Music Therapy

Music has been used as a type of Therapy since the late 18th century. Music has a strong power on our body, our cells, our mind and our spirit. Music has a way of opening our hearts and helps us feel more connected to the world. It has a direct line to our emotions. Music evokes emotional responses that can relax or stimulate people. Music releases negative emotions and creates positive ones. Music is a cooperative activity, playing music with others automatically creates connections and shared emotions. Music can definitively help people to improve their life and to heal old traumas and pains.

What is Music Therapy?

There are two different forms of Music Therapy, one active and one receptive. Music Therapy is based on psychological disciplines like psychodynamic, behavioral, and therapeutic approaches. Music Therapy opens up avenues for communication and self-expression. Music Therapy helps to control anxiety, frustration and anger. Music therapy is used for multiple physical and mental health conditions, such as Alzheimers, autism, depression and much more.

How does it work?

Music Therapy include making music, singing, dancing, clapping, drumming, during Active Therapy sessions. And listening to music during Receptive Therapy sessions.

Both are followed by a discussion with a therapist. It is frequent that patients are swapping Receptive Therapy for Active Therapy, after being encouraged and feeling secure. Self-expression and creation are often, a constructive and positive outcome to Music Therapy sessions.

What are the effects of Music Therapy?

Music Therapy provides opportunities for :

– awakening

– making positive changes

– improving self-esteem and self-expression

– increasing concentration

– reducing anxiety

– increasing motivation

What are the Health Benefits of Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is an established health profession in which Music is used within a Therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of patients. Research showed that Music Therapy shifts the brain activity and levels of cortisol (stress hormone). Music has positive effects on physiological and biochemical measures. Rhythm has a significant impact on the nervous system. Listening to music has a measurable positive effect on the psychobiological stress system.

Drumming as a Therapy

Studies have been done on Drumming as a Therapy. Drumming has the following positive results, it :

• Induces relaxation
• Produces pleasure
• Releases emotional trauma
• Creates a sense of connectedness with others