By building resilience during periods of transition, managing high stress levels and anxiety, and providing a safe space to address trauma, music therapy sessions can open up opportunities for trauma to be addressed and resolved.
Consideration of the individual's emotional age rather than chronological age, reassurance techniques, flexibility, an ability to explore individual coping styles and high levels of sensitivity are required when working with using music therapy.
For example, music can provide a consistent and comforting presence during a young adult’s transition into postsecondary education, community involvement, employment or independent living. For those individuals living with a developmental, learning and/or physical disability; chronic illness or mental health issues, music can promote feelings of safety, stability and improved quality of life.
In a group setting, music therapy can provide:
A mood improver
When we listen to music, we can release dopamine and endorphins, the feel-good hormones that are triggered when the brain expects a reward. Merely the act of anticipating a music therapy session each week, could improve an individual's mood!