Music has historically been a saving grace for many of us. Whether we come across a new song on the radio that fits our mood or listen to a trusted tune that we have heard numerous times before, music simply has a way of offering itself to us when we need it most. But what is it about music that makes it the perfect mental health haven, a place for us to escape to when all else feels overwhelming?
Music not only provides us with a groove to dance to, but research shows that music has the power to influence physiological processes that boost physical and mental health. Studies conducted on patients diagnosed with mental health disorders have shown a marked improvement in their mental health after integrating music as a therapeutic tool.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention using music to address health and education goals, such as improving mental well-being, reducing stress, and minimizing pain. Purposes of music therapy include:
Improvement of depressive symptoms, decrease in anxiety, and improvement of functioning for people with mental health conditions
Addresses feelings of loneliness, loss, grief, and stigma that may persist despite treatment
Music therapy is provided in various settings, including schools and hospitals. Engaging in music-making activities, such as drum circles, singing, or songwriting, can promote self-reflection, facilitate emotional release, and imbue a sense of community. Music therapy has proven effective at providing a supportive environment for healing trauma and encouraging resilience while decreasing anxiety levels and increasing the functioning of depressed individuals.
What conditions does music therapy treat?
Music therapy may be helpful in the treatment of the following mental health conditions:
Depression
Anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Schizophrenia
Aside from mental health conditions, music therapy can also help people with Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Parkinson’s disease, substance abuse disorders, among others.
What are the benefits of music therapy?
Music therapy is personalized to suit the needs and preferences of each patient. People of all ages, including young children, can take part in music therapy. Some of the benefits of engaging in music therapy are:
Activates regions of the brain associated with emotions, memory, decision-making, movement, sensory relay, and reward
Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
Releases endorphins
Relieves stress and promotes a sense of calmness
Relaxes muscle tension
An increase in feelings of confidence and personal empowerment
Improves quality of life
What types of music therapy are available?
Music therapy can be either active, such as singing, playing an instrument, and songwriting, or passive, such as listening to music, talking about music, and creating a playlist. A few different approaches of music therapy include:
Analytical music therapy: This therapy encourages improvisation through the use of singing or playing an instrument to express unconscious thoughts, which are reflected on and discussed with a therapist.
Benenzon music therapy: This therapy combines some psychoanalysis concepts with the process of making music, which includes searching for the patient’s “musical sound identity” through external sounds that most closely resemble the patient’s internal psychological state.
Cognitive behavioral music therapy (CBMT): This type of music therapy combines music and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBMT uses music to encourage some behaviors and modify others. CBMT follows a structured approach instead of an improvisational one, and may include playing an instrument, singing, dancing, or listening to music.
Community music therapy: Community music therapy involves the use of music and the community as a whole to facilitate change. It is a group effort and requires the participation of each community member.
Nordoff-Robbins music therapy: Also known as creative music therapy, this form of therapy incorporates the use of an instrument (usually a cymbal or drum) while the therapist plays a different instrument alongside the patient. Through its improvisational process, this therapy uses music to promote self-expression.
The Bonny method of guided imagery and music (GIM): This method solely focuses on classical music to stimulate the patient’s imagination. The patient is instructed to explain feelings, sensations, memories, and any images that come to mind while listening to the music.
Vocal psychotherapy: This method uses various vocal exercises, breathing techniques, and natural sounds to connect the patient with their own emotions. Vocal psychotherapy is meant for those who want to experience a deeper connection with the self.
Fun Fact:
A 2007 study conducted on pregnant women suffering from mental health issues found that listening to music for at least 30 minutes a day could substantially reduce depression, anxiety, and psychological stress. Therefore, adding music to your daily routine is a worthwhile benefit to maintaining and enhancing mental health.
Sources:
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
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