Music as Therapy: Reaching People in Ways Traditional Therapy Can’t

by Catherine Mabe

“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
--Victor Hugo

Even with all the varieties of music out there, most people, at some point in their lives have used music as therapy according to Disaboom, the largest online community for people with disabilities. Whether it’s unwinding to a classical composition or blowing off steam to the beat of a heavy metal song, music can alleviate stress and relive memories. This comes as no surprise as research shows that music has a profound effect on the body and mind.

People respond to music differently than to traditional therapy feeding the growing field of music therapy. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is formally defined as a clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

Music therapy can include movement, musical improvisation, song writing, singing, discussing lyrics, dancing, or simply listening to music. For instance, Music Therapists can help clients who have a hard time talking about or writing out their feelings by composing songs; clients with physical disabilities may use music therapy to learn to play an instrument for the purpose of improving fine motor skills.

These elements are used to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of people of all ages living with issues including:

• Brain injury
• HIV/AIDS
• Autism and other developmental disabilities
• Emotional trauma
• Hearing impairments
• Mental health issues
• Terminal illness or pain
• Physical disabilities
• Speech and language impairments
• Substance abuse problems
• Abuse
• Visual impairments

What are the effects of music on the mind and body that make this form of therapy so effective? Brainwaves can resonate with music that has a strong beat. Faster beats translate into sharper concentration and more alert thinking while slower tempos promote a calm, meditative state.

When brainwaves change, other areas of the body are affected. Music can alter breathing and heart rates, making them slower or faster and, consequently, helping to relieve issues like chronic stress, promote relaxation and improve overall health. Music has also proven to deliver other health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure (which reduces the likelihood of stroke and other health issues), boosting immunity, and easing muscle tension.

Music therapy has truly become a viable tool for helping people get (and stay) healthy. Since its launch in 2007, Disaboom is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Providing comprehensive resources on health, living, and community; http://www.disaboom.com is a tool for living forward.