Why Is Music Therapy Bad?
Music has always been an integral part of human culture and history. It has molded our emotions, memory, and thought processes; acting as both natural pain reliever and calming agent.
Music therapy can be especially helpful in many contexts, such as hospitals or post-surgery recovery. Studies have even indicated that using music therapy may reduce pain and stress among cancer patients or other diseases while also improving their quality of life.
The question of why music therapy is bad is an important one, particularly when one considers its beneficial effects on patients with certain medical conditions and their families. To find out if this type of therapy is right for you and find a qualified music therapist near you, ask your doctor!
Harm – The initial step to minimizing harm is understanding that the therapist isn’t at fault; rather, it’s the client who is vulnerable. Therefore, the therapist must create a secure environment so their client feels secure expressing their emotions and engaging with others.
It is therefore essential for the therapist to be cognizant of what is occurring in their client’s environment, and how they may react to certain stimuli. Furthermore, they should be aware of the client’s needs and objectives.
The therapist should be cognizant of potential risks inherent to their practice, such as legal and ethical matters that could impact clients. For instance, they should be able to comprehend cultural or racial biases which could have an adverse impact on a client’s wellbeing.
Additionally, the therapist must be able to recognize when their client is feeling overwhelmed or anxious and respond accordingly. For instance, they could encourage them to take deep breaths or focus on something tangible like a picture.
Alternatively, the therapist could encourage their client to partake in some type of physical activity that will distract them from their worries. For instance, they could suggest standing up and walking around the room as a possible distraction.
These techniques can be utilized in both group and individual sessions, depending on the needs of the client. The therapist will select an appropriate approach based on both their goals and clinical capabilities.
Improvisation – This technique is particularly helpful for children who often lack self-expression and confidence. Additionally, it may help those suffering from trauma or other mental health issues that they cannot express verbally or in writing.
Musical Recreation – This technique employs planned music activities to facilitate rehabilitation in an engaging manner. It can be utilized with both groups and individual clients alike, as well as in combination with other therapeutic approaches like interpersonal or group therapy.
Songwriting – Songwriting is a music-making technique that assists clients with social and emotional goals through lyrical or instrumental compositions. This can be used to foster an individual sense of identity, self-expression, as well as building a relationship with the therapist through creative expression.