You may be surprised to learn about the effective role of music in Psychotherapy but an increasing amount of research is beginning to show that the creation, performance and appreciation of music can be a valuable tool for developing a relationship between a therapist and their patient.
Providing the encouraging and safe environment that is required by patients to begin addressing challenges and issues is one of the main goals of psychotherapy. In many cases, the inclusion of music therapy as a means to enhance and empower the patient to creatively and proactively address their issues through composition, dance, and appreciation increases the communication and relationship of the therapist and patient by providing a common means of communicating thoughts and feelings that may be difficult for the patient to express in a formal verbal setting.
The diversity of patients that seek the assistance of a psychotherapy require flexibility and adaptability from the therapist who must be able to engender the safe and supportive environment that will allow the patient to discuss their abuse, trauma, physical, or cognitive challenges effectively.
The positive and therapeutic effects of music have proven in many studies, to have a significant impact on the emotional and mental well being of patients. Studies have also indicated that a music therapist often has the knowledge and expertise to customize therapeutic programs that will meet the individual needs of patients.
Sometimes, the benefits can be extremely surprising. A randomized study conducted in London, UK involved schizophrenics undergoing inpatient treatment for their disorder. This study, conducted by Doctor Michael J. Crawford and other colleagues found that after treatment using music therapy in addition to other forms of treatment, people suffering from Schizophrenia actually experienced improvements. They were assessed in terms of mental health, global functioning and satisfaction with the level of care they were receiving.
There are many ways that the inclusion of music can be used in an effective therapeutic treatment program. Patients and therapists may work together to compose and create music or play instruments. Or, patients may be encouraged to begin a series of experiments involving different types of music, instruments, or composition styles. Patients who are physically challenged are much more successful in regaining function and range of motion in affected limbs when they are relaxed and introduced to different modes of creative dance. Studies have shown that dementia patients and those with speech and neural disorders are able to overcome many of their challenges through the rhythmic use of melodies and music.
During studies of music on physiology it has been shown that blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate can be lowered through the use of music in teaching relaxation and bio-feedback techniques. Increasing range of motion and physical strength is more easily accomplished when the subconscious mind of the patient can focus on music rather than on the task at hand. In addition, the use of group musical activities has shown that individuals with difficulty interacting with peers are much more relaxed and able to interact and connect more effectively.
Although music therapy may not be of help to everyone, it has been proven that patients who suffer a range of conditions including acute psychosis, stroke, dementia and other challenges may be able to relate more quickly and gain more value from their therapy than those undergoing traditional forms of psychotherapy alone.
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