Music as Therapy
It is estimated that 121 million people world-wide suffer from depression. Whereas there are many causes of depression, indications are that the current economic climate, reflecting the worst economic times since the Great Depression, has resulted in an alarming increase in the number of Americans suffering from depression.
In our everyday lives, we are aware of the power of music: how music can make us feel, remind us of distant memories, help us when we are sad or depressed, or even motivate us to push ourselves to another level that might be unattainable without music. However, most of us are not aware that this power of music is affecting us on a much deeper level than we realize. Music has the ability to affect how our brain functions and responds to certain situations. Music can even affect us down to the molecular level.
A board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) is trained to use music to work with and manipulate the physiology of a client in order to assist them in attaining a more desirable state of being. While the client may think they are just enjoying themself, the music therapist is utilizing the many complex characteristics of music to work towards non-musical goals with the client. Based on an initial assessment, the MT-BC will create a musical “prescription” for the client (or a group of clients), creating goals and objectives that are related to everyday functional, physiological, emotional, cognitive and social needs. The approaches used may include but are not limited to: instrument play, song writing, encouraging vocalization through singing, anxiety management through music listening, and/or experiences with instrumentation that provide vibro-tactile feedback, lyrics analysis, and more.
A MT-BC is also trained to provide in-the-moment changes and adaptations that are often needed by the client. It is quite often that the client demonstrates various needs not just from day to day but also from moment to moment. A MT-BC is equipped with the tools that are needed to accommodate those ever-changing needs.
We have contracted with Healing Harmonies, LLC (www.healingharmoniesmt.com) to help our clients at Uncas House and Franklin House with the opportunity to tap into their creative selves and to experience the power of music on a deeper, more personal level. Our goal is to assist our clients in achieving harmony through music.
There is scientific evidence that music can help to ease the symptoms of depression – https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080122203158.htm. With this in mind, we invite you to take time out from your busy schedule, relax momentarily and listen to our “Inspiring Music Selection for Today”, personally selected for you by our President, Karl, a classical music aficionado.
According to Karl: “Today’s selection is the rousing interpretation by Sir Peter O’Toole of the galvanizing song The Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha. As Don Quixote awaits his trial before the Spanish Inquisition, Dulcinea (“the sweet sovereign of [my] captive heart”), asks him to explain what it means for him to follow his quest. The response is a stirring rendition of a song about the knight’s utter selflessness, his insane dedication to the welfare of others, and his vision of the world as it should be rather than what it is. The look on the face of Dulcinea (played by the legendary Sophia Loren) as the song ends is absolutely haunting. One may feel a lump in one’s throat in listening to this visceral tune about the essence of the human spirit.”
Please listen to the song below: