Music Therapy
What is music therapy?
The American Music Therapy Association defines music therapy as “the 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” (AMTA, 2020).
In other words, music therapy consists of a therapeutic relationship between the music therapist and client(s), wherein the music therapist facilitates music-based experiences. These experiences are intentionally designed to support processes that are related to the client’s individual goals, based on the growing body of research that demonstrates the impact of specific music-related practices on mental and physical health.
What does music therapy look like?
Depending on the client and music therapist, music therapy can look like many different things! Based on the initial assessment, where the music therapist evaluates various aspects of the client’s functioning and well-being and establishes therapeutic goals together with the client, the music therapist creates a treatment plan that may incorporate some of the following techniques:
- improvising together using instruments and/or voice
- songwriting
- music-assisted relaxation
- listening to music together
- lyric discussion
- playing preferred music “live”
- moving to music together
Music therapy may occur in individual or group sessions.
What kind of goals does music therapy support?
Music therapy can support a variety of goals related to many aspects of health! Here are some examples:
Cognitive
- enhanced memory
- increased attention span
- sustained focus
- increased self-awareness and insight
- strengthened learning processes
Emotional
- enhanced mood
- increased self-efficacy
- reduced anxiety/stress
- enhanced emotional identification, regulation, and expression
- supported coping skills
Physical
- increased energy/motivation
- increased physical strength
- supported pain management
- enhanced relaxation
- regulation of physical arousal
Social
- strengthened communication abilities
- decreased isolation
- enhanced group cohesion
- increased sense of belonging
- strengthened interpersonal relationships
Who can benefit from music therapy?
Music therapy has been used extensively with children and adults in medical, mental health, rehabilitative, educational, and community settings. Music therapy can support the needs of individuals with neurological impairment (dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke), developmental disorders (autism, attention-deficit disorder, intellectual disabilities), psychiatric conditions (depression, trauma, schizophrenia, substance abuse), medical conditions (chronic pain, post-op care, hospice, neo-natal support), and more.
Additionally, individuals who have tried verbal therapy and are interested in exploring other options may benefit from music therapy. Music can touch on unconscious feelings and insights that may not be accessible through words alone, and skills developed through music interventions can be transferred to non-musical settings.
Do I have to have a musical background to seek music therapy?
You do not need to have experience in playing instruments or singing to benefit from music therapy! Music therapy is about process, not performance. It is normal to feel self-conscious at first; we live in a society that discourages participating in the arts if one is not “classically trained” or “good enough.” However, one of the the aims of music therapy is to make music experiences accessible to everyone, regardless of skill or experience! It certainly helps if you enjoy music and are willing to try new things.
I feel better when I listen to music/attend concerts/sing/play instruments. Am I using music therapy?
Great! My hope is that more people incorporate music into their self-care practice. That said, individual use of music for its therapeutic benefits is different from music therapy. This goes back to the original definition of music therapy, which includes the therapeutic relationship with the music therapist. This is an important distinction because many of the benefits of music therapy come from the dynamic, interactive music experiences that are shared between the client and music therapist. Furthermore, music therapists receive much of the same education and training as verbal therapists, and are able to implement treatment plans that support clients’ goals while assessing clients’ safety throughout the process.
You might compare this example to a scenario where a verbal therapist taught you a mindfulness exercise, and you used a variation of that exercise on your own. While you would be using a therapeutic technique, it would not be the same as a therapy session, where you would be in the presence of a trained professional who could process the experience with you and respond appropriately if you became overwhelmed or dysregulated.
What are some contraindications for music therapy?
If someone is completely disinterested in music, or has overwhelmingly negative reactions to/associations with music, music therapy may not benefit this individual. Additionally, individuals with severe hearing loss may not be appropriate for music therapy. Because of music therapists’ training, they are often able to modulate the experience according to the needs of many individuals.
About Anna
How did you become a music therapist?
I am a master’s-level music therapist, which means that I completed a 2-year master’s program at an accredited university. I took coursework in psychology, human development, clinical musicianship (proficiency in guitar, piano, voice, and hand drums), counseling approaches, behavioral research, and various different music therapy methods and models. Additionally, I completed over 1200 hours of supervised clinical experience as a student. After that, I completed the music therapy board exam, which allows me to practice as a music therapist in the state of Pennsylvania.
Before that, I pursued music and psychology on mostly separate paths. I started playing piano and guitar at a young age, and have spent the last ten years performing and recording my own music. I obtained my B.A. in Psychology, and the understandings influenced my own songwriting and conceptualization of music. These two paths started to merge in my work as a bedside musician at pediatric hospitals, and then as a hospice volunteer. Finally, I started looking at music therapy programs to deepen my practice. I am grateful to have found my way to music therapy, and for the path itself.
If you’re thinking of pursuing music therapy, I’d be happy to talk with you and answer any questions you have about the process!
Do you take insurance?
I do not currently take insurance; however, I offer sessions through a social enterprise named Project Healing Hive, which offers a sliding fee scale to ensure services are accessible for as many individuals as possible (see the Community section of their page for more information.)
Can you be my music therapist if we know each other personally?
Because of music therapists’ ethical code, I am not able to provide music therapy to anyone with whom I have a personal relationship – just like with verbal therapy. This is to protect clients and ensure the best possible therapy services. For example, a client might withhold relevant information in sessions that had not come up in an existing relationship with their therapist, perhaps out of fear that it would influence the personal relationship, and the omission could impact their growth in therapy. Additionally, a therapist would not be able to offer a completely neutral “outside” perspective for the client, as their existing relationship could influence the therapist’s clinical judgment and the treatment they deliver.
If we know each other and you are interested in music therapy, I would be happy to refer you to another music therapist! You can also perform your own search (see below.)
Why can’t I find you in the American Music Therapy Association directory?
Because of the membership dues cycle, I will be registered in AMTA’s online provider directory in January 2021. You can verify my certification status at the Certification Board for Music Therapists site here.
Don’t see your question?
Contact me here! I would love to address any questions or thoughts you have.