The Healing Properties of Musical Expression and Appreciation
The American Music Therapy Association has defined music therapy as the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional.
Whether it’s losing oneself in a favorite song or simply beating on a drum to expel negative emotions, music therapy can have great clinical value in the addiction recovery process. Music has been proven to diminish anxiety, ease physical and psychosomatic pain, lower blood pressure, improve motivation and increase mobility. Like art therapy, music therapy provides an outlet for patients who lack the initial ability or will to properly convey their emotions and experiences via traditional therapy. Used as a supplement in a larger personalized care plan, Seaside’s Music Therapy program allows patients to tap into their love of music, their natural inclination toward rhythm and melody and their creativity to better express themselves.
Primary Goals of Music Therapy
In addition to the facilitation of self-expression and the ability to confront the underlying trauma and mental disorder that has led to drug or alcohol abuse, patients will learn how to integrate music into their post-treatment support structure and use it to sustain recovery. Our music therapist helps patients recognize the positive behavioral changes that music fosters, while helping them identify which genres best apply to which moods. Our program utilizes music in a variety of different ways, including the playing of instrumental music during counseling. Please speak with your intake coordinator to integrate music therapy into your care program.
