The Christian life has music interwoven into its fabric. We use it to worship God. We are instructed to sing. It should not be surprising then to learn that music has the potential to benefit the mind and emotion. In this episode, music therapist Nick Lanz gives us tips on how to use music therapeutically.

Show notes:

Music Therapy: The clinical & 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.

What do music therapists do?​

• Assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses.
• Design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using various musical interventions.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.​

Music therapy interventions for mental health can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals:

• Develop healthy coping skills
• Identify/express/explore emotions
• Process trauma
• Improve depressive symptoms
• Decrease anxiety/agitation

• Promote relaxation

• Promote positive thinking/self-esteem

• Develop sense of belonging/community
• Promote positive social interaction/group cohesion
• Address loneliness, grief, loss and stigma that persist despite treatment
• Develop independence/decision-making skills
• Manage stress
• Promote wellness

“Music therapists use music to accomplish non-musical goals.”

There are four main approaches:

• Receptive

• • Music listening
  • Song discussion/lyric analysis
  • Music-assisted relaxation/progressive muscle relaxation
• • • Can also include music for sleep
• • Movement & music
  • Bonny Method of Guided Imagery & Music (requires post-graduate training)

• Re-creative

• • Instrument instruction
  • Instrument playing
  • Sing-along
• • Recording sessions

• Compositional

• • Therapeutic songwriting (multiple methods)

• Improvisational

• • Instrumental/vocal improvisation
  • Drum circle/instrumental circle (groups)