Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions. Music is a therapeutic tool to accomplish individualised goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional. These interventions address goals such as alleviating pain, managing stress, anxiety and physical symptoms, supporting self-expression, enhancing memory, and improving mood and communication (AMTA, 2022). But what really happens in music therapy, and how can you benefit from it?

What happens in music therapy?

In music therapy, music serves as a medium for processing emotions and feelings. As opposed to talking therapy, the emphasis is more on non-verbal expression, working with an embodied approach. Let's look at how we can use music in therapy sessions.

Music listening

Listening to songs that have a special meaning evokes memories. It may be a song from childhood, a song you listened to on repeat during your teenage years, or something that reminds you of home. Another form is discussing the song's lyrics, meaning, and how these songs make us feel. It can significantly impact your understanding of yourself and your mental health, connect you to your culture and make sense of your early experiences.

Playing in therapy 

Playing together enhances connection and improves our well-being. For example, playing a rainstick or a handpan can create relaxing and soothing sounds that can be especially effective with ADHD. I have noticed that sometimes clients need a little encouragement when starting. When they listen to me playing a few chords on the piano or the guitar, clients may feel more relaxed and at ease in playing together and experimenting with sounds. Beginning to let go of anxious feelings that may arise. Playing together gets easier the more we play. It is about having fun with it and letting go of any expectations you may have for yourself. 

Writing songs

Writing can be a great way to express yourself. You are putting your thoughts and feelings on paper and finding a sound and a melody that matches the song's emotions. In music therapy, you can participate in one-to-one or group sessions. Meaning you will be in a relationship with others who will support you along the way. Songwriting supports connection and communication and helps to express thoughts and feelings creatively. 

Musical meditation

If feeling too overwhelmed, doing a simple breathing exercise to ground ourselves and let us come back to our bodies can have a significant effect. Listening to instrumental music, or music played live by the therapist, supports stress and anxiety and relaxes us into the present moment. It can be effective when working with complex and overwhelming feelings.

Drumming 

When drumming together, we can experiment with different sounds and dynamics, such as playing louder or quieter and trying out different rhythms. After playing, we can reflect on the playing and what happened in the music. Drumming helps us get more into our bodies and out of our thoughts. When overwhelmed by your thoughts and emotions, drumming can create distance between them and alleviate anxiety.

Online music therapy

Online music therapy emphasises working with the body, verbal expression, meditations, and vocal sounds since we won't be able to play simultaneously. There might not be access to instruments, but we can still work together in an embodied and musical way. Technology continues making connections and finding creative ways of expressing ourselves. 

Who can benefit from music therapy? 

Music therapy suits every age group, from infants to older adults. I specialise in working with trauma, substance misuse, depression, anxiety and neurodiversity. I use music as a tool to facilitate attachment and human connection. However, the techniques mentioned above are not necessarily used in sessions at the same time. By working together, we can explore what works for you. These are only some of the techniques that may be used. 

If you feel disconnected from yourself, struggle to make and maintain relationships, and make sense of your experiences, I look forward to hearing from you. You can contact me here or email me at arulacounselling@proton.me. 

References

AMTA (2022) American Music Therapy Association.