Music therapy is a clinical intervention using sound and music as a therapeutic medium for change. There are different approaches to the use of music in therapy. Fundamental to all approaches, however, is the development of a relationship between the client and therapist. Music-making forms the basis for communication in this relationship. The Music Therapists aims to facilitate positive changes in behaviour and emotional well-being, develop an increased sense of self-awareness, and thereby enhance quality of life.
Music Therapy Sessions
The therapist does not teach the client to sing or play an instrument; rather client and therapist improvise together vocally or on a range of easy-to-play melodic and percussive musical instruments. The style is chosen to compliment the individual needs of each client.
The client explores the world of sound to create a language of their own. The therapist is able to direct,support and encourage this process. Through the shared experience, the client is often able to get in touch with difficult feelings, be part of a therapeutic relationship and experiment with relating to others, in an intimate and meaningful way. Sessions may be individual or as group therapy.
Evidence
Clients and carers know it works. Music Therapists know it works, Referrers and multi-disciplinary team members know it works, but we now need to prove it works! And despite being a very small profession, this need is the same scientific rigour as with all other disciplines.
Music Therapy is effective in reducing the symptoms of autism, psychosis, depression and stroke. We know this because high quality trials have been carried out with these client groups and the results published in peer-reviewed journals. This has led to the ground breaking inclusion of Arts Therapies in the NICE Guidelines for schizophrenia as one of three psychology therapies to recommend for people at all phases of the illness, alongside CBT and Family Intervention. Commissioners of Mental Health Services now have to take account of the NICE recommendation to offer Music Therapy to people with schizophrenia.