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Types of music therapy -

Music therapy can be an active process, where clients create music, or a passive one that involves listening or responding to music. Some therapists may use a combined approach.

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Analytical music therapy -

This style of music therapy encourages an improvised, musical "dialogue" through singing or playing an instrument to express one's unconscious thoughts, which can be reflected upon and discussed with the therapist afterward.

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Benenzon music therapy -

This style combines some concepts of psychoanalysis with the process of making music. It includes the search for your "musical sound identity," which describes the external sounds that most closely match your internal psychological state.

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Cognitive behavioral music therapy (CBMT) -

In CBMT, music is used to reinforce some behaviors and modify others. It's structured, not improvisational, and may include listening to music, dancing, singing, or playing an instrument.

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Community music therapy -

This format of music therapy focuses on using music as a way to facilitate change on the community level. It's done in groups and requires engagement from each member.

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Nordoff-Robbins music therapy -

Also known as creative music therapy, this format involves playing an instrument (often a cymbal or drum) while the therapist accompanies using another instrument. The improvisational part is a way to help enable self-expression.

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The Bonny method of guided imagery and music (GIM) -

This type of therapy uses classical music as a way to stimulate the imagination. Here, one explains the feelings, sensations, memories, and imagery experienced while listening to the music.

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Vocal psychotherapy -

In this method, one uses various vocal exercises, natural sounds, and breathing techniques to connect with emotions and impulses. This practice is meant to create a deeper sense of connection with oneself. 

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Music therapy vs. sound therapy -

Music therapy and sound therapy, also known as sound healing, are distinctive, and each approach has its own goals, protocols, and tools.

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Sound therapy is ancient -

Music therapy is a relatively new discipline, while sound therapy is based on ancient Tibetan cultural practices.

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It has a different focus -

Sound therapy uses tools to achieve specific sound frequencies, while music therapy focuses on addressing symptoms like stress and pain.

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Different training - The training and certifications that exist for sound therapy aren't as standardized as those for music therapists.

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They occur in different settings - Music therapists often work in hospitals or private practices, while sound therapists tend to offer their service as a component of complementary or alternative medicine.

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During a session -

During a music therapy session, you may listen to different genres of music, play a musical instrument, or even compose your own songs. You may even be asked to sing or dance. It can be improvisational or structured. 

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Session can be individual or in group -

Music therapy is often one-on-one, but you may also choose to participate in group sessions if they're available. 

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What music therapy can help with -

Music therapy can help with a number of things, such as improving confidence, communication skills, independence, self-awareness, and concentration. 

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Music as therapy is versatile -

Music therapy can be highly personalized, making it suitable for people of any age, even children. It's also very versatile and benefits people with different mental or physical health challenges.

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The power of music -

Engaging in music can activate regions of the brain that influence things like memory, emotions, movement, decision-making, and reward.

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It can strengthen motor skills -

Music also has the power to strengthen motor skills and improve communication for children and young adults with developmental or learning disabilities.

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Music and dementia -

Research has also shown that music can have a powerful effect on people with dementia and other memory-related disorders. 

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Music therapy can increase positive feelings -

Overall, music therapy can increase positive feelings like calmness, confidence, euphoria, and emotional intimacy. 

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Effectiveness -

Researched for decades, key findings from clinical studies have shown that music therapy may be helpful for people with depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, and even cancer. 

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Depression -

Studies have shown that music therapy can be beneficial for people with depression, especially when combined with the usual treatments, such as antidepressants and psychotherapy.

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Insomnia -

Many people find that music, or even white noise, helps them fall asleep.

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Pain management -

Research has shown that listening to music when healing from surgery or an injury may help people in all age groups cope with physical pain. 

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Chronic conditions -

Music therapy can be part of a long-term plan for managing chronic pain, as it can help people focus on the positive memories from a time before they had chronic pain symptoms.

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Labor and childbirth -

Music therapy-assisted childbirth has shown to be an accessible option for pain management and anxiety reduction when in labor. 

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Surgery -

When combined with standard post-operative care, music therapy is an effective way to lower pain levels, anxiety, and blood pressure in people recovering from surgery.

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Cancer -

Studies have shown that music therapy can help reduce anxiety in people with cancer who are starting radiation treatments. It may also help them cope with the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea. 

Sources: (Verywell Mind) (Medical News Today) (Cleveland Clinic)

See also: Self-massage tips to ease aches and pains

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