Music Therapy and Dentistry
Music therapy is an evidence-based treatment for many mental health conditions. It has been known to reduce stress, boost moods and focus, as well as aid people cope with trauma, chronic illness and disease.
Communication improves with technology. It can assist those with hearing loss to develop communication skills more effectively, as well as children with autism or other developmental disabilities to build social abilities, and older adults to enhance communication and reduce isolation.
As a dentist, you may often come into contact with people who have suffered from illness, injury or disability. That could include treating someone with brain damage or helping an elderly patient overcome their fear of memory loss and forgetting words. Or it could mean working closely with children who are facing sensory issues such as learning disabilities or ADHD.
At a music therapy session, you might be asked to use your voice or play an instrument. This technique, known as “active music making,” can be beneficial for those with cognitive difficulties; in fact, it’s frequently employed in order to aid children and adolescents suffering from autism.
Your therapist can determine the most suitable music for your specific needs, whether it be a classic ballad or an upbeat pop song. This decision is based on the “Iso principle,” which states that music works best when it matches the emotional and psychological state of the person being treated.
Popular musical instruments used in music therapy include guitars, drums and percussion. But other instruments like keyboards or wind instruments may also be employed.
At each session, therapists may want to have various instruments available so clients can select one they feel most comfortable with. Furthermore, different instruments may be utilized depending on what the client is working on at that particular time.
When selecting music for therapy, therapists will take into account the individual’s current mood and psychological state as well as any goals they might have. Furthermore, they take into account the lyrics and melody of the piece to guarantee it fits within their therapeutic approach.
You can ask to have a song familiar to you played during therapy. That could be something special that has meaning for you, such as an anthem that commemorates an important time or place.
Your therapist might suggest creating or singing a song of your own creation, writing new lyrics or altering existing ones. Crafting or singing your own compositions can be therapeutic and an excellent opportunity to discover more about yourself.
Singing in therapy can be an invaluable aid for those who struggle to express their thoughts and emotions verbally, as it provides them with a means of expression. Furthermore, singing can serve as a meditative practice that helps people stay focused on achieving their objectives.