What is Music Therapy?
"Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.
Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up."
- American Music Therapy Association, www.musictherapy.org
Why Music Therapy and Postpartum Depression?
Music Therapists use a variety of music interventions (named above), often combined with verbal processing to address issues related to Postpartum Depression, such as feelings of hopelessness, anger/rage, lack of bonding with baby, inability to concentrate, anxiety and more. No musical talent is required to participate or benefit from Music Therapy.
When addressing sensitive or traumatic experiences, Music Therapy can be especially effective, as the music enables the mother to move beyond talking about her feelings and onto expressing her feelings through instrumental and/or vocal music. If song-writing is used as a medium for creative expression, one of the many benefits is the mother's ability to take her therapeutic work with her to use as positive reinforcement between sessions. These are just a few of the benefits of Music Therapy with Postpartum Depression.
Possible Music Therapy Treatment Goals
- Decrease anxiety
- Improve mother's relationship with baby
- Increase self-esteem
- Identify coping tools
- Increase confidence in mothering abilities
- Re-frame thoughts of guilt and shame
Interested in Music Therapy?
Call Celeste at 219.742.4149 to schedule an appointment.