Music therapy is used in many cultures all over the world to treat different mental ailments.
In Northern and Eastern Africa and the Persian Gulf there is the Zār healing dance. In the Nyae Nyae region in South West Africa there is the Medicine Dance of the ǃKung Bushmen. These are only two of many examples of music and dance having therapeutic benefits for people struggling with mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety.
The western world has taken longer to recognize the therapeutic impact of music. Recently, however, there has been a growing movement of therapists and musicians who acknowledge the huge benefits of music therapy. Music and rhythmic movement is useful for controlling pain and speeding up healing, both mentally and physically.
This feature on the BBC highlights an excellent example of the beneficial impact of music. The article is based on an interview with Wayne Webster, a rapper with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Types of Music Therapy
One does not need to be a musician to experience the benefits of music therapy. Treatment can involve writing or playing music, singing or writing songs, dancing or even just listening to music.
Therapeutic approaches can be active or receptive. Active music therapy engages patients in the act of making music. Receptive music therapy, on the other hand, involves clients in listening and reacting to live or recorded music
The following are some of the most popular music therapies in use:
- The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music is a technique developed by Helen Lindquist Bonny. It involves a combination of imagery and music. This acts as a starting point for a discussion between the therapist and the patient.
- The Dalcroze Method is a technique developed by Émile Jaques-Dalcroze. It focuses on rhythm, structure, and movement.
- The Zoltán Kodály Method uses a base of rhythm, notation, sequence, and movement. The goal is to help a patient relax and focus in a therapeutic setting.
- The Nordoff-Robbins Method is based on patients finding meaning and benefit from music. It focuses on music creation with the help of a trained music therapist.
Music speaks to our soul and then it lifts our mood. So the next time you feel overwhelmed, or depression threatens to take over, listen to some music and let it work its magic. You can also explore therapeutic options with your therapist.
For Further Reading
- The Devastating Impact of Smoking on Your Mental Health
- The Therapeutic Benefits of Knitting for Mental Health
- How Music Therapy Can Improve Your Mental Health
- How to Talk About Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma
- Mental Health Benefits of Visiting a Museum: What is Positive Psychology?
- The Link between Cannabis and Schizophrenia: Should Pot Come with a Mental Health Warning?
- Depression Room Cleaning: The New Trend on TikTok that boosts our Mental Health
- The New Mental Health Trend – Adult Colouring Books
- The Surprising Benefits of Taking a Bath for Mental Health
- How to overcome Pandemic Burnout – The Mental Health Crisis Created by Covid-19
- Mental Health Chatbots – the rise of the AI therapists
- How to Safeguard Your Mental Health amidst concerns about a nuclear war
- Retiring? Beware of the Risks to Your Mental Health
- How to Declutter Your Home for Mental Health and Productivity
- Is Artificial Intelligence the Future of Mental Health Services?
- Psychological Defence Mechanisms: How to Overcome Defensiveness
- Is Your Workplace Toxic? How to recognize the signs and safeguard your mental health
- Toxic Positivity – What is it and why does it Damage Our Mental Health?
- Tips on How to Improve Your Self-Esteem
- The importance of eating fruit for our mental health and wellbeing
- Vitamin B6 Reduces Anxiety and Depression: Study Shows Impressive Results
- Smoking E-Cigarettes damages Your Mental Health: Vaping linked to Depression
- The Danger of Rumination: How to Recognize and Overcome It
- Jokes or Abuse? How to Tell the Difference and What to Do If You’re Feeling Uncomfortable
- Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Illness: Why It’s Important and What We Can Do About It
- Hugging your way to better mental and physical health
- How reading can improve your mental health
- The Devastating Psychological Impact of Facebook Identity Theft
- Have you considered online therapy? It might be more effective than you think
- How to Overcome Your Fear of Flying: Tips to Make Traveling Safer and More Enjoyable
- What Is Venting and Why Do People Do It? How to Respond Appropriately
- The Scourge of Toxic Positivity
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Hi Carla,
I follow you on twitter and now realise you have this wonderful website.
Music for me takes me to a place where I can feel energy which feeds my soul. I live with agoraphobia, I only just manage to go to the grocery store but still it’s overwhelming. The only thing that makes it tolerable is to have ear phones with music playing. It’s soothing and blocks out the subliminal background noise.
My father had dementia and lived in a community home, music therapy was used and was successful for patients like him. Many couldn’t speak but could sing their favourite songs.
Thanks so much…Annie
Hi Annie, thanks for visiting my site and for sharing you r experience. I am so very glad that music is improving both your and your father’s quality of life! I’m sending you a big hug and lots of positive thoughts 🙂