What is music therapy?

Music is all around us and we are exposed to it daily. It’s something that begins in the womb, as early as the last trimester of pregnancy, and is known to be an excellent outlet for expressing one’s emotions later on.

Music therapy is a well-established cognitive clinical interaction, with the power to turn a simple melody into a form of healing for various physical and mental health issues. It’s a versatile form of therapy that can be used to benefit people of all ages, from very young children (including premature infants) to older adults. The benefits of music therapy are vast for those with mental or physical health challenges, as well as those with varying levels of musical experience.

The efficacy of this approach to therapy has been studied extensively in recent years and with promising results. Studies have shown that it can be effective in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, dementia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other mental health issues. Additionally, research has indicated a wide range of benefits for physical rehabilitation after injury or surgery as well as for pain management. Music therapy also has potential benefits for improving communication skills, social interaction, and developing relationships with others.

Overall benefits of music for therapy

Perhaps surprisingly, music therapy has been used for centuries to help people cope with a wide range of medical conditions and mental health issues. It can be highly personalised, making it suitable for people of any age, including very young children. There’s even evidence that it’s beneficial for the bonding between premature infants and their parents.

Engaging with music has been shown to activate regions of the brain that influence memory, emotions and mood, movement, sensory relay, some involuntary functions, decision-making, and reward. It can fulfil social needs in group settings for older adults, and lower the heart rate and blood pressure. Music therapy can also be beneficial for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, anxiety disorders or stress, autism, cardiac conditions, sleeping disorders, trauma, and even chronic pain – so the potential benefits are vast. Furthermore, playing instruments or singing can provide a sense of accomplishment which may lead to increased self-esteem and confidence.

Types of music therapy

Whether it’s relaxing music for people experiencing anxiety or calming music for babies to go to sleep, music therapy comes in many forms:

Analytical music therapy

involves having a conversation with your therapist via an improvised musical piece; this provides insight into unconscious thoughts which can be reflected upon afterward.

Benezon music therapy

Combining ideas from psychoanalysis and music, Benenzon music therapy is a process that focuses on making music. Benenzon involves discovering your “musical sound identity,” which are the external sounds that closely reflect your inner emotional state.

CMBT

Cognitive Behavioral Music Therapy (CBMT) utilises the effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy while harnessing the power of music. Through CBMT, music is employed to encourage certain behaviours and alter others. This method is organised, rather than spontaneous, and can involve music listening, dancing, singing, or playing a musical instrument.

Community music therapy

seeks to use music as a way to effect positive change throughout the community. Teamwork is essential and each person must be actively involved for the task to be completed.

Nordoff-Robbins music therapy,

also known as creative therapy, the therapist plays an instrument such as a cymbal or drum while accompanying another instrument. Through improvisation, music allows for the expression of self. There is evidence that using this type of therapy can be incredibly helpful when dealing with dementia patients.

The Bonny technique of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM)

utilises classical music to activate the imagination as part of the therapy. This technique lets you describe the emotions, memories, and images that come to your mind whilst listening to music.

Vocal psychotherapy

involves utilising vocal exercises and other methods to gain insight into one’s emotions and impulses. Engaging in this practice is a way to create stronger connections with yourself.

Treating specific conditions

Music therapy has been studied for decades and the results of various clinical studies have shown that it can be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions:

• Depression

Studies have found that when music therapy is combined with the usual treatments such as antidepressants and psychotherapy, it can help reduce symptoms of depression. It may also benefit people with OCD, as it can help reduce obsessive thoughts, depression, and anxiety. The patients do not need to have specific musical skills to engage in this type of personal therapy.

In 2016, researchers conducted a feasibility study to explore how music therapy could be used in combination with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to treat depression. The initial results were promising and showed that this combination could be effective in treating depression. However, further research is needed to fully understand the effects of this type of treatment.

• Insomnia

Compared to pharmaceuticals and other commonly prescribed treatments, music is less invasive and more affordable. It can also be used as a self-management tool to help people get better sleep without relying on medications.

Listening to music before bedtime can help relax the body and mind, allowing for an easier transition into sleep. White noise can then be used during sleep, to block out any disruptive external noises. There is also evidence that music therapy reduces stress levels, improves mood, and even increases the amount of time spent in deep sleep. It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression that are often associated with insomnia. Reducing insomnia also significantly improves the quality of life for people living with insomnia.

• Management of chronic pain

Music has been used as a form of pain management for a variety of conditions. Research has shown that music therapy may be beneficial in managing chronic pain, labour and childbirth, and post-operative care. It is thought to reduce pain levels, anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure in those recovering from surgery.

• Cancer

Cancer is a difficult diagnosis to receive, and the physical and emotional toll it can take on a person can be overwhelming. Coping with cancer requires support from many different sources, including emotional and spiritual well-being. Music therapy may offer emotional benefits for those experiencing depression after receiving their diagnosis or receiving the difficult news about having to engage in palliative care during treatment or even after remission. It has been shown to help reduce anxiety in people with cancer who are starting radiation treatments, as well as helping them manage the side effects of chemotherapy – nausea for example. By reducing stress levels, it can be beneficial for both physical and mental health during this challenging time.

What are the limitations?

Overall, the effects of music therapy when combined with other interventions, such as medication and psychotherapy, can form an effective treatment plan with lasting positive effects. However, it is important to take into account any potential risks and limitations associated with the therapy before beginning. By doing so, you can ensure that music therapy will be beneficial for your particular situation and needs.

For instance, if you have difficulty hearing or wear a hearing aid or implant, it is essential to speak with your audiologist first to ensure that the therapy is safe for you. Additionally, if you are experiencing pain or illness that makes physical activity difficult, music therapy that incorporates movement may not be suitable for you.

Getting started

Getting started can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The first step is to talk to your doctor or therapist about exploring music as a potential treatment option. They can connect you with a music therapist in your community who is certified and credentialed by the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT). Depending on your goals, sessions typically last between 30 and 50 minutes. You may choose to have a set schedule for music therapy or work with a music therapist on an as-needed basis. Before your first session, it’s important to discuss what to expect with your music therapist so that you feel comfortable and informed.

It’s also important to understand the editorial process used by the BAMT when selecting board-certified professionals. This ensures that content is accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. To learn more about this process, visit the BAMT website.

Once you have found a certified music therapist, it is important to discuss your goals and expectations for the therapy. It is also important to be open and honest with your therapist about any concerns or questions you may have. Additionally, it is beneficial to keep an open mind and be willing to try the different activities that your music therapist may suggest.

How can MindHug help?

The market for music therapy services can be overwhelming place at times. If you happen to be living with mental health issues, chances are that social interaction is not high on the list of things to do. So talking to others whilst trying to find the right fit can be challenging.

Here at MindHug, we aim to make things as easy as possible. Our therapists can offer fully tailored music therapy sessions, where you will be able to experience the positive effects of music therapy for yourself. In your personal therapy sessions, your therapist will design music interventions that aim to deliver lasting therapeutic effects, rather than just in the short term. They’ll also cover managing depressive symptoms and overall anxiety reduction.

It’s our mission to put you on the path to well-being and happiness, so if you feel that music therapy might be for you, get in touch and give yourself a MindHug.

Links to sources used in the blog

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00651/full
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2020.00160/full
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17437199.2020.1846580
https://academic.oup.com/mtp
https://www.cbmt.org/