due to the familiarity, predictability, and feelings of security associated with it. Feedback from relief workers and caregivers indicates that music therapy sessions helped to develop a stronger sense of readiness to cope with day-to-day stress and potential future crisis situations.

Group music therapy sessions will include:

*Drumming and Drum Circles to increase non-verbal emotional expression and help the clients work together as a group.
*Improvisation on various instruments to encourage the creative process, emotional expression, and increase self-esteem.
*Progressive muscle relaxation to soothing music to decrease anxiety, fear, and stress associated with crisis and trauma.
*Lyric analysis of client preferred music for emotional expression.
*Songwriting and composition for an increase in self-confidence and as an outlet for emotional expression.
*Guided meditation and imagery to teach clients coping skills for anger, anxiety, and fear associated with crisis, trauma and the disease of addiction.