Music Therapy
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is a discipline in which credentialed professionals (MTAs*) use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being. Music therapists use music safely and ethically to address human needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social, and spiritual domains. The clinical practice of a certified MTA is guided by evidence-based practice (EBP): the integration of the best available research evidence; the patient’s needs, values, and preferences; and the expertise of the clinician.
*Music Therapist Accredited
WHAT DOES A MUSIC THERAPIST DO?
MTAs assess patient needs and strengths and personalize patient-centered treatment plans. They use specific music-based interventions to meet the patients’ unique goals. Patients experience active involvement through music making, singing, improvisation, songwriting, and creating keepsake projects; as well as receptive activities such as listening, reflection, and life review.
POTENTIAL GOALS OF MUSIC THERAPY IN PALLIATIVE CARE & HOSPICE SETTINGS
- Facilitate aspects of relationship completion during end-of-life care.
- Assist in pain reduction.
- Decrease anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Use familiar songs to stimulate life review, reminiscence, and to provide validation for a life lived.
- Provide a safe, supportive environment for patients and their families to express their emotions including sadness and grief.
- Use music to create a social-therapeutic environment to reduce isolation and create meaningful experiences for patients and families at end-of-life.
- Provide opportunities for legacy work and meaning-making through song writing and audio recordings to provide lasting mementos for loved ones.