The Power of Music Therapy and Your Mental Health

Music Therapy Group

Music therapy is a real life form of treating and improving your health problems and falls under the category of guitarists health issues. It is not limited to guitarists only , read on…

What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is a proven treatment backed by extensive clinical testing using music to accomplish individual goals by a trained professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. It is an established health service much like occupational therapy and physical therapy and consists of using music to address physical, psychological and social problems. Because music therapy is a powerful and enjoyable medium, unique outcomes are possible.

How Does Music Therapy Make a Difference for Persons with Mental Health Needs?
Music therapy is a valid treatment for persons who have social, information gathering and communicative needs. The results and clinical experiences prove the worth of music therapy even in those who are not responsive to other treatments. Music is a
method of stimulating the senses and provokes responses due to the familiarity and feelings of confidence associated with the music choice itself. Music therapy for folks with mental health concerns uses musical interaction as a path of communication and expression. The aim of therapy is to help individuals develop relationships and address issues they may not be able to address using words alone. Music therapy sessions include the use of active music making, music listening, and discussion.

What do Music Therapists Do?
Music therapists use musical strategies, both instrumental and vocal, which are designed to
make changes that are non-musical in nature. Musical selections and certain active music making
activities are often modified for client preferences and personal needs, such as song selection and music type may vary. Music therapy programs are based on individual diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing evaluation.

What can be expected from a musical therapy?

1. promote wellness
2. manage stress
3. alleviate pain
4. express feelings
5. enhance memory

What Outcomes have been established in Music Therapy?

1. Reduced muscle tension
2. Improved self image
3. Decreased anxiety & agitation
4. Increased verbalization skills
5. Enhanced personal relationships
6. Improved group or band closeness
7. Increased motivation
8. Improved and safe emotional release
9. Better communication
10. Enhances physical rehabilitation.

Realistically speaking, musicians have subconsciously been aware of the benefits of music on the psychie for many years. Listening to my favorite music captivates me and takes my mind off everything else. Playing music is even more therapeutic because I go into another state of mind called the ‘zone’. Basically putting me in a spot where I’m only aware of what I’m doing at the time. Another benefit of ‘zoning’ is that my mind feels invigorated after a good session.

Electric guitars are not mentioned as an instrument used in music therapy, however classical music, which can be played on a classical guitar is a viable tool. Every patient treated with music therapy may respond to a different type of music, so we can’t rule out the electric guitar, since it has a positive effect on the people who listen to it and the guitar players who play it.

Most of us don’t realize how therapeutic a good concert or hearing a good band is. We noticed that when we don’t have music playing while blogging at Guitar Players Center the mood is quieter and there is less production and creative thinking happening, than when our favorite music is in the back ground.

How does music affect you? Leave us a comment on music therapy or feel free to Share It. Enjoy.

Tagged as: Guitarists Health