By Angie Best-Boss, Contributing Writer
Music is an incredibly powerful form of expression. It combines both words and sound to deliver a message. Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, the qualified music therapist provides the indicated treatment including creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music.
Music therapy also provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves in words. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in many areas such as: overall physical rehabilitation and facilitating movement, increasing people’s motivation to become engaged in their treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and providing an outlet for expression of feelings, explains the American Music Therapy Association.
Music therapist Katrina McFerran, in “Dangerous Liaisons: Group Work for Adolescent Girls who have Anorexia Nervosa,” explains that in her experience, “The use of song writing has been particularly effective in freeing patients to express themselves in a creative way that also articulates important aspects of their experience. The contribution of this material to the multi-disciplinary team has allowed a higher level of support and understanding to be facilitated between the young people and their medical support staff. It has also been a powerful medium for sharing difficult stories with family members and loved ones.”
For assistance in finding a music therapist, contact The American Music Therapy Association at 301-589-3300 or findMT@musictherapy.org.
More Information
Looking for Treatment? Call 1-877-211-5188 Anytime
If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder and need help entering into recovery then please call 1-877-211-5188 anytime and we can help you with treatment and recovery options.
Find a Treatment Facility Near You
Click on a state below to find eating disorder treatment options that could be right for you.
The Eating Disorder Support Groups at SupportGroups.com is for individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.
Related Resources
Musictherapy.com: Music Therapy
Wikipedia.org: Music Therapy
Holisticonline.com: Music Therapy
Related Articles
Family Therapy
How to Help a Friend
Art Therapy
Videos
Youtube.com: Music Therapy
Books
Amazon.com: Music Therapy
News
Google News: Music Therapy
