Music therapy: what is it and how does it work?

We all listen to music, and for many different reasons. We listen to keep us entertained on a long commute to work. We’ll put it on to get us into party mode before a big night out.

We all have those stressful days when a little bit of soothing music is needed, while it can lift us up when we’re down or feel that little bit sadder during times of mourning. Essentially, we all use music as some form of therapy. But did you know it’s also a scientifically proven therapy that’s being used to help people going through all manner of difficult circumstances?

Yes, music therapy is being used in rehab for alcoholics, in aiding people with chronic depression, cancer and so many others too. But what exactly is it and how does it work?

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is essentially what it says on the tin. In order to achieve therapeutic goals, patients and professionals use rhythm, melody and harmony, exploring emotions and delving into root causes of situations.

It can involve creating music, listening to it, or interacting and engaging with it, addressing specific physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. 

What music therapy does and how it works

Music therapy can be impactful in several different ways, touching our emotions, stimulating senses and engaging various parts of the brain, all having benefits to different rehabilitative needs. 

It does this by…

Emotional Expression and Regulation

There’s no doubt music makes us feel. The artist of a song is providing an emotional expression and we react to that. Music allows us to provide a non-verbal outlet to explore their emotions, and for people that find it difficult to express themselves verbally, that can be hugely beneficial.

It allows a person to be more comfortable in showing their emotions, as well as professionals being able to analyse such and aid in whatever journey a patient is on.

Pain Management

Similarly, music has proven to aid in pain therapy. For those going through things such as cancer treatment or chronic illness, this can be really helpful. Listening to soothing music can distract individuals, relieving pain sensations as well as reducing anxiety. More and more people are being prescribed this and it’s working incredibly well.

Cognitive Rehabilitation

Activities such as rhythm exercises or singing familiar songs can also enhance cognitive functions like memory, attention and executive functioning. This is especially the case for individuals that have neurological conditions or brain injuries, music therapy serves as a valuable tool for cognitive rehabilitation. 

Social Interaction and Communication

Alongside the effects it has above, music therapy is also great for improving social and communication skills. This type of therapy, particularly when it comes to the creation element, encourages collaboration, taking turns and communicating effectively in order to reach a common goal. It helps people connect and learn more about communication and collaboration, often without them even realising.

Stress Reduction and Relaxation

Finally, and the reason many people listen to music day to day alongside music therapy, music is a stress reliever. It has an impact on our nervous system, can influence heart rate and blood pressure and effectiely induce a state of relaxation. That’s hugely important for any form of therapy, enabling people not only to be more comfortable in opening up, but also understanding how stress management best works for them.