If you have not done so already please read Part 1 and 2 of this series.
Although no literature was found regarding the support of neurobiology with the integration of music therapy and narrative therapy these two modalities support each other well when comparing current research on neurobiology respectfully in each field.
Within a therapeutic relationship whether it is through the creation of music or narrative an individual’s mirror neurons are activated. (Myerhoff 2014, Buchanen 2015) The mirror neuron is a neuron that fires both when an individual acts and when another individual observes the same action performed by another. Thus, the neuron “mirrors” the behaviour of the other, as though the observer were performing the action itself. The connection between the individual and therapist is powerful as these neurons perform in synchrony. Music enhances this experience further as when one partakes in music with another individual oxytocin is released. The hormone involves increased trust, empathy, and social connection between people. (Buchanen 2012)
In narrative therapy talking about a problem or challenges stimulates the left hemisphere and talking about values, skills, and abilities stimulates the right hemisphere. (Duvall 2015) “People become curious, and fascinated with previously neglected aspects of theirs lives and relationships, and as these conversations proceed, these alternative storylines thicken, become more significantly rooted in history, and provide people with a foundation for new initiatives in addressing the problems, predicaments, and dilemmas influencing their lives” (Duvall 2014). Similarly, music is one of the only activities that activates and stimulates all brain areas. Also, experiencing music that is meaningful to an individual triggers the release of dopamine increasing positive changes in emotional states. (Buchanen 2012)
Memory is triggered by songs associated with milestones in one’s life as well as through rich descriptions of stories. Hudson (2008) states that through the act of physical creation, “sensory and kinaesthetic actions in therapy help clients become less forgetful and unfocused, more able to make connections at are cognitively completely.” The creation of music regulates mood, sleep, and increases learning and memory skills through the release of the hormone serotonin (Buchanen 2012). Repetition through re-telling of stories or revisiting music with meaningful themes will lead to neuroplasticity and further encoding in the brain. As many researchers and scientists have stated, “neurons that fire together wire together” (Myerhoff 2014)
Lastly, the integration of music therapy and narrative therapy provides opportunities for increased high executive functioning. Music therapy experiences increase volume and activity in the corpus colossum which is involved with intercommunication between the left and right cerebral hemispheres. Researchers believe that this may help people solve problems more effectively and creatively in both academic and social settings. Research also indicates that those who sing and vocalize develop high executive functioning involving planning, strategizing, analysis, and attention. This can become extremely effective in the context of therapy as individuals will develop greater skills to be able to deal with the problem story and enhance preferred identity stories.
References
Buchanen, J. (2012). Tune In: Use Music Intentionally to Curb Stress, Boost Morale, and Restore Health. Englewood, Colorado: Hugo House LTC.
Carlson, T. (1997). Using Art In Narrative Therapy: Enhancing Therapeutic Possibilities. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 271-283.
Duvall, J., & Bres, L. (2011). Innovations in narrative therapy: Connecting practice, training, and research. New York: W.W. Norton.
Duvall, J. (2014). Narrative Therapy Extern Program Lecture. Presented at the Hincks-Delcrest Institute.
Hudson, M. (2008). Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and the Comic Format: An Investigation of the Triadic Synthesis. Research Paper in the Department of Creative Arts Therapies.