Music therapy doesn’t ask you to join a band or perform at Carnegie Hall. It lets you use music as a method to help you with anxiety and depression. Some people drum, others sing, others play musical instruments. Music therapy also includes listening to music as well as making it.
Music therapy is used to help with trauma, anxiety, and depression. It’s used to help autistic individuals communicate and socialize with others. It’s also used with individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and brain damage after a stroke. Singing songs from the past and listening to them can cause patients to find new ways of communicating with others.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, music therapy can cause these benefits:
· Lower blood pressure.
· Improved memory.
· Enhanced communication and social skills through experiencing music with others.
· Self-reflection. Observing your thoughts and emotions.
· Reduced muscle tension.
· Self-regulation. Developing healthy coping skills to manage your thoughts and emotions.
· Increased motivation.
· Better pain management.
· Increased joy.
Those with PTSD, either military veterans or others, use music therapy. People in correctional settings and trauma and crisis patients can also benefit.
LINKS
What is Music Therapy and How Does it Work? Positive Psychology, Heather Craig, BPsySc
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