We know the lyrics to countless songs. We can hear beats in our heads from time to time throughout the day. There is practically a song for every occasion, mood, and moment of life that match the tone and setting of the experience. Music is culturally celebrated and enjoyed and tied to seasons, religious occasions, and the holiday spirit. Each year we are reminded that Christmas is right around the corner when these tunes are on every radio station and in every retail store again. Music also gives us that one-two-step to move and dance either fast, slow, or just to nod our heads. We can somehow shift all the noise of thoughts in our heads to the current song we are hearing, which in many ways can be therapeutic.
Unbeknownst to many people is the actual science-based practice of music therapy. This is an alternative to traditional forms of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). A music therapist works with the patient to improve cognitive, motor, spiritual, emotional, and sensory skills. Different experiences of music therapy include one or a combination of the following:
Improvisation: This is the spontaneous act of using whatever is near to create music. Nothing is scripted or specified, rather, the focus is on how in that current moment one is feeling. I might pound on the desktop and improvise a few lyrics to express why I feel so tired and what I want to start doing to feel more alive.
Recreation: This is the act of trying to recreate a song or music genre typically associated with one’s cognitive and emotional state. Maybe I need to shout at the top of my lungs why I can’t make someone love me or change. Maybe I need to hear a slower song as I mourn the loss of someone close to me.
Composition: Writing music is an outlet of expression. It isn’t always easy to say what we want to say or act how we intend to act, but music can let us creatively communicate what we have bottled up for so long. We often hear songs on the radio that hit the nail on the dot with what we are experiencing. I’ve even imagined singing that particular song at or to someone so they can understand. Think of the perfect breakup song you add on your playlist. If only the person was there on the receiving end to hear that same song. Writing music and even performing it can let us take on a new dimension to unleash the pent-up emotions.
Receptive methods: This includes hearing music that can relax you, using music to create imagery, or even discussing music as a springboard of your thoughts and associations to an experience. Some people already practice music therapy without knowing it by listening to the sound of waves as they settle in for bed and try to fall asleep. Some even use white noise. I like to think of this method as the massage experience where the soft tunes let you relax and give your body the ability to not be tense or stressed.
There have been great outcomes as a result of music therapy. For example, it has been used with elderly patients to diminish the effects of dementia. Hospitalized patients have used this method to reduce feelings of pain. Premature infants have been recommended music therapy to establish sleep patterns and gain the healthy weight they need. People with Parkinson’s disease have used this to improve their motor functions. Children with autism can learn communicative skills. It has even been used to reduce severe asthma symptoms in children and adults. The community of therapists from the American Music Therapy Association have learned to assess their client’s needs and tailor which approach will best serve their patient for improvement.
As someone who owns a gym, music is on all day, every day. With the newest capabilities of Alexa, I’m actually using music therapy techniques practically every single day. When clients are present, I put on upbeat tempos to get their energy up and adrenaline pumping. In between clients I sometimes like to listen to certain songs that remind me of my mother who has passed or sometimes cheesy love songs I think about my husband with. Music is dictated by my mood but is therapeutic in the sense of expression and serving my current emotional needs. Think of this with yourself too. Some days we want the radio turned up as loud as possible, and other days maybe just in the background for noise.
Music touches our souls and of all the artists in the world, we are responsible for our own thoughts and feelings and reactions to life’s situations. Therefore, you are in control of the music station you are listening to. When the right song doesn’t come to mind, then make one. You don’t have to produce a number one hit, but saying what you meant to, mean to, or truly want to say, is sometimes not easy with the common word. Music provides that alternative line of communication to reach yourself and others.
