So, What Is Music Therapy?

The first time I had ever heard of "music therapy" was during a casual conversation on the bus, but the words were strung together differently: "musical therapy." I thought to myself, "Why had I never heard of this before, or thought of any therapeutic treatment beyond traditional talk therapy?" I loved music my whole life; I felt how it caressed me during heartache and enhanced the joy I felt on my best days. So, when I realized that professionals were utilizing the innate power of music to address emotional, physical, and mental concerns, I decided to learn more about this field!

I'll provide a widely accepted definition that I heard while in school for music therapy. Music therapy was defined as "a reflexive process wherein the therapist helps the client to optimize the client’s health, using various facets of music therapy experience and the relationships formed through them as the impetus for change.” Let's digest "reflexive", "facets of music therapy experience", and "relationships...as the impetus for change".

Music therapy is reflexive in the same way that a conversation is. One person speaks, and the other responds or displays some sort of reaction to what's been said. It grows and blossoms into whatever the two (or more) people want it to be. The therapist honors the goals that the client has set for themselves, and carefully tailors sessions to meet them over time. It sounds like a lot of trust is needed to open up to someone about your goals and allow them to help you reach them. So, how does a music therapist work with their clients and how do they build that deep trust?

According to Drury University, the four general methods of music therapy are "compositional music therapy", "improvisational music therapy", "receptive music therapy", and "re-creative music therapy". Therapists can aid clients in creating their own original music with words to be sung or with just instruments. They can also engage in improvisation, where spontaneous music making occurs in a reflexive process (aha!) between the therapist and client(s). This can include instruments, singing, or both- whatever ends up flowing! In receptive music therapy, the therapist brings music to the client, to which the client can respond in any way they feel. They can sit in silence, offer an interpretation, or even rest if needed. Lastly, re-creative music therapy is when the client performs music that already exists, like a popular song you've heard in your favorite movie or a beautiful piano piece you may enjoy.

All of these methods are used to help clients get closer to what they desire for themselves, while building a relationship with their therapist in the process. Your music therapist is there to learn your likes, dislikes, and as much as you are open to sharing in the moment.

So, what is music therapy? It is harnessing the power of music and connection with a trained professional to achieve emotional, neurological, and physical benefits.

Music therapy sessions can look so many different ways and can address so many different aspects of you! We are here to tailor sessions to your unique needs and goals. Reach out so we can work towards them together.

Miss K, MT-BC