BARBAMREUER,PH.D.,MT.BC
WHAT IS MUSIC THERAPY?
Music Therapy can be defined as the clinical use of music as a therapeutic intervention for
persons who have special needs. It does not claim to cure or to prolong life in the medical
sense,but rather seeksto develop the potential of the individual and to improve the quality of
Music therapy addressesthe physical, emotional and spiritual needs of an
human life.
individual. It is a non-invasivetreatmentmodality,which can benefitpatients,family members,
friends and support staff. Music therapistswork with all age groups in many different settings,
including schools, hospitals,nursing homes, private clinics, day-carefacilities, community
health centersand, increasingly,in private practice.
Services Offered By Music Therapists
Validatean individual'slife experiences.
Explore spiritual values.
Providepain managementand relaxationthroughguided imageryexercises.
Provide diversionand meaningfuiuseof time.
Providenon-threateningmeansof openingup cornmunicationchannels.
Offer a meansto resolve past conflicts through reminiscenceand life review.
Providecatalystfor releaseof pent-upemotions.
Offer opportunities for creative personalexpression.
Maintain and strengthenfamily bonds.
Maintain client'scontrol as an individual by encouragingchoicesand decision-making.
Servicesin music therapy are facilitatedthrough client and therapistinteractionusing one
or more of several \ilays in which music can be experienced:
Listening (both live and recorded)
Playing " Music ian-pr oaf ' Instruments
Singing
Moving
Creating(improvisingwith the therapistor writing lyrics for originalpiecesof music)
Vibrotactile Experiences
Guided ImageryRelaxationExercises
For more informationon musictherapy,contact:
BarbaraReuer.Ph.D..MT-BC
Music Worx of California
12570-73
CarmelCreekRd
SanDiego,CA 92130
Phone#: 858/755.7710
8581259.2806
Fax #:
E-mail: [email protected]
PHYSICAL
1. Patientis anxious.
2. Patienthasdifficulty sleeping.
3. Patienthasrespiratorydistress.
Rationalefor Music Therapy
o
Music canpromoteandsupportsenseof calm.
o
Relaxationtechniquescanbe learnedandusedby patient.
PSYCHOLOGICALIEMOTIONAL
fearful,withdrawn,grieving,andanxious.
1. Patientis distressed,
2. Patientis reminiscing,evaluationlife.
3. Patienthasused"creative"meansof expressionin past (e.g.,art, music,drama,dance,and
writing).
Rationalefor Music Therapy
a
Music canstimulateandsupportfeelings.
o
Music canstimulatememories.
o
structure.
Music, especiallysongs,canput feelingsinto non-threatening
o
Therapistcanhelpprocessfeelingsverballyor non-verbally.
I Nozomi Nagasak4 MT Intem
Worx of Califorma
I tutr-rsic
Tel: (858) 626-6248
E-rnail: nnagas aka@hotmail. com
For more information on music therapyrcontsct:
BarbaraReuer,Ph. D., MT-BC
Music Wbrx or Calfomia
12570-73CarmelCreekRd
SanDiego,CA 92130
Tel:(858)7ss-7710
Fax: (858) 259-28A6
uixnet.net
E-mail:barbara
SOCIAL
1. Patientis isolated.
2. Patientandfamily membershavestrainedor difficult relationships.
3. Family membe(s)needsupport.
Rationalefor Music Therapy
o
Music canunite a group,easetension,andprovidea senseof community.
o
experiencefor familiesto share.
Music canprovidea pleasurable
o
Familiesmay usemusicasmeansof involvementin patientcare.
SPIRITUAL
1. Patient'sfaith is importantandsArequestionsmeaningof life.
Rationalefor Music Therapy
o
asuplifting, hopeful,etc.andfacilitatereflection,medication.
Music canbe experienced
RDCREATIONAL
l.
Patientis boredandlovesmusic.
Rationalefor Music Therapy
o
activityandhelpspasstime.
Music providesa presencefor a pleasurable
For music therapy referrals, contact:
Nozomi Nagasaka MT Intem
Music Worx of Caiiforma
Tel: (858) 6264248
E-mail: [email protected]
For more information on music therapy, contact:
BarbaraReuer,Ph. D., MT-BC
Music Worx or California
12570-73CarmelCreekRd
SanDiego,CA92130
Tel:(858)755-77r0
Fax: (858) 259-2806
E-mail: barbara7@quixnet. net