An Introduction to Music Therapy

1. An Introduction to Music Therapy Lori F. Gooding, Ph.D., MT-BC, NICU-MT

2. What is Music Therapy? • Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program (AMTA, 2009)

3. What do Music Therapists do? • Assess strengths and weaknesses in the following areas: affective, emotional and behavioral responses, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills • Design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using patient/client preferred music and interventions like: music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music • Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up and discharge planning.

4. What Objectives can Music Therapy Address? • Promote wellness • Manage stress • Alleviate pain • Express feelings • Enhance memory • Improve communication • Promote physical rehabilitation • Enhance/improve socialization • Teach/enhance educational objectives

5. Misconceptions about Music Therapy Treatment • Musical ability is required to benefit from music therapy • Certain types of music are more therapeutic than others. • All styles of music can be useful in effecting change in a client or patient's life. • Individual's preferences, circumstances and need for treatment, and the client or patient's goals help to determine the types of music a music therapist may use (AMTA, 1999)

6. What Populations can Benefit from Music Therapy? • Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs • Individuals with developmental and learning disabilities • Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other aging related conditions • Individuals with substance abuse problems • Individuals with brain injuries and physical disabilities • Individuals with acute and chronic pain, including mothers in labor. • Premature infants • Individuals who are terminally ill

7. Who can practice Music Therapy? (MT-BC Qualifications) • Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy with 6-month clinical internship in approved site • National Certification Test • College curriculum and faculty qualifications approved by the American Music Therapy Association • MT-BCs are the only certified, degreed professionals doing music therapy in medical settings.

8. Music Therapy Degrees at FSU • Bachelors of Music- Therapy (50 yrs.) • Master of Music-Therapy -need qualifications for professional practice • Ph.D.- Music Ed with emphasis in Therapy • Admission requires M.M. & 2 years clinical experience

9. Clinical Example: Procedural Support (IV Stick/ER) Using Distraction, Successive Approximation, Age-appropriate music

10. Clinical Example: Pediatric Inpatient

11. Clinical Example: Mental Health Group Counseling

12. Clinical Example: Special Education

13. For More Information • American Music Therapy Association • www.musictherapy.org • FSU Music Therapy Program • 644-4565 (Jayne Standley, Director)