14 Frequently Asked Questions About Music Therapy

1.What is music therapy? Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based practice where music is used to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. It involves a therapeutic relationship with a qualified music therapist who uses music interventions to achieve specific goals.

2. How long has music therapy been used as a therapeutic practice? Music therapy has been formally recognized for over 70 years, but its roots trace back to ancient civilizations.

3. What are the benefits of music therapy? Music therapy can improve mental health, enhance memory, reduce stress, manage pain, improve communication, and support physical rehabilitation, among other benefits.

4. Who can benefit from music therapy? People of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from music therapy, including children, adults, and seniors. Our practice has proudly served diverse clients for 10 years, tailoring interventions to meet individual needs.

5. What techniques are used in music therapy sessions? Techniques include listening, playing instruments, singing, movement, songwriting, improvisation, lyric analysis, and more. Each session is customized to the client’s abilities and goals.

6. Is musical ability required to participate in music therapy? No musical ability is necessary to benefit from music therapy. Everyone can engage in and benefit from music.

7. How does music therapy differ from other forms of therapy? Music therapy uniquely uses music as a medium to achieve therapeutic goals, combining the art of music with therapeutic practices.

8. What conditions or issues can music therapy help address? Music therapy can help with anxiety, depression, trauma, developmental disorders, neurological conditions, and more.

9. How do I know if music therapy is right for me or my loved one? A consultation with a certified music therapist can help determine if music therapy is appropriate for you.

10. What should I expect in a music therapy session? Sessions typically involve a mix of active music-making and receptive music experiences, guided by a therapist. It’s a good idea to talk to your therapist before the session to get clear on your expectations and goals for the session.

11. How are music therapy sessions structured? The structure of a music therapy session is adaptable and depends entirely on the needs and goals of each client. It might include a combination of discussing music, listening to music, playing instruments or songwriting, dance and movement, and more.

12. Can music therapy be used in conjunction with other treatments? Music therapy enhances various treatments by improving pain management, rehabilitation, and mental health care through emotional support and skill development. It complements developmental, educational, palliative, and neurological interventions, offering comfort, cognitive benefits, and stress relief. Overall, it enriches therapeutic approaches and promotes holistic well-being

13. What qualifications should a music therapist have? Music therapists in Canada can become registered with the Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT). Certification from CAMT involves meeting educational and clinical training requirements and passing a certification exam.  Certified Music Therapists will have the designations MTA and/or MT-BC.

14. What is the difference between music therapy and music psychotherapy or counselling?  These terms can be used interchangeably and mean almost the same thing. Music therapy uses music as the main therapeutic tool, music psychotherapy combines music and dialogue, and counseling primarily relies on dialogue.