Why Group Music Therapy?
By now you are aware that there are two primary forms of music therapy a) individual sessions and b) group sessions. How do you know what is best for you?….well like with anything with music therapy it comes down to the goals you are hoping to achieve for yourself or your loved one, your budget or the philosophy of your facility to support community, group interaction.
Music Therapy can uniquely address certain needs that often remain unmet for individuals. Group music experiences creates bonding and a sense of community amongst clients – and extremely quick. When a group connects well significant change will happen for many (if not all) of the group members.
Here are 3 Examples of what GROUP MUSIC THERAPY CAN do:
- make you feel more energetic and relaxed at the same time
- can increase patient engagement during substance abuse meetings
- improve hearing, speech and eye-hand co-ordination in children
Group music therapy can provide an environment for individuals to transform frustration and anger into the experience of creativity in active music making. The group musical environment can strip away many anxieties, and support uncomfortable moments, leaving a potential opportunity for group expression and self-exploration.
When I started to learn and speak about music therapy, ongoing concerns that it was too “whoo whoo” for mainstream health care and education systems were rampant. Music therapists continued the best way they knew how – demonstrating what it can do and participating in research that supports what is actually happening. I am grateful to these researchers and for the data we now have to support the work we do.
How do you decide if group music therapy is for you or for those you care about?
Just ask us! or any of the 1000′s of music therapists in the world -
here is a list of the organizational music therapy bodies in the world – from there you will find professional members who will help you.
I have found much joy speaking to groups of front line workers, administrators, cancer survivors, educators, women’s groups and the general public on simple tips that can be used in their day to day life to effectively decrease their stress and boost their mood. For some people these presentation reminders are all the music therapy they need – for others music therapy is a lifeline to better health and wellness.
If you or someone you know would benefit from this unique and successful therapy please do not hesitate to consult with a music therapist in your community.
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Author : Jennifer Buchanan
JB Music Therapy is a socially conscious, hard working, talented group of professionals who desire to make a difference.
To book a music therapy session, conference presentation, or purchase a related product visit our website at www.jbmusictherapy.com