Medical Settings (Pediatric and Adult)

In a medical setting, music therapy can take on many roles, from assisting a patient through a painful procedure, assisting in neurological recovery after a brain injury, or supporting a NICU baby in development and parent/infant bonding. Music therapists can also assist patients with coping and emotional expression during hospitalization, through songwriting, improvisation or recreative music interventions. Music therapy is shown to decrease pain, anxiety, and nausea; provide normalcy and distraction; provide opportunities for creative and emotional expression; provide family support; promote cognitive development; enhance speech and motor function and recovery; and assist with coping. Studies suggest that engaging in music therapy enhances a patient’s perception of the hospital experience, and could even shorten a patient’s length of stay.

Hospice Care and Palliative Care

Music therapy can assist patients and families in processing emotions surrounding end-of-life, allowing a space to experience, express and reflect on the life lived. Through sharing meaningful songs, songwriting, or music-prompted reminiscence, among other interventions, music therapy can support the range of emotional needs of both patient and family.

Patients can experience relief from physical symptoms of pain, dyspnea, anxiety and nausea, and have an enhanced sense of comfort through the non-pharmacological means of music therapy. As music is a shared experience, music therapists are able to foster meaningful social interactions among patients and their family members. Through these music making experiences, patients have the opportunity to experience unity and connection with others during a time that is often isolating.

Behavioral and Mental Health Care

Description

Children with Special Needs

Music therapy can assist patients and families in processing emotions surrounding end-of-life, allowing a space to experience, express and reflect on the life lived. Through sharing meaningful songs, songwriting, or music-prompted reminiscence, among other interventions, music therapy can support the range of emotional needs of both patient and family.

Patients can experience relief from physical symptoms of pain, dyspnea, anxiety and nausea, and have an enhanced sense of comfort through the non-pharmacological means of music therapy. As music is a shared experience, music therapists are able to foster meaningful social interactions among patients and their family members. Through these music making experiences, patients have the opportunity to experience unity and connection with others during a time that is often isolating.