Music therapy is a structured, evidence-based therapeutic approach that harnesses the power of music to promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. In a music therapy session, trained therapists use a range of music-based interventions—such as creating, listening to, and reflecting on music—to address individual goals and improve quality of life. Music therapy is unique in its ability to connect with emotions and memories, making it a versatile therapeutic tool that resonates with people on a deeply personal level.

The Science and Benefits of Music Therapy

Research has shown that music therapy can have profound benefits, particularly in managing stress, enhancing mood, and promoting relaxation. Studies have also highlighted its effectiveness in helping people cope with a variety of physical and mental health challenges. Here are some specific ways music therapy can benefit you:

1. Reducing Anxiety and Stress
   Music therapy is frequently used to reduce anxiety and stress levels. Listening to calming music has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone, and slow heart rate and blood pressure, creating a natural calming effect. Studies indicate that music therapy can significantly reduce anxiety in patients undergoing medical treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. For example, a study published in The Cochrane Library found that music therapy helped reduce anxiety and improve mood in patients receiving cancer treatment.

2. Supporting Mental Health
   Music therapy can be an effective tool in managing mental health issues, including depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. By creating a safe and supportive space, music therapists encourage clients to explore their emotions through music, which can be a powerful way to process and understand difficult feelings. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology shows that music therapy can reduce symptoms of depression and help clients feel more connected and motivated.

3. Improving Cognitive Function and Memory
   Music therapy has shown promise in improving cognitive function, especially in older adults or those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Music activates various areas of the brain, including those involved in memory, emotions, and speech. In people with dementia, music therapy can stimulate memory recall and even improve cognitive function. Studies, like the one published in Aging & Mental Health, have found that music therapy can improve cognitive function, reduce agitation, and enhance the quality of life for dementia patients by helping them reconnect with lost memories through familiar songs.

4. Pain Management
   Research shows that music therapy can reduce perceptions of pain in patients dealing with chronic pain conditions, post-surgical recovery, or ongoing medical treatments. By helping clients focus on the music, rather than the pain, therapists can shift the brain’s focus, thus reducing the perception of pain. A study in The Journal of Pain found that music therapy reduced pain and improved physical function for patients with chronic pain conditions.

5. Enhancing Social Skills and Emotional Expression
   Music therapy encourages self-expression, helping individuals communicate emotions they may find difficult to express in words. For people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), music therapy can improve social skills, such as making eye contact, improving communication, and increasing social interactions. Research published in Autism found that children with ASD who participated in music therapy showed improvement in communication and social responsiveness.

6. Supporting Physical Rehabilitation
   Music therapy is also valuable in physical rehabilitation. Rhythm-based activities can improve motor skills, coordination, and movement in patients recovering from strokes or dealing with neurological conditions. Studies in Clinical Rehabilitation have shown that rhythmic exercises in music therapy can improve gait, balance, and even physical coordination in patients with motor impairments.

7. Improving Quality of Life for Cancer Patients
   Music therapy has been shown to improve the emotional well-being and quality of life for cancer patients. It provides a space to process emotions and build resilience during challenging treatments. According to research published in The Cochrane Library, music therapy significantly reduces anxiety, fatigue, and pain in cancer patients and increases feelings of hope, empowerment, and positivity.
   

Music therapy brings a whole host of benefits and Finay hopes to bring it into the spotlight.