Evidence-Based Practice: Music Therapy

Evidence-Based practice-Music Therapy Music therapy is defined as “a systematic process of intervention wherein the therapist helps the client to promote health, using music experiences and the relationships that develop through them as dynamic forces of change.” (Bruscia). Wilber’s quadrants breaks down major psychological theories and music therapy models into four quadrants (Abrams). These areas are the individual interior, individual exterior, collective interior, and the collective exterior (Abrams). The individual internal focuses on the therapeutic goals and the inner psychological process of the client (Dr. A. Meadows, personal communication, Sept 2014). The individual exterior focuses on skills and behaviors where the goals

In the middle is aesthetic and spiritual which incorporates traits from each quadrant (Dr. A. Meadows, personal communication, Sept 2014). Evidence-based practice (EBP) of music therapy covers many perspectives depending on which the practice is based, either biomedical, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, music-centered, and holistic oriented (Abrams). Music therapy has a multitude of uses, it provides emotional support, promotes relaxation, improves mood, reduces anxiety, and provides support for medical procedures. Two important areas in music therapy are the ISO principle and entrainment. The ISO principle is when the therapist attempts to match the emotional state or feelings of the client or patient (topangamusictherapy.wordpress.com). This is done through using various percussion instruments, piano, guitar, or improvised vocalization (topangamusictherapy.wordpress.com). By meeting the client or patient is still able to feel what they are currently feeling, but it becomes possible to redirect them into a more productive directive (topangamusictherapy.wordpress.com). Entrainment occurs when two objects that resonate at similar

Interventions used in the treatment of mental disorder are divided into 3 levels and meet the various needs of the patient (MT and mental health book ch 3). The first level being supportive, activity oriented music therapy, the therapeutic focus is on the here and now, reactions, behaviors, skills, and is generally success-oriented and structured (MT and mental health book ch 4). Interventions would typically be small group ensembles, group singing, and drum circles. The second level is insight music therapy with re-educative goals, here the music is used to stimulate verbalization while gaining insight through discussion (MT and mental health book ch 5). Interventions at this level would include, lyric analysis or song discussion. The third level is insight music therapy with re-constructive goals, the experiences are used to uncover, relieve, or resolve conflicts at the subconscious level (MT and mental health book ch 6). Interventions used would be visualization to music, Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), and analytical music therapy. A session can have elements from each level, starting with an opening drumming activity/drum circle, transitioning into a lyric analysis/song discussion, visualizing of negative and positive feeling, and finally closing with another drumming activity. The questions used in the