What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is the evidence-based use of music interventions by a board-certified music therapist to achieve clinical goals within a therapeutic relationship. The practice involves listening to, reflecting on, and creating music to improve a person's health and well-being. Sessions can be practiced individually or in groups, often in conjunction with other therapies, treatments, or pharmaceuticals.
Immersion in music can provide insights into cognitive and behavioral factors such as motivations, reactionary behaviors, cognitive perceptions, emotional regulation, and interpersonal understanding, allowing us to discern the constraints of rational dialogue or conscious cerebral processes. Music engagement, whether active or passive, can stimulate symbolic manifestations from our interoceptive mental space, revealing unconscious personal thoughts and feelings. Psychoanalysis of a person's musical experience can support how they can overcome challenges.
Areas of focus
End-of-life care
Existentialism
Liberation/community psychology
Psychological Trauma
Members of destructive groups (cults, gangs, hate groups, etc.)
Military veterans, conscientious objectors
People incarcerated (jail, prison, probation, parole, etc.)
Political activists
Secular spirituality