What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is an interpersonal process in which the therapist uses music and all of its facets – physical, emotional, mental, social, cultural, aesthetic and spiritual to help people improve or maintain their health. We make music together in a safe and motivating environment. Through this process, strengths that may go unseen are revealed and our therapists help our clients understand these strengths. Music is used to connect with clients, reveal possibilities and make their lives better.

• Music Therapy For Older Adults

Drawing on a wealth of research and clinical practice, music therapy services have been proven beneficial for older adults of all abilities. Music therapy sessions are specifically designed to reach individual, and/or small group goals based on the specific needs of the client or group.

● Memory recall which contributes to reminiscence and satisfaction with life

● Positive changes in mood and emotional states

● Increased sense of control over life through successful experiences

● Awareness of self, others, and environment which accompanies increased attention to music

● Anxiety and stress reduction for both the older adult and caregivers

● Non-pharmacological management of pain and discomfort

● Stimulation which may provoke interest and awareness

● Structure which provides rhythmic and continuous movement or vocal fluency as an adjunct to physical rehabilitation

● Emotional intimacy when spouses and families share creative music experiences

● Social interaction with caregivers and families

Sensory Music Therapy

Sensory music therapy is most appropriate for individuals diagnosed with dementia. During sensory music therapy, interventions are themed to a unifying topic tied to the weather, season, or current holiday. Direct touch, stimulation with instruments, pictures and props, and familiar live and recorded songs are used to address reality orientation, quality of life, and brain stimulation using a multi-modal approach. We recommend keeping group sizes to 6-8 participants for this type of treatment.

An exploratory study was conducted to test a caregiver administered music program with family members with dementia. The music protocol was designed to reduce distress and enhance satisfaction with caregiving while offering the individual with dementia the potential to improve mood and psychological state. Caregivers and care recipients improved self-reported relaxation, comfort, and happiness. Caregivers showed the most benefit. More direct intervention by a music therapist was recommended to improve the impact of music. (Hanser et al, 2011)

The effects of background music during unstructured time was examined for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Results showed a significant increase in positive social behaviors and a significant decrease in negative behaviors related to agitation when the music was played. (Ziv, et al, 2007)

Still, have some questions? Let’s schedule a time to talk.

Music Therapy

Making each day matter.

What is music therapy

Music therapy is an interpersonal process in which the therapist uses music and all of its facets – physical, emotional, mental, social, cultural, aesthetic and spiritual to help people improve or maintain their health. We make music together in a safe and motivating environment. Through this process, strengths that may go unseen are revealed and our therapists help our clients understand these strengths. Music is used to connect with clients, reveal possibilities and make their lives better.

Music Therapy For Older Adults

Drawing on a wealth of research and clinical practice, music therapy services have been proven beneficial for older adults of all abilities. Music therapy sessions are specifically designed to reach individual, and/or small group goals based on the specific needs of the client or group.

● Memory recall which contributes to reminiscence and satisfaction with life

● Positive changes in mood and emotional states

● Increased sense of control over life through successful experiences

● Awareness of self, others, and environment which accompanies increased attention to music

● Anxiety and stress reduction for both the older adult and caregivers

● Non-pharmacological management of pain and discomfort

● Stimulation which may provoke interest and awareness

● Structure which provides rhythmic and continuous movement or vocal fluency as an adjunct to physical rehabilitation

● Emotional intimacy when spouses and families share creative music experiences

● Social interaction with caregivers and families

Sensory Music Therapy

Sensory music therapy is most appropriate for individuals diagnosed with dementia. During sensory music therapy, interventions are themed to a unifying topic tied to the weather, season, or current holiday. Direct touch, stimulation with instruments, pictures and props, and familiar live and recorded songs are used to address reality orientation, quality of life, and brain stimulation using a multi-modal approach. We recommend keeping group sizes to 6-8 participants for this type of treatment.

An exploratory study was conducted to test a caregiver administered music program with family members with dementia. The music protocol was designed to reduce distress and enhance satisfaction with caregiving while offering the individual with dementia the potential to improve mood and psychological state. Caregivers and care recipients improved self-reported relaxation, comfort, and happiness. Caregivers showed the most benefit. More direct intervention by a music therapist was recommended to improve the impact of music. (Hanser et al, 2011)

The effects of background music during unstructured time was examined for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Results showed a significant increase in positive social behaviors and a significant decrease in negative behaviors related to agitation when the music was played. (Ziv, et al, 2007)

Still, have some questions? Let’s schedule a time to talk.