Music is a Universal human trait. The healing power of music is recognised in nearly every musical tradition. Music therapy has evolved from a social science model focused on overall health and well-being to a neuroscience model focused on specific elements of music and their effects on sensorimotor, language and cognitive function. Evidence based music therapy research for mental illness is sparse, but it shows promising results.
Types of Music therapy:
Music therapists use a variety of approaches to meet one’s needs. Generally, the types of therapy are broadly classified into two categories.
Active invention:
In this therapy, you take an active role in creating the music with your therapist.
Receptive invention:
Instead of playing music, listen to music created by your therapist. You can take time to discuss music together and sort out your thoughts and feelings.
Benefits of music therapy:
The benefits you receive will depend on the condition or symptom being treated and the goals of music therapy. Research generally shows that, music therapy can :
- Help you relax.
- Help you explore your emotions.
- Reduce anxiety and depression.
- Regulate your mood.
- Build social skills.
- Strengthen your self confidence.
- Ease your stress levels.
- Improve your quality of life.
What happens during music therapy:
First, Patients will have access to a variety of digitally recorded instruments. This is to examine their emotional expression.
Therapy focuses on making music together between patient and therapist. The therapist responds to the patient, guiding and improving the musical experience. The therapist listens carefully to the patient’s music and musical expressions of emotion. The therapist then provides an opportunity to expand or modify the types of musical interaction.
Here’s are some impact of music therapy on mental health:
Depression:
Statistics show that the number of parent’s with clinical depression is increasing rapidly every year. So, music therapy should be considered for the treatment of these diseases. In addition to its long-term effects, music therapy also improves responsiveness to antidepressants. There is also evidence that music therapy may lead to lower heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure.
Autism:
People with autism spectrum disorders have an increased interest and response to music which supports the teaching of verbal and nonverbal communication skills and establishment of normal development processes.
Insomnia:
Music therapy improves sleep quality by increasing sleep duration, reducing time to sleep and reducing daytime dysfunction.
Schizophrenia:
According to research, music therapy in combination with standard treatments can improve overall outcomes in patients with schizophrenia. It improves health, social functioning and quality of life.
Music brings people together and heals them. Music therapy builds on this potential of music in clinical practice. Together with your music therapist, you will set goals and work towards achieving them.
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Writer
Anamika Ghosh Shreya
Intern, Content writing department
YSSE