What is music therapy?
Music, with its seemingly endless ability to move us, presents a medium of expressing emotions when words fail us. Music therapy taps into this power to provide a space in which people can learn new ways to communicate, express themselves and improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Music therapy can enhance self-awareness and awareness of others, improve self-confidence and independence. Musical skill is not required, the music is often improvised based on the feeling of the present moment and the collaborative client-therapist relationship.
Who benefits from music therapy?
Music therapy can be extremely helpful for children or those with learning difficulties or special needs as it encourages and improves focus and attention. It is particularly helpful for people who struggle to communicate verbally.
Music therapy can play a significant role in improving the life of those with autism, as they can be soothed and learn new ways to communicate through music, and those with dementia, whose memories can be stirred and sense of isolation comforted by the naturally evocative power of music.
Music therapy can used to treat anxiety and depression; the fluid nature of music often has the ability to interrupt anxious or negative thought patterns. The sense of being immersed in music and the present moment can be very grounding and comforting.
Relevant associations
This information has been vetted by a professional member of the welldoing directory
Last updated on September 3 2015
