An Introduction to Music Therapy

Lori F. Gooding, Ph.D., MT-BC, NICU-MT

                             

What is Music Therapy?

• Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program (AMTA, 2009)

What do Music Therapists do?• Assess strengths and weaknesses in the following

areas: affective, emotional and behavioral responses, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills

• Design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using patient/client preferred music and interventions like: music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music

• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up and discharge planning.

What Objectives can Music Therapy Address?

• Promote wellness• Manage stress• Alleviate pain• Express feelings• Enhance memory• Improve communication• Promote physical rehabilitation• Enhance/improve socialization• Teach/enhance educational objectives

Misconceptions about Music Therapy Treatment

• Musical ability is required to benefit from music therapy

• Certain types of music are more therapeutic than others. – All styles of music can be useful in effecting

change in a client or patient's life. – Individual's preferences, circumstances and need

for treatment, and the client or patient's goals help to determine the types of music a music therapist may use (AMTA, 1999)

What Populations can Benefit from Music Therapy?

• Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs

• Individuals with developmental and learning disabilities

• Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other aging related conditions

• Individuals with substance abuse problems• Individuals with brain injuries and physical disabilities• Individuals with acute and chronic pain, including

mothers in labor.• Premature infants• Individuals who are terminally ill

Who can practice Music Therapy? (MT-BC Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy with 6-month clinical internship in approved site

• National Certification Test

• College curriculum and faculty qualifications approved by the American Music Therapy Association

• MT-BCs are the only certified, degreed professionals doing music therapy in medical settings.

Music Therapy Degrees at FSU• Bachelors of Music-

Therapy (50 yrs.)

• Master of Music-Therapy-need qualifications for professional practice

• Ph.D.- Music Ed withemphasis in Therapy– Admission requires M.M. & 2 years clinical experience

Clinical Example: Procedural Support (IV Stick/ER) Using Distraction, Successive Approximation, Age-appropriate

music

Clinical Example: Pediatric Inpatient

Clinical Example: Mental Health Group Counseling

Clinical Example: Special Education

For More Information

• American Music Therapy Association–www.musictherapy.org

• FSU Music Therapy Program–644-4565 (Jayne Standley, Director)