Populations
Music therapists serve many populations around the globe. Harmony Integrative Therapy has had the privilege to work with a variety of clients, including children and young adults on the Autism spectrum, the Elder community, patients experiencing Alzheimer's disease, individuals who have experienced cerebrovascular accidents, children and adults with developmental disabilities and/or behavioral needs, as well as neurotypical clients of all ages within both music educative and community music therapy settings.
a wealth of approaches
Interested to learn more about Music Therapy techniques within certain settings and populations? Click on one or multiple populations from the following list to be redirected, or simply scroll down to explore various populations. Sourced from the American Music Therapy Association.
Alzheimer's Disease
Autism Spectrum
Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health
Correctional & Forensic Settings
Crisis & Trauma
Mental Health
Military Populations
Music Education
Pain Management
Special Education
Young Children
Alzheimer's Disease
• Music therapy treatment is efficacious and valid with older persons who have functional deficits in physical, psychological, cognitive or social functioning.
• Research results and clinical experiences attest to the viability of music therapy even in those who are resistive to other treatment approaches.
• Music is a form of sensory stimulation, which provokes responses due to the familiarity, predictability, and feelings of security associated with it.
• Memory recall which contributes to reminiscence and satisfaction with life.
• Positive changes in mood and emotional states.
• Sense of control over life through successful experiences.
• Awareness of self and environment which accompanies increased attention to music.
• Anxiety and stress reduction for older adult and caregiver.
• Nonpharmacological management of pain and discomfort.
• Stimulation which provokes interest even when no other approach is effective.
• Structure which promotes rhythmic and continuous movement or vocal fluency as an adjunct to physical rehabilitation.
• Emotional intimacy when spouses and families share creative music experiences.
• Social interaction with caregivers and families
Autism Spectrum
• Music therapy interventions are informed by research evidence and incorporate many of the identified ASD-specific evidence-based practices in each session (Kern, Rivera, Chandler, & Humpal, 2013).
• Music therapy services for young children with ASD are very effective for improving communication, interpersonal skills, personal responsibility, and play (Whipple, 2012).
• Music therapy interventions may elicit joint attention (Kalas, 2012); enhance auditory processing, other sensory-motor, perceptual/motor, or gross/fine motor skills (LaGasse & Hardy, 2013); and identify and appropriately express emotions (Katagiri, 2009).
• Music therapy interventions based on family-centered practice may increase social engagement in the home environment and community (Thompson, McFerran, & Gold, 2013)
• Music therapy interventions using musically adapted social stories may modify target behavior and teach new skills (Brownell, 2002).
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Music Therapy in Child/Adolescent Behavioral Health is:
• An evidence-based way to meet the needs of children and adolescents of various ages and developmental levels.
• A multi-modal means of expression, both verbal and non-verbal.
• Inclusive of trauma-informed and wellness-based models of care.
• A source of intrinsic motivation for children and adolescents to engage in therapy.
Functions of Music Therapy:
• Allow for self-reflection through the use of a variety of music-based activities.
• Foster social and communication skills by making music with others.
• Inclusive of trauma-informed and wellness-based models of care.
• Help young people identify how their thoughts and feelings influence their behaviors, choices, and identity development.
• Teach young people how to self-regulate and to help them develop healthy coping skills.
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Correctional & Forensic Settings
Specific goals in correctional and forensic settings may include the following:
• Increase self-awareness.
• Improve reality testing and problem-solving skills.
• Improve respect for others, including peers and authority figures.
• Develop healthy verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Decrease impulsivity through practical techniques.
• Accept responsibility for thoughts and feelings.
• Learn relaxation and coping skills.
• Improve physical conditioning.
• Develop effective leisure skills.
• Explore feelings and make positive changes in mood states.
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A coordinated program of music and music therapy interventions in response to crisis or trauma, designed and implemented by a qualified music therapist, provides opportunities for:
• Non-verbal outlets for emotions associated with traumatic experiences.
• Anxiety and stress reduction.
• Positive changes in mood and emotional states.
• Active and positive participant involvement in treatment.
• Enhanced feelings of control, confidence, and empowerment.
• Positive physiological changes, such as lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and relaxed muscle tension.
• Emotional intimacy with peers, families, caregivers.
• Relaxation for family groups or other community and peer groups.
• Meaningful time spent together in a positive, creative way.
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