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. Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients' abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives. Music therapy also provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves in words. (American Music Therapy Association).

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Although we can all benefit from the therapeutic values of music, when we listen to music, in our everyday life, it doesn’t mean that, at the same time, we benefit from the science of Music Therapy.

 

Music Therapy interventions can be designed and applied, from a qualified Music Therapist,  to address a variety of emotional, mental, health and /or  educational goals, namely: Promote Wellness, Manage Stress, Alleviate Pain, Express Feelings, Enhance Memory, Improve Communication, Promote Physical Rehabilitation and more.

 

For Whom is Music Therapy for?

 

All can benefit from Music Therapy, including babies, children, adolescents, adults, & the elderly with medical or mental health needs, developmental and/or learning disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, aging related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, acute and chronic pain, people in crisis.  


More precisely we have:

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• Music Therapy and Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

• Music Therapy and Alzheimer’s disease

• Music Therapy with people in Crisis or with people Suffering Trauma

• Music Therapy and Medicine

• Music Therapy in Mental Health 

• Music Therapy and Pain Management

• Music Therapy in Special Education

• Music Therapy for the Pemature Babies and their Parents in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

• Music Therapy with Infants and babies at risk and their mothers

• Music Therapy in the treatment of Cancer patients

 

Why Music Therapy?

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1) It can be a form of therapeutic intervention for all ages and all populations.

2)” Music is a universal means of communication.  It has been called a non-verbal language. … The variety of human expression that can be communicated through music is highly diversified and virtually unlimited.  Because of this, music becomes vitally important as therapy for exceptional children” (Paul Nordoff-Clive Robbins)

 

3)” Music Therapy often aims at by-passing or removing the emotional and intellectual obstacles standing between him and his environment.   It aims at provoking a healthy change of behavior in his rapport with himself and with those around him” (Juliette Alvin and Auriel Warwick)

4) It can be a “game”, and is experienced as less threatening by the children or adolescent, and can be a source of joy and creativity.

5) The sound stimulus it is unique in its power has to penetrate the body and soul directly, regardless the mental state or mental capacity of the patient. It stimulates the senses, evokes feelings and emotions, elicits physiological and mental responses, and energizes the mind and body. (Edith L. Boxill)

 

6) Its intrinsic structure can provide the basis for both self and group structure and organization.

 

7) Its a cross-cultural mode of expression (Edith H. Boxill)

 

8) It can be supportive to other therapeutic mediums.

 

9) Effects direct contact on a psychobiological basis with people who often are otherwise unreachable

 

10) Provides the opportunity for experiences that open the way for, and motivate, learning in all domains of functioning.

 

11) Creates the opportunity for positive, successful and pleasurable social experiences not otherwise available to them.

 

12) Develops awareness of self, others, and the environment that improves functioning on all levels, enhances well-being, and fosters independent living. (Edith H. Boxill)