Music Therapy - Rehab Treatment Program
"Music Therapy is a treatment modality that enables the client to encounter new ways to explore the self. Sessions include drumming for wellness, imagery/dream-work to music, group composition and recording of personalized relaxation music (in this a CD is made for each client of the recording), lyric discussion on pertinent treatment issues, group improvisation, and discussion of myths that are told to a music background." <p>Ron Borczon, Music Therapist Music therapy is a promising approach to improving engagement in substance abuse treatment.
Research Confirms Music Therapy is a Very Effective Form of Treatment
Research indicates that music therapy is effective in reducing muscle tension and anxiety, and at promoting relaxation, 
verbalization, interpersonal relationships, and group cohesiveness. This can set the stage for open communication and provide a starting place for non-threatening support and processing symptoms associated with, or exacerbated by, trauma and disaster, such as the 9/11 event. A therapist can talk with a client, but a qualified music therapist can use music to actively link a client to their psycho-emotional state quickly. In certain settings, the active use of music therapy interventions has resulted in a shorter length of stay (treatment period) and more efficient response to the client's overall intervention plan.
Research on Music Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Despite the availability of effective treatments for substance use disorders, engaging people in treatment remains a challenge. This clinical study(3) describes a 7-week trial of music therapy as an adjunct to group cognitive be ha vi our therapy with the aim of increasing patient engagement in a private hospital open group program.
Music Therapy Research
Design and Methods of Music Therapy
Patient attendance rates and perceptions of the music therapy were collected at the end of each music therapy session by means of an anonymous survey, and only data from each patient's first survey were used in the analysis. Twenty-four surveys were analyzed, representing feedback from 10 men and 14 women, aged between 18 and 52 years.
The results indicated that enjoyment and motivation to participate during the sessions was uniformly high. The majority of participants reported that they would attend another music therapy session, and almost half (46%) endorsed that '(music therapy) would help them to feel more a part of the group. Additional analyses revealed that music therapy was able to engage patients regardless of their age group (25 years and under vs. over-25 years) or substance (alcohol only vs. other drugs).
Music Therapy Can Help Reduce Depression Anxiety
Four of the studies found reduced depression symptoms in participants receiving music therapy compared to those who did not. The fifth study did not find any difference. The benefits of music appeared greatest when providers used theory-based therapeutic techniques rather than "winging it." "In the four studies where there was an impact, there was a very coherent theoretical framework, a very coherent explanation of what went on in the session and obvious reasons why the therapists were there, " said lead author Anna Maratos. "In the study that showed no effect, there didn't seem to be any theoretical underpinning to the intervention. We have no idea why the therapist was there, really."
References:
1) American Music Therapy Association ; Music Therapy Interventions in Trauma, Depression, & Substance Abuse: Selected References and Key Findings; www.musictherapy.org/fact sheets/bib_substanceabuse.pdf
(2) Music Therapy May Offer Hope For People With Depression, Science Daily, Jan. 23rd, 2008
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080122203158.htm
(3) Dingle, G.A., Gleadhill, L., Baker, F.A. (2008). Can music therapy engage patients in group cognitive behaviour therapy for substance abuse treatment? Drug & Alcohol Review, 27(2):190-6, 2. INTRODUCTION AND AIMS:
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All patients and their doctors have individual treatment agreements for services rendered. All doctors of medicine furnishings services to clients at Malibu Horizon are independent consultants, not employees or agents.
