Music Therapy

By definition, Music therapy is the prescribed use of music by a qualified person to affect positive changes in the psychological, physical, cognitive, or social functioning of individuals.

As far back as Aristotle and Plato the concept of that music could have a healing influence over an individual was widespread. In the 20th-century after every war amateur and professional musicians flocked to veterans’ hospitals to play to tens of thousands of veterans suffering from the carnages of war. The successes the musicians had, initiated an overwhelming favorable response by nurses and doctors alike. A chorus of requests could be heard asking for the musical therapy program to be officiated by some advanced and learning Institute. The first music therapy degree program was launched at Michigan State University in 1944. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) founded in 1998 as a union of the National Association for Music Therapy and the American Association for Music Therapy.

Music therapists assess a wide range of variables in their patients including physical, social, cognitive skills, and mental conditions. With this information, music sessions are designed for individuals and groups. Many music therapists practice multi-disciplinary approaches and are active in all follow-up sessions.

To become a certified music therapist (MT-BC) a person must complete 1 of 69 approved college music therapy curriculums followed by a successful internship.

There are many sounds in addition to music that can have significant therapeutic value on individuals suffering from illnesses. For example, environmental sounds such as a running stream or brook, the sound of a waterfall or singing birds or should waves crashing upon a sandy beach or onto a rocky coastline, the wind whistling through tall trees and around rocky ridges. They all seem to have varying levels of therapeutic value. The common factor among these sounds is the therapeutic the effect of lifting depression and relieving stress and anxiety.

There are specific types of music that have a profound effect in enhancing a person’s ability to learn. Baroque music for example, with it’s characteristic beat was found by Russian researchers in the 1950s to enhance the learning process. Do-in-part to this research, a new discipline emerged referred to as Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). This model has a wide application in the field of cognitive processing and behavioral conditioning. Music often plays an important role in an NLP session.

Common illnesses and conditions found to be receptive to the therapeutic affect of music:

NERVOUS SYSTEM

Alzheimer’s disease
Brain injuries
Shingles
Migraine and other headaches
Developmental disabilities
Mental disorders
Phobias
Anxiety disorder
Mood disorder
Neuralgia
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Travel sickness
Tiredness
Phantom limb pain
Paralysis of leg or arm persisting after a stroke (cerebral thrombosis)

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

Menstruation pains
Pain after childbirth

SKIN

Pain after operations

OSTEOLOGY

Neck and low back pains
Whiplash

MUSCLES AND FASCIA

Muscle tension
Acute and chronic pain

Music therapists are often hired in schools to provide music therapy services for mainstream special learners. Communication skills and physical coordination skills are enhanced by music therapy in school systems.

Psychiatric facilities include music therapy as well. Music therapy seems to facilitate the process of individuals who have a psychological need to explore their personal feelings, in order to make positive changes in mood and emotional states. They seem to develop a sense of control over their lives through successful experiences, by practice problem solving and resolving conflicts leading to improved interpersonal skills.

Using Music for Transformation Healing. 11 Free Tips.

11 helpful free tips show how to listen to music for transformation and healing from Sound Feelings. This free information reveals secrets to support recovery, meditation and spiritual growth through music healing. All music can be healing especially when it is played in sequence using the entrainment principle.

Select Appropriate Music.

Most of us choose music that we “like” but will this give us the best results? In fact, often the music we are least attracted to will have the greatest benefit (when played in the right sequence). Let’s say you are very angry. So your first instinct is to put on some really angry music. Does it really help, or does it kind of perpetuate how you feel? Yet, on the other hand if you play some light and happy music, by comparison to how you are currently feeling, it will probably make you feel angrier! As you see, selecting music is not a simple one-shot process.

Consider Music Sequencing.

Sometimes it is necessary to first choose music that totally matches your current mood rather than the mood you wish to acquire. Consider arranging a series of different musical compositions in sequence that are customized just for your needs. For example, if you are dealing with depression, select a composition which represents depression in its extreme form, to you. Follow this with one that is only mildly depressing. Then select a neutral composition, and end with a composition which is clearly uplifting and motivating. Listening to music in a sequence like this allows for your current stress level or mood to be first honored and then to be gradually transformed.

Speakers Are Ideal.

It is ideal to listen to the music through speakers rather than headphones so that the cells of the body themselves may “listen” to the sound.

Prepare Yourself to Listen.

Take off your shoes. Stand relaxed, sit or lie down and breathe.

Listen All the Way Through.

It is preferable to listen to the musical composition all the way through, without interruption. This allows for the optimum response to the transformation process.

Foreground, Not Background.

We all have the tendency to use music for the background of other activities. Try developing the technique of just listening to the music, not doing anything else. This way, you will get the best benefit.

Your Response is What is Important.

It is through your response that the emotional/cellular memory may be released. Do not think that you have to just stay still and concentrate on the music! In fact, if the music inspires you to get up and do something or your mind begins to wander, allow, allow, allow! Allow all responses without judgement. On the other hand, do not begin listening to the music while you are already doing other unrelated activities. The important thing is to let the music embrace you totally.

Listen Actively, Not Passively.

Allow the music to reach your inner feeling, and respond freely to it. Everyone has a different manner of expression. You may experience visual images, thoughts, movement, an intensification of emotion, physical vibrations, sleep, or nothing at all.

Observe Mind/Body Connection.

A lot of research has been done recently showing that there is a definite connection between the mind and the body. (Actually this refers to the emotions too but it sounds succinct to say “mind/body.”) Even though music healing is often related to relaxation and emotional issues, there is the likelihood that this indirectly could have a benefit on physical illnesses as well.

Enjoy the Silence!

When the music stops, it is suggested that you bask in the silence for many moments. This will help integrate the feelings.

Use a Journal.

If you wish to record your progress in a journal, it can be helpful, but not necessary.

These tips were prepared by Howard Richman and are offered for free as a courtesy.
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