What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is an evidenced-based practice from a certified music therapist (MT-BC) where music is used to help achieve therapeutic goals for neurologic, emotional, spiritual, phsyical, and psychological needs. John O’Donohue said, “Music is what language would love to be if it could.” Sometimes, music or songs can say what a person is feeling better than the person can currently express. Music can be a conduit to help people say what they want to say, but are struggling to find the words to say it.
Why Music Therapy?
Music therapy is inclusive and may be indicated for clients at any age range. Music therapy is for everyone. You don’t have to be a musician to do it! Music therapy can be a creative arts therapy alternative to traditional therapy while still adhering to typical theoretical orientations. Further, music can be a motivating activity. It’s inclusivity and creativity may serve as an activator for a client to work through clinical goals. Music therapy can be used for a variety of diagnoses including, but not limited to:
- ADHD
- Addictions
- Anger management
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Self-Esteem issues
- Trauma and PTSD
- Psychosis
- NSSI
- SU/SI
- Grief
- Autism
- Coping Skills
How Does Music Therapy Work?Â
Music therapy is used in different ways to treat different needs. Here are a few ways it works within Dialectical Behavior Therapy:
- Music listening with regulated breathing can help reduce heart rate and promote regulation while learning self-soothe skills.
- Music playing may help activate people who are experiencing depression and emotion dysregulation. By playing together in a controlled environment, one can practice the STOP skill (Stop, take a step back, Observe, and Proceed mindfully).
- Singing or voicework may help people connect more with themselves and their bodies, allowing for self-esteem to build as they seek to be comfortable with themselves.
- Music creating, like songwriting, can help build “mastery”. When we create, we’re concetrating on becoming a little bit better at something, helping us be less vulnerable to our “emotion” mind and more in tune with our “Wise mind”.
Timothy Weaver is a Board Certified Music Therapist joining the team at reNEW YOU Counseling and Wellness! If you are interested in learning more about music therapy, check out musictherapy.org. To learn more about getting therapy with Tim or exploring the option of music therapy at reNEW YOU Counseling, contact us at info@renewyoucounseling.org.