About Music Therapy
In music therapy, credentialed professionals use music to help improve your overall health and well-being. The music therapist works with you to learn your strengths and needs. Together, you create a music-based treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can Music Therapy Help?
Music therapy helps with many issues:
Stress and anxiety: Music helps the body release stress and tension associated with anxiety. Music can lower heart rate, breath rate, and body temperature. It helps people shift their focus away from worry.
Pain relief: Music can help reduce pain. The same part of the brain that processes music also processes pain. The more engaged you become with music, the less pain you feel.
Emotional health: Music can be used to regulate emotion. It can match your current mood or help change your mood.
Caregiver support: Music therapy can relieve stress for caregivers who feel burned out. It can help caregivers process difficult emotions. A music therapy session with the caregiver and patient gives them a chance to connect and communicate with each other.
End-of-life needs: Music therapists provide a safe space for patients and caregivers to connect and express themselves. Music therapists can help with legacy projects, such as recording songs or heartbeats.
What Happens in a Music Therapy Session?
A music therapist meets with you to find out your needs and how you interact with music. You don’t have to be a singer or play an instrument. The music therapist provides ideas and treatment options tailored to you.
A music therapy session can include these activities:
- Listening to music
- Singing
- Playing instruments
- Improvising music
- Writing songs
- Doing relaxation techniques
Who Can Meet with a Music Therapist?
Our music therapy services are open to Huntsman Cancer Institute patients and caregivers. Call 801-587-4585 to learn more about music therapy and schedule an appointment.
What are the Qualifications of Music Therapists?
Music therapists have the following credentials:
- Bachelor’s degree in music therapy
- Six-month clinical internship
- National board certification (MT-BC)
- State of Utah certification (SCMT)
- Continued education or professional development
