3 Reasons to Consider #MusicTherapy

Choosing a type of therapy can be a tough decision. There are so many options for types of treatment and therapies one may  become feeling overwhelmed. However, there is one type of therapy that you shouldn’t cross off your list too quickly. Music therapy is an accredited health care profession that is effective in treating a variety of populations. Though music therapy is newer to the professional field, the idea of music as therapy is not a recent concept. For centuries, humans have responded to music emotionally, physically, spiritually, socially and cognitively. Acknowlegement of music’s therapeutic qualities has been established long before anyone ever thought of adding a trained therapist to maximize results. Currently, people have the access to trained and board certified music therapists who are not only therapists, but also musicians. This combination of music and therapy creates a profession  implementing therapy in a fun and creative way. So when sitting down to decide what therapies may work for your needs, remember these 3 reasons why music therapy should be on your list of possibilities.

Music Therapy is Researched– The effects of music have been researched and published in countless journals by the medical and psychological fields and it doesn’t take long to pull one up with a simple Google search.  In addition, music therapists are contributing to the research and have been for quite some time. Thanks to these therapists, effectiveness of different music therapy methods have been researched in addition to the effects of music. There are countless publications in the Journal of Music Therapy and Music Therapy Perspectives the two largest periodical collections put forth by our organization, AMTA (The American Music Therapy Association). You can find numerous studies and abstracts simply by searching Google or visiting the AMTA website (click the link to access bibliographies for specific populations).

Music Therapists are Educated– Music therapists are more than just musicians and should not be confused with entertainers. In order to become a music therapist one must complete at least an undergraduate degree in music therapy, a 1,040 hour internship and pass the national board certification exam to earn the credentials MT-BC (Music Therapist Board Certified). In addition, music therapists must complete continuing education credits to maintain our certification to practice.

Music Therapy Is Fun– Most likely you enjoy music, which makes a good reason to consider music therapy as music will be a large component to your treatment plan. Music therapists are trained to have a wide collection of repertoire and we always strive to use your preferences to work towards  your therapy goals. Actively engaging in music playing is most likely also going to take place at some point in your treatment. Even if you aren’t a musician, therapy is tailored to be “non musician proof” so that everyone successfully makes music and is involved in the musical process. When you combine fun with therapy this helps with motivation which can be a difficult thing for certain people to find when faced with therapy.

Though there are many more reasons to consider music therapy, these are the main 3 to start with. So see if there is a music therapist in your area if you are looking for therapy for yourself or a loved one. Music therapy may be the perfect fit for you 🙂