(2005), to possess many distinct characteristics that make it appropriate for inclusion in a therapeutic milieu. Prelude Therapy (2005) identified the ten central therapeutic characteristics of music; these characteristics are depicted in the following figure.
10 Therapeutic Characteristics of Music
Music captivates and maintains attention -- it stimulates & utilizes many parts of the brain;
Music is easily adapted to, and can be reflective of, a person's abilities;
Music structures time in a way that we can understand ("that's the last verse - my exercise session is almost over!");
Music provides a meaningful, enjoyable context for repetition;
Music provides a social context -- it sets up a safe, structured setting for verbal and nonverbal communication;
Music supports and encourages movement;
Music taps into memories and emotions;
Music -- and the silences within it -- provide nonverbal, immediate feedback;
Music is success-oriented -- people of all ability levels can participate. (Prelude Therapy, 2005, pp. 1 รป 2)
As this figure suggests, music therapy can be employed in the context of the therapeutic milieu to assist patients suffering from a variety of stressors and/or other neurological symptoms in reducing those symptoms. Like relaxation therapy, music therapy is associated with the reduction of stress, amelioration of pain and anxiety, and improvements in spiritual and psychological well-being (What is music therapy, 2005).
However, even practitioners of MT do recognize that it may not be most useful as a "stand-alone" psychotherapeutic intervention for many patients, including those adults with neurological impairments or severe stress reactions to traumatic experiences (What is music therapy, 2005). As a complementary or alternative therapy, MT enjoys widespread support. In the therapeutic environment or interaction setting, MT can be applied to establish mood and a safe or secure ...