Why music and art as therapy?

Music and art are universally appreciated and understood as effective media of expression and communication that exist in all cultures. Music affects us all in many ways, from being highly motivating and stimulating, to calming and relaxing. When used in therapy, music can reach even those resistant to other treatment approaches due to its accessibility, familiarity, feelings of security associated with it, its capacity to express the range of human emotion, as well as the joy of creating and being in music. Percussion and melodic instruments are used in an improvisational approach as they offer an array of sounds for expression. The therapist uses the unique power of music to foster communication and relationship with people living with special needs. Musical improvisation is a fundamental aspect of our interactive approach. New patterns of learning and neurological processes can be created, as well as stimulating sensory, cognitive and emotional development.

Adding the color and form of the visual arts…

The art-making process relies on the natural ability of all clients to relate to color and form. Clients with a variety of developmental delays benefit from visual expression and learning. Those who have problems communicating verbally often are encouraged to speak by freely drawing or painting and then talking about their art work. Fine motor skills are developed with the use of markers, crayons and brushes. Art stimulates the imagination and abstract thinking. Reflective self-expression through drawing, painting or sculpting, leads clients into new ways of seeing themselves. Art becomes the vehicle for expression, developing relationships, as well as for integrating experiences that may be difficult to understand.

The therapeutic environment…

The creative space is an important aspect of the therapy work. The therapist works to protect the safety and integrity of the musical space. He regards and accepts all sounds as part of the musical landscape. The creative space is open enough to accommodate the range of human emotion and experience. Improvisational music therapy offers clients the opportunity to let go in a safe environment, to liberate their creativity, and to develop meaningful relationships. The creative musical space in improvisational music therapy is flexible, allows for risk-taking, and is shaped mutually by the client and therapist. The therapist responds musically to the client’s expressions and responses, as does the client to the therapist.

The therapy process…

Music-making engages clients across domains of functioning: physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual. Vocal and instrumental improvisations are created moment-to-moment, bringing the client into the here-and-now, to an immediate awareness of self and others. For those clients who have impairments in expressive language, musical improvisation offers opportunity to communicate spontaneously. Relationships develop through the emotional ‘language’ of music. To engage as fully as possible in music, clients are often at the threshold of their cognitive, physical and emotional capacities. Through their deep involvement in the creative process, clients work to expand and integrate inner resources, and can often circumvent or surpass chronic impairments.

Music therapy relies upon the intrinsic malleable and expansive qualities of the music art form. Musical experiences afford opportunity to illuminate, make fluid, and integrate the mixture of positive and negative aspects of life experiences, reflecting the breadth and depth of our clients’ emotional lives. The flow and movement of the musical improvisation are generated by the therapist’s and client’s continual attention and awareness, expressions and responses.

The benefits of being in music and art therapy…

Throughout the lifespan, persons with special needs can benefit from the healing effects of being involved in the music and art-making process. For a young child musical sounds are some of the first sounds to which an infant responds. A child can readily be stimulated or calmed by music, and respond to its emotional expression. The creative process of making music and art in a therapy relationship allows a person with special needs to participate at his/her own level of ability, addressing the spectrum of cognitive, emotional, physical and developmental issues. Therapy in music and art has also proven effective with adults who have experienced illness, trauma and other challenges in living. Therapy in music and art when tailored to the needs of seniors markedly increases the quality of their lives by engaging them emotionally, cognitively, physically and spiritually.

Being immersed in the creative processes of art and music, and reflecting on these processes, clients can increase their awareness of self and others, cope with stress, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem, while enjoying the life-enhancing effects and sense of well-being.

Getting an early start in the arts…

Early intervention in special needs children is important for the development of language and fine motor skills, self-awareness and the forming of interpersonal relationships. In particular, early intervention in children with speech problems, impaired motor functioning and the varying degrees of behavior disorders that accompany developmental delays is important for language development, self-awareness and forming relationships throughout their lives. Children of any age can benefit from the use of improvisation, interactive music-making and music skill-building to increase their attention span and develop fine and gross motor coordination. Skills such as sharing, turn-taking, listening, and learning the names of colors, animals, body parts and clothing improve.

For non-verbal children or children with language delays or communication disorders, music and art provide a way to address psychological issues. In therapy with music and art, a relationship develops between the therapist and client. Through the therapy process, families discover new ways of relating to children with special needs, and fosters an appreciation of their unique gifts.

In the care of dedicated and experienced professionals…

Our Individual Therapy in Music and Art is conducted by highly experienced and board certified professionals with advanced degrees in creative arts therapies.

How to begin…

We begin with an initial consultation with the individual and family to develop a needs assessment based on history and observation. A treatment approach is discussed, as well as short and long term goals.