The Power of Music Therapy
Music therapy uses music to promote healing, emotional well-being, and self-expression. Whether through singing, playing, listening, or discussing lyrics, sessions are personalized to individual needs—no musical skills required. Suitable for all ages, it offers a path to relaxation, connection, and growth.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy uses music and its elements—sound, rhythm, and harmony—to support healing, reduce stress, and enhance quality of life. A certified music therapist tailors each session to your unique needs, preferences, and experiences. They guide your progress, adjusting techniques as needed, and may collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care.
The number of sessions you have, the length of each session and what you do depends on your individual needs and goals. Music therapy experiences may include singing, playing instruments or writing music. Some sessions may involve listening to music and talking about its meaning.
Healthcare providers use music as therapy in many contexts, including at the bedside for people in hospitals. However, music therapy isn’t the same as listening to music to help you relax. Music can certainly be a powerful tool for calming and healing. But the definition of clinical musical therapy states that a qualified music therapist must plan and lead the session within a therapeutic relationship for it to qualify as this form of treatment.
- Mental
- Physical
- Emotional
- Social
- Cognitive
What conditions can music therapy manage?
Music therapists use this form of treatment to manage a vast range of conditions. It’s typically a complementary therapy. This means it’s part of a larger treatment plan that may include medications or other interventions. Research shows music therapy can offer benefits to people with:
The Science music therapy
According to Shapiro’s (2001) Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model, EMDR therapy helps access and reprocess traumatic memories, leading to a more adaptive resolution. With successful treatment, clients experience:
- Experienced Professionals
- Reframed negative beliefs
- Lower physiological arousal
- Auditory stimulation
Music therapy is a powerful tool used to support a wide range of conditions. Often integrated into a broader treatment plan, it works alongside medications or other therapies to enhance overall well-being. Research has shown that music therapy can provide transformative benefits for individuals facing:
What happens during a music therapy session?
Your music therapist will guide you in making and/or listening to music during your session. You may do one or more of the following:
- Create music You compose music, write lyrics or make up music together.
- Sing music. You use your voice to share a piece of music.
- Improvise. You and your therapist work together to make music and sounds that reflect how you’re feeling. This may involve singing and/or playing instruments.
- Move to music. This can be as simple as tapping your toes together or as complicated as a coordinated dance.
With directed listening, your therapist makes music or plays a recording, and you listen to it. You then talk about the music and use it to help process your emotions or experiences. Your therapist may also play music to relax you, using the rhythm to guide you in breathing or stretching.
Healing Through Sound
Music therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach that uses music to promote healing, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Whether through listening, playing instruments, singing, or discussing lyrics, music therapy helps individuals process emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental and physical health.
What to Expect in a Music Therapy Session
During an initial consultation, the music therapist will assess your needs, music preferences, and personal goals. Each session is uniquely designed to:
- Provide a safe and supportive environment.
- Use music to encourage emotional expression.
- Track progress and adjust the approach as needed.
Music has the power to heal, uplift, and transform. Whether you’re looking for stress relief, emotional support, or rehabilitation, music therapy offers a holistic and enjoyable approach to well-being.
