The Christian life has music interwoven into its fabric. We use it to worship God. We are instructed to sing. It should not be surprising then to learn that music has the potential to benefit the mind and emotion. In this episode, music therapist Nick Lanz gives us tips on how to use music therapeutically.
Show notes:
Music Therapy: The clinical & 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.
What do music therapists do?
Assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses.
Design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using various musical interventions.
Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.
Music therapy interventions for mental health can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals:
Develop healthy coping skills
Identify/express/explore emotions
Process trauma
Improve depressive symptoms
Decrease anxiety/agitation
Promote relaxation
Promote positive thinking/self-esteem
Develop sense of belonging/community
Promote positive social interaction/group cohesion
Address loneliness, grief, loss and stigma that persist despite treatment
Develop independence/decision-making skills
Manage stress
Promote wellness
"Music therapists use music to accomplish non-musical goals."
There are four main approaches:
Receptive
Music listening
Song discussion/lyric analysis
Music-assisted relaxation/progressive muscle relaxation
Can also include music for sleep
Movement & music
Bonny Method of Guided Imagery & Music (requires post-graduate training)
Re-creative
Instrument instruction
Instrument playing
Sing-along
Recording sessions
Compositional
Therapeutic songwriting (multiple methods)
Improvisational
Instrumental/vocal improvisation
Drum circle/instrumental circle (groups)
