Rhythm-N-You Music Therapy currently provides services to both an inpatient behavioral health hospital with 80 beds and an outpatient behavioral health counseling agency.
The profession of music therapy…
has its roots in mental health. It dates back to WWI and WWII, when musicians would go into VA hospitals to play for the wounded and healing veterans. After working with these veterans, the musicians became aware that they needed more formal training in counseling areas; this combination of music and therapy eventually developed into our modern day profession.
Goals
A music therapist working in the field of mental health works in a variety of settings, from an inpatient, locked facility to outpatient day programs. A full spectrum of psychiatric diagnoses is served, including but not limited to, thought and mood disorders to personality disorders. Goals for music therapy in this population are very recovery based, with the aim of developing practical skills to assist the person in achieving or returning to a fulfilling and meaningful life in the community. Goals can be addressed in the following areas:
- Insight development
- Coping skills
- Emotional expression
- Self-expression
- Communication skills
- Social/interpersonal skills
- Problem solving
- Reality orientation
- Recovery-oriented goal setting
- Develop positive replacement behaviors
- Relaxation/anxiety reduction
- Conflict resolution
- Support for specific modes of therapy (DBT, CBT, etc)
Session Formats
Music Therapy goals can be addressed through a variety of interventions. More structured sessions can include electric bands, choirs, and adapted instrument lessons, often culminating in performances. Other formats include improvisational instrument playing, group or individual song writing for short and long term settings, and participation in arranged ensembles. Live music listening/relaxation and lyric/music discussion are effectively utilized to break down emotional barriers and provide an avenue for discussion and counseling.