Music Therapy

The Christian life has music interwoven into its fabric. We use it to worship God. We are instructed to sing. It should not be surprising then to learn that music has the potential to benefit the mind and emotion. In this episode, music therapist Nick Lanz gives us tips on how to use music therapeutically.  Show notes:  Music Therapy: The clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.   What do music therapists do?​  Assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses.  Design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using various musical interventions.  Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.​    Music therapy interventions for mental health can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals:  Develop healthy coping skills  Identify/express/explore emotions  Process trauma  Improve depressive symptoms  Decrease anxiety/agitation  Promote relaxation  Promote positive thinking/self-esteem  Develop sense of belonging/community  Promote positive social interaction/group cohesion  Address loneliness, grief, loss and stigma that persist despite treatment  Develop independence/decision-making skills  Manage stress  Promote wellness  "Music therapists use music to accomplish non-musical goals."  There are four main approaches:  Receptive  Music listening  Song discussion/lyric analysis  Music-assisted relaxation/progressive muscle relaxation  Can also include music for sleep  Movement & music  Bonny Method of Guided Imagery & Music (requires post-graduate training)  Re-creative  Instrument instruction  Instrument playing  Sing-along  Recording sessions  Compositional  Therapeutic songwriting (multiple methods)  Improvisational   Instrumental/vocal improvisation  Drum circle/instrumental circle (groups)