Music therapy is a multidisciplinary field drawing from disciplines such as psychology, musicology, sociology, and neurology. Music activates many regions of the brain associated with emotion and memory. The music you’ve heard throughout your life is preserved in your neural pathways and is associated with memories and feelings. Hearing a song that you enjoyed in college can bring up positive memories from your college days.
Listening to new music also stimulates your brain and can create new memories and associations.
Research shows that music can positively affect several brain chemicals, such as dopamine and oxytocin. Some evidence suggests music can also help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Conditions Music Therapy Treats
Although music therapy can be beneficial for just about anyone, some of the specific conditions music therapy is used to treat include:
Mood and anxiety disorders
Behavior disorders
Trauma
Substance abuse
Cognitive impairment
Chronic pain
Attention deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
Before the session, your music therapist will assess your needs and strengths. You may discuss the following:
Emotional well-being
Trauma history
Physical health
Cognitive skills
Communication abilities
Physiological responses
Social functioning
Your music therapist will talk with you about your music background and your musical preferences. They will then work with you to identify goals and design appropriate music therapy experiences. Musical skills are not required.
This therapy may include the following:
Listening to music
Singing
Moving to music
Playing an instrument
Creating music
The Benefits of Music Therapy
Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in several main areas, including psychological wellness, cognitive function, and social connections.
Psychological
Release repressed emotions
Lessen feelings of isolation
Improve mood
Decreased depression
Reduce anxiety
Manage stress
Provide an increased sense of control
Cognitive
Improve coping skills
Improve memory
Social
Bring people together socially
Improve communication for autistic children
Everyone, from children to seniors, can benefit from music therapy. Music therapy delivers a unique approach to mental health, opening opportunities for healing and expression. While it can assist in the growth of emotional, cognitive, and social skills for people of all ages, starting young children with music therapy early on can significantly enhance their development.