MUSIC PSYCHOTHERAPY TORONTO
The connection between music and emotions and the influence it has on both mental and physical health has been acknowledged and recorded for some time. Pythagoras, Plato, and Aristotle all noted the effects of music on our health and behavior and have been used as part of healing arts. Music therapy as a practice began in the 1960s when scientists and doctors recognized its healing power in their clinical trials. During World War, I and World War II armature musicians visited Veterans at hospitals and played for patients that suffered from physical and emotional traumas during the war. The veteran’s emotional response to music resulted in doctors’ requests to hiring musicians for the hospitals. This practice later transcended to music psychotherapy and nowadays they work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, communal centers, nursing homes, institutional and private practices.
HOW DOES MUSIC PSYCHOTHERAPY WORK?
Music Therapy works on a variety of levels. It has been scientifically recorded that music, especially with a strong rhythmical element, can influence our heart rate and breathing which promotes a release of endorphins (our body’s natural painkillers), it has been shown to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. Music can help release repressed memories or negative feelings that can influence behavioral issues.
Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used to address physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and social needs. It provides a chance for communication that is helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves.
PARTICIPATION IN MUSIC THERAPY OFFERS MANY BENEFITS:
- Improves Communication
- Promotes Independence
- Promotes Reality Orientation
- Improves Memory
- Increases Motivation & Participation
- Improves Self-Esteem
- Decreases Stress & Anxiety
- Facilitates Grieving Process
- Provides Relaxation
- Develops Creativity & Sense of Identity
- Improves Social Interaction
- Improves Ability to Make Life Choices
- Promotes Emotional Expression & Spirituality
MUSIC PSYCHOTHERAPY COMPONENTS
Improvising offers a creative way of expressing thoughts and feelings. It helps a therapist to establish a three-way relationship between the client, themselves, and the music. Where words fail, music can fill the void by providing a safe opportunity for meaningful interpersonal relationships.
Imagery provides the opportunity to reflect, process, and interact with unconscious or conscious issues that reflect on patients’ life. Artwork such as mandala drawings can be interpreted as well.
Listening to music has many therapeutic benefits. It helps to develop cognitive skills such as attention and memory.
During pregnancy, listening to music can provide a connection between the internal and external environment.
During childbirth, music can promote relaxation for the mother.
NEUROLOGIC MUSIC THERAPY
Neurologic Music Therapy is defined as the therapeutic application of music for cognitive, sensory, and motor dysfunctions due to neurologic disease of the nervous system. This practice is recognized by the World Federation of Neurologic Rehabilitation, the European Federation of Neurorehabilitation Societies, and the International Society for Clinical Neuromusicology.
NEUROLOGIC MUSIC THERAPY CAN BENEFIT PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM:
- Brain Injury
- Alzheimer’s & Dementia
- Autism
- Brain Tumor
- Cerebral Palsy
- Stroke
- Huntington’s & Parkinson’s
- Aphasia & Apraxia
- Other Neurological Diseases (Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, etc).
HOW CAN NMT HELP?
Musical elements such as melody, rhythm, dynamics, and timbre are used to provide powerful and complex stimulation to the cognitive processes.
- Who are music psychotherapists?
- Who can benefit from music psychotherapy?
- Why choose music psychotherapy?
- How does music psychotherapy work?
Psychotherapists are licensed mental health professionals who help individuals improve their lives, develop deeper cognitive and emotional skills, reduce symptoms of mental illness, and cope with various life challenges. Music psychotherapists are uniquely qualified professionals who are trained musicians and psychotherapists.
Individuals of various ages, cultural backgrounds, and music abilities can participate in music psychotherapy. Clients do not need music skills to benefit from this type of therapy.
- Individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or mental health disorders
- Individuals coping with a serious illness, struggling with work or relationship issues
- Individuals with substance abuse issues
- Individuals struggling with the death of a loved one and more
People who are not able to experience other kinds of psychotherapies are often open to the benefits of music psychotherapy. Classical Music provides a deeper connection with the inner self.
Through listening, relaxing, and then discussing their feelings after music sessions patients can recollect and apply their experience in their daily life in order to deal with certain situations.
The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician. Therefore the physician must start from nature, with an open mind.
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