Music Therapy and Stress

There are any number of approaches to therapeutic interventions that target adults with a wide range and variety of presenting problems. Some of these therapies are often characterized as "alternative" therapies or as "holistic" therapies (Alternative Medicine Therapies, 2005). Music therapy, as described by Alternative Medicine Therapies (2005), is one such approach to healing that has roots in the ancient past and has even been described by the Greek philosophers, Aristotle and Plato.

Music therapy has been described by one of its clinical agency practitioners, Prelude Therapy (2005) as one of an assortment of alternative therapies that can be effective in treating a variety of neurological problems exhibited by adults (as well as adolescents and children. Specifically, Prelude Therapy (2005, p. 1) offers the following definition:

Music Therapy is the prescribed use of music and music-related strategies, by a qualified music therapist, to assist or motivate a person towards specific, non-musical goals. Music therapists use their training as musicians, clinicians, and researchers to effect changes in cognitive, physical, communication, social, and emotional skills. Music therapists work in a variety of settings, including educational, medical, psychiatric, wellness, and gerontology facilities.

It is the purpose of this report to examine the usefulness of music therapy specifically in the context of treatment of

. . .
al skills. It is important to be aware that while clients may develop their musical skills during treatment, these skills are not the primary concern of the therapist. Rather it is the affect such musical development might have on the client's physical, psychological and socio-economical functioning (What is music therapy, 2005, p. 1). As described by Bonny (2002), and suggested further by Prelude Music Therapy (2005, pp. 3 û 4), music therapy provides opportunities for: Memory recall which contributes to reminiscence and satisfaction with life Positive changes in mood and emotional states Sense of control over life through successful experiences Awareness of self and environment which accompanies increased attention to music Anxiety and stress reduction for older adult and caregiver Nonpharmacological management of pain and discomfort Stimulation which provokes interest even when no other approach is effective Structure which promotes rhythmic and continuous movement or vocal fluency as an adjunct to physical rehabilitation Emotional intimacy when spouses and families share creative music experiences Social interaction with caregivers and families. Music therapy has long been integrated into the treatmen
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Approximate Word count = 2151
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page)