Music Therapy: An Evidence-Based Approach for Mental Health

As you strive for mental wellbeing, you may wonder about complementary approaches that go beyond traditional talk therapy or medication. Look no further than your own playlists. Music has long been known to influence mood and emotions. But music therapy takes this connection further by using music in a purposeful way to support mental health goals. Working with a credentialed therapist, you can tap into evidence-based techniques like lyric analysis, songwriting, and drumming to gain insight, cope with symptoms, and strengthen social connections. Give music therapy a listen as you chart your path to feeling more balanced and resilient. With an open mind and a willingness to engage, you may find powerful healing in the simple act of listening.

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The Science Behind Music Therapy

Music therapy works by actively engaging the limbic system, the part of the brain involved in controlling emotions and memories. Listening to music activates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good and improves your mood. Music can also stimulate the release of endorphins which act as natural painkillers in the body.

Music has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, while also slowing heart rate and lowering blood pressure. This can induce a state of calmness and relaxation. The familiarity of certain songs can also trigger memories and nostalgia, helping to relieve symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Research shows that listening to music enhances cognitive functions involved in memory, attention, planning, problem solving, and abstract reasoning. The area of the brain activated by music also overlaps with areas involved in cognitive empathy and social bonding. This may explain why listening to music with others can promote social cohesion and strengthen interpersonal relationships.

For those suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses, music therapy has been shown to decrease pain, ease anxiety and stress, improve mood and relaxation, and enhance a sense of control. This can significantly improve comfort and quality of life, even when medical interventions have reached their limits.

The evidence clearly shows the ability of music to powerfully impact both mind and body.

When used therapeutically, music can be a highly effective tool for mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. No wonder music therapy is gaining mainstream acceptance as a complementary treatment for health and rehabilitation.

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Evidence-Based Benefits of Music Therapy for Mental Health

• Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Listening to soothing music can decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol while increasing endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Slow, classical music has been shown particularly effective for relaxation and stress relief. A systematic review of research found music therapy reduces anxiety in various medical settings and may have long-term effects.

• Improves Mood and Reduces Depression

Music therapy has been found effective at improving mood and decreasing symptoms of depression. A meta-analysis of 23 studies confirmed music therapy’s ability to reduce depression and increase self-esteem and quality of life. Listening to upbeat, positive music you enjoy can release dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter in your brain that helps regulate mood and pleasure.

• Enhances Memory

Playing background music during cognitive tasks can enhance memory formation and recall. A study found people scored higher on verbal memory tests while listening to Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” compared to white noise or silence. Music may activate both sides of your brain, helping with memory encoding and retrieval. Soft, instrumental music without lyrics works best for improving concentration and memory.

Evidence shows music therapy provides meaningful benefits for both mental and physical health. By reducing stress and anxiety, elevating mood, decreasing depression and enhancing memory and cognitive performance, music can significantly and positively impact wellbeing and quality of life. Both listening to calming, familiar music and active participation in music therapy with a licensed professional may provide therapeutic value.

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Implementing Music Therapy: Techniques and Exercises

Music therapy incorporates a variety of techniques and exercises to achieve desired outcomes. Active music making involves playing instruments, singing, moving to music, and improvising music. For example, drumming exercises can help release pent up energy and emotions, while improvising a song together can enhance social bonding.

Songwriting allows clients to express themselves through the creative process of composing lyrics and music. Therapists guide clients to write songs related to their treatment goals, such as increasing self-esteem or overcoming a loss. Clients can write songs on their own or collaborate with others.

Imagery and relaxation exercises pair music with visualisation to elicit a relaxed state.

Soft, gentle music plays while the therapist guides the client through imagery of a peaceful, calming scene. This helps decrease anxiety, lower blood pressure, and induce an overall sense of wellbeing.

Lyric analysis involves discussing the meaning and personal significance of song lyrics.

Therapists prompt clients to explore how the words and themes of a song relate to their own lives, gaining insight into their thoughts and feelings. The emotional connections people develop with music can be leveraged for therapeutic benefit.

Music therapy provides a creative outlet for expression, opens lines of communication, and enables insights that traditional talk therapy may not. The techniques are versatile, flexible, and adaptable to a wide range of clients and treatment settings. Music’s ability to enhance mood, alter psychological and physiological states, and activate memories and associations allow for innovative approaches to therapy that can motivate and engage clients. Overall, music therapy represents an evidence-based approach for supporting mental health and wellbeing.

As we have explored, music therapy is an evidence-based approach that can provide substantial benefits for mental health. With techniques guided by credentialed professionals, music’s influence on emotions, cognition, and behaviour can improve outcomes for conditions like depression, trauma, or addiction. While more research is still needed, the existing body of evidence makes a compelling case for music therapy as an adjunct treatment. Consider exploring local options if you or a loved one struggles with mental health. An open mind, attentive therapist, and meaningful music just might start you on a path of healing and growth.