Music therapy is the use of music to accomplish individualized goals such as reducing stress, improving mood and self-expression. It is an evidence-based therapy well-established in the health community that entails listening, singing, playing instruments, or composing music. It is interesting to note that musical skills or talents are not required to participate.

Doctors and clinicians began to recognize the substantial impact of music on the healing process when touring music ensembles performed for injured service members during and after both World Wars. They urged that hospitals employ professional musicians, eventually leading to the development of specialized training in the partnership of music therapy and mental health. Let’s look at where music therapy for mental health stands today and how our young people can benefit from music.

There is evidence that listening to cool and relaxing music helps lower blood pressure, improving memory, enhancing communication and social skills through experiencing music with others. It also helps improve self-reflection, reducing muscle tension, self-regulation so that people develop healthy coping skills to manage your thoughts and emotions, increases motivation and increasing joy. This therapy is effective for people of all backgrounds, ages and cultures. The most common settings where this kind of therapy takes place include hospitals, schools, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, mental health centers and residences for individuals with developmental disabilities.

This therapy involving music has proved effective in managing behavior disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, Attention deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism pectrum disorders (ASD), Trauma, and Substance abuse disorders. It encourages positive physiological behaviors in a guided meditation exercise. The patient may be asked to regulate their breathing, which may lower their blood pressure and promote muscle relaxation. These physical outcomes can positively influence psychological well-being and support the patient to self-manage pain or stress more confidently. MLA Format