Music Therapy

Music has a positive effect on various parts of the brain, which makes it ideal for promoting engagement and healing in a therapeutic context.

Music therapy is a creative way to address a variety of health challenges. At Elements Behavioral Health, we offer outlets for musical expression for a variety of behavioral concerns, such as:

• Substance use disorders
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Mood Disorders

How Is Music Therapy Helpful?

Music therapy has a wide variety of applications, and a trained music therapist is adept at knowing what will be most helpful at any given point in time. For example, music therapy can provide relief or insight in the following contexts:

• Assisted Muscle Relaxation — Certain feelings, such as anxiety, can manifest in the body as muscle tension. Combining music with guided imagery can help individuals learn to isolate and relax specific areas of the body.
• Group Drumming Circles for Meditation — Even drumming on an individual basis has the power to produce a relaxed state. The rhythm of the drum can be used to guide the rhythm of breathing, which in turn can lower the heart rate.
• Nonverbal Communication or Expression — Sometimes individuals can’t find words powerful or precise enough to describe how they feel. Expressing themselves through music may make it easier for them to share feelings of anger and grief or hope and excitement.

These are just a few ways music therapy can be applied to the treatment of behavioral health concerns. Other possible outcomes from music therapy include:

• Positive changes in mood
• The development of relaxation and self-awareness skills
• Improved concentration, focus and attention span
• Improved conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• More positive behaviors, feelings and thoughts

Is Music Therapy Different From Listening to a Favorite Playlist?

Music therapy goes beyond listening to music that makes you feel good. In fact, making music, singing along or moving to music may all be suggested by your therapist as part of your treatment plan. In a group therapy session, individuals can practice their emotional awareness by listening to one another playing music and deciphering the emotions or feelings that prompted its creation.

Whether you already enjoy creating and sharing music or you have never played a note in your life, music therapy may be an excellent addition to your overall therapeutic plan.

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