Music has an immense therapeutic effect on our psychology no doubt. Different music evokes different emotions and feelings helping us to deal with different life situations. In times of emotional turmoil music is the only thing that we take recourse to. The therapeutic effect of music has been recognized by mental health therapists for a long time. Clinical psychologists recommended and practiced music therapy for mental health treatment to cure a range of mental health conditions.
However, music therapy is not limited to passive hearing but also active participation in singing and composing lyrics. This blog will delve deeper into the methods of music therapy and its dynamic therapeutic effects on mental health.
How Music Therapy is Practiced?
Music was used as a therapy during WW1 for the first time. Studies have shown that musicians were invited to hospitals to sing for injured soldiers. It has been found that soldiers who listened to music recovered fast both mentally and physically.
Today, music therapy typically involves active participation of patients in listening, singing, composing music, songwriting and so on. While listening to energetic music enhances the mood of the participants, singing and composing enhances their self-esteem and confidence. On the other hand, composing and writing allow participants to vent out their pain and emotion through tunes and lyrics. Thus, music is also a powerful medium of expression and music therapy sessions allow participants to express themselves freely.
However, no prior experience or expertise is required to participate in music therapy. Anyone can take part in music therapy without having any prior music lessons. It offers an encouraging and non-judgmental environment for every participant to explore the healing effects of music.
The therapy is conducted by certified and trained-music therapists. They employ different forms of music therapies to cure conditions like dementia, anxiety, depression, and many more. It is especially beneficial for curing childhood disorders like apraxia and autism spectrum disorder.
Advantages of Music Therapy for Mental Health
Music therapy has an immense positive impact on psychological, cognitive and physical health. Here are some of the top benefits of music therapy for mental health.
1. Helps in Coping with Stressful Situation
Music helps us to cope with difficult emotional situations. Whether you are suffering from depression or anxiety, music allows you to distract your mind from the immediate stress. For example, motivational songs may help you to overcome stress related to academic performance anxieties. Music therapy sessions include activities like breathing practices, rhythmic and auditory grounding, listening to relaxing music and so on. These activities help you to distract yourself from unnecessary stress and anxieties and to gain clarity on how to deal with external stressful influences.
2. Improve Self-Esteem and Confidence
Failing to accomplish one’s goals often leads to a feeling of hopelessness and dejection. Self-deprecating thoughts process overpowers your thought process and develops depressing symptoms. Music therapy helps you to regain self-confidence by developing music acumen and abilities.
3. Foster Interpersonal communication
Seeking solitude and isolating oneself social connections is one of the common traits of people suffering from mental health issues. Music therapies encourage participants to engage in group musical exchange enabling them to connect with others and develop social bonds.
4. Enhance Self-Resilience
Resilience is one of the most crucial qualities to overcome any hurdles. Music therapy helps people to grow emotional resilience. For instance, marginalized communities face systematic exclusion and traumatic experiences. Music offers a safe medium to express their standpoint more poignantly helping them to come out of traumatic mindset.
5. Improve Problem-Solving Skills
While in stress and anxiety you lack the ability to think clearly with clarity of mind. By reducing stress and anxiety music helps you to solve your problem with much clarity. As a result, your ability to tackle difficult situations is enhanced.
Endnote
Music therapy for mental health treatment is an age-old practice. Most certified behavioral health services offer music therapies by professional musicians. The therapy sessions are beneficial for all ages of people from children to adults offering personalized sessions. Moreover, group participation is also beneficial to cure a range of mental health issues.