Music therapy – the therapy found in rhythm

When life gets tough, working with a music therapist can help in different ways. As an approach, music therapy is holistic, as people respond to music with different parts of the brain and body at the same time. It is not only a ‘thinking brain’ therapy but one that broadens the therapeutic experience through engagement and connection with body and wairua.

This means music therapy is ideally suited to help people who find it hard to put their experiences into words or who might be overwhelmed by too many thoughts. It is helpful for those who might not be ready to talk about things or who are experiencing their tough times strongly in their body. It is suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

We develop in a rhythm-rich environment before we are born. In utero we hear and feel the regular beat of our mother’s heart and the rocking pulse of her walking. Once we are born, we are often rocked, bounced, swayed or patted in rhythmic ways and we then develop the rhythm of our own movements as we learn to crawl, walk, run and skip.

Rhythm is part of us.

In music therapy, moving our bodies or playing instruments to the beat can help in different ways. The predictability of the beat can calm a nervous system impacted by grief, stress, anxiety or trauma. The physical act of music making can either release energy and increase physical relaxation or increase energy levels and bring attention to the ‘here and now,’ depending on a person’s needs. Playing or creating different rhythms in therapy can spark a sense of fun, creativity and contribution, increasing motivation.

Playing rhythms with others can be a collaborative experience that increases a sense of belonging, while promoting connection with others.

The music therapist creates musical space for a person to be themselves and bring their own sense of beat and rhythm into therapy – they don’t have to fit what the therapist does, the therapist adapts music to fit the person. This means a person doesn’t have to be traditionally musical to participate in music therapy.

If Music Therapy sounds like something you would like to try. Contact Us.