Behavioral Health.

Music therapy in the United States began in the late 18th century. The use of music as therapy dates back to ancient times. This is evident in historical writings of ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China, India, Greece and Rome as well as biblical scriptures. While the power of music remains the same, the method by which music therapy is practiced is very different from that of ancient times.

The American Music Therapy Association defines music therapy as "…an established health care profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages". Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses". Research has shown that music therapy interventions can be designed to:

• promote wellness

• manage stress

• alleviate pain

• express feelings

• enhance memory

• improve communication

• promote physical rehabilitation

In addition, music therapy also provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to patients/clients who find it difficult to express themselves. Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, patients'/clients' abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives.

Music therapy begins with an assessment phase. This phase gives critical information about the patient's/client's history and their perception of their world. Music therapy may be used with individuals, families or groups. This makes music therapy a universal treatment choice.

After assessing the strengths and needs of each patient/client, the music therapist provides the objectives and goals. The music therapist then works closely with those objectives and goals through music improvisation, singing, song lyrics analysis, story songs, composing songs, listening to music and discussing music as well as guided imagery with music. Since music therapists serve a wide variety of persons, with many different types of needs, there is no such thing as an overall typical session.

Therapy sessions are designed and music selected based on the individual patient's/client's treatment plan. Groups in therapy may be held in small session to help rebuild communication skills. The music therapist helps establish a sense of reality in the patient, draw him/her away from hallucinations and delusions, open communication with people around him/her and provide adaptive behavior patterns which improves the patient's/client's well being.