Understanding music therapy

Music therapy can be defined as the clinical use of music to fulfill individualized goals ranging from addiction treatment, stress management, self-expression, improving confidence level, etc.

It is important to mention that music therapy is evidence-based and is well recognized within the health industry. Generally, music therapy includes composing songs, singing, listening, or playing instruments.

Anyone who undergoes music therapy does not need to have the needed talents or skills because they can learn during their treatment program.  

With music therapy, individuals can provide the needed balance in their lives when it comes to their physical, psychological, emotional, social, and cognitive needs.

Benefits of music therapy

Reducing blood pressure

Participants in music therapy can use music to reduce their blood pressure. This is usually for those facing an undue amount of stress that made them develop high blood pressure. Under the proper guidance of music therapists, they can bring down their blood pressure.

Self-reflection

Music therapy is one of the perfect moments for the individual to undergo self-reflection. They can leverage this opportunity to understand more about themselves which would help them make the right decisions.

Increased motivation

When listening to the right music, you can get the motivation you’ve been looking for to achieve some of your goals. Music supplies positive energy and vibes that allows you to become resolute on the road to meeting your aspirations.

Improved social skills and communication

With music therapy, you can step up your social skills when you practice with other people in the rehab. You will notice that you will be able to properly communicate and articulate your feelings and emotions.

Improving memory

Another benefit that comes with music therapy is memory improvement. This means that you will easily remember things because of the inclusion of the music feature.

Apart from rehab, music therapy takes place in schools, outpatient clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, mental health centers, etc. Usually, music therapists work with Military service members and veterans, Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, victims of trauma and crisis, etc.

Using Music to treat addiction

For several years, music therapy has been effective in helping people deal with substance use disorder and mental health problems.

According to the American Music Therapy Association, “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.”

This suggests that music therapists can create a therapeutic alliance with patients who are receiving treatment for addiction. With this alliance, they can properly articulate their feelings, build connections, feel accomplished and achieve relaxation.

When an individual enters rehab for addiction treatment, the counselor creates a treatment plan based on their specific needs.

Not all treatment centers include music therapy in their treatment plan.

However, if you want music therapy, you can speak to the rehab, and they can provide this to aid your recovery.

When music therapy is in place, it can help the individual to deal with negative feelings and enhance self-growth.

During group sessions at the rehab, participants in music therapy can savor the delight that comes with being in a community.

They will learn new instruments, and songs and work together as a team. With time, the patients will feel a sense of belonging that would aid their recovery.

Free Blue Vinyl Record Playing on Turntable Stock Photo

One of the vital components of music therapy is the part where individuals get to work on their self-esteem.

The participants in this program might need to learn a new instrument that can challenge their confidence level and self-esteem.

However, as they undergo proper guidance, they will learn the mastery of the instrument which will restore their confidence and make them feel more accomplished.

It is important to mention that this confidence can help individuals in other aspects of life like managing stress, making the right decisions, and handling cravings. Additionally, music therapy helps to enhance openness in different relationships.

After undergoing music therapy, the music therapist can help their patients understand their emotions better and communicate it the right way.