What is Music Therapy and who is it for?

What is music therapy?

Music Therapy is an evidence-based, allied health profession that uses music in an intentional way to accomplish personalised goals for each individual who participates.

Music intervention is used as a tool to work towards therapeutic goals relating to (but not limited to):

Mental health and wellbeing
Memory and attention
Speech, communication, and social skills
Physical function, gross and fine motor skills
Pain management

Who is music therapy for?

Music therapy is a versatile and inclusive form of therapy that can benefit individuals of all ages and abilities. Our music therapy services are tailored to meet the unique needs of:

Children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Individuals with developmental disabilities
Seniors experiencing cognitive decline or dementia
Individuals managing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
People recovering from traumatic brain injuries or strokes
Those seeking stress relief, relaxation, and personal growth
Anyone interested in exploring the therapeutic power of music

What to expect during a music therapy session?

You might be wondering what is involved in a music therapy session. This is a common question that is asked.

Music therapy sessions can vary widely depending on the goals and needs of the individual or group receiving the therapy. Music therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses music and musical activities as the primary therapeutic tool to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.

Here's a general overview of what a music therapy session might look like:

Assessment: In the initial consultation, Amanda (RMT) will conduct an initial assessment to understand the participants' needs, preferences, and goals. This assessment helps in designing personalised session plans for future sessions together.
The core of the session involves engaging in various musical activities. These activities can include:
- Listening to Music: Passive listening to music can evoke emotions and memories, and the RMT may encourage discussion of these experiences.
- Playing Instruments: Clients may play a variety of instruments, such as drums, percussion, guitars, keyboards, voice, or music technology. Playing instruments can promote fine motor skills, coordination, and emotional expression.
- Songwriting: Creating original songs can be a powerful way for participants to express their thoughts and emotions. This can also help with cognitive and verbal skills as well as self-expression, self-discovery, and identity.
- Improvisation: Improvisational music making allows for spontaneous expression, encouraging creativity and emotional release.
- Movement to Music: Physical movement can be incorporated to address physical and motor skills.
Processing and Reflection: While music is the main tool that we use in music therapy, that doesn't mean that there is no talking at all. Throughout the session, the RMT will engage the participant in discussions to reflect on the musical experiences and to discuss any emotions or insights that arose during the session.

It's important to note that music therapy is a highly individualized process, and sessions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each participant. The structure and content of a session can be adapted based on the age, abilities, and preferences of the participants.