Music Therapy Gold Coast
Let's talk about a little something called music therapy – your (not-so) secret weapon for a healthier mind! You can attend a session of music therapy for adults at Broadbeach, on the Gold Coast, at Jeffers Psychology and discover the therapeutic relationship between music and (hu)man.
What's creative Music Therapy? It’s singing in the shower, it’s car-a-oke, it’s dancing in the rain, it’s drumming on the saucepan as you cook, it’s coming into our clinic and smashing it out on the drums as part of your music therapy session.
It's about using music intentionally to boost your mental well-being, helping you relax, unwind and find your groove again in a calm environment.
The best part? You don't need to be a musical prodigy to benefit. Whether you're strumming a guitar or just hitting play on your favourite playlist, music therapy offers a fun and effective way to manage your mental health.
Come visit us, or simply start by curating your own feel-good playlist - you don’t need a music therapist to get started on this bit! Your mind will thank you for it. The Australian Music Therapy Association recognises that music therapy services are for people of all age groups, abilities and backgrounds, so if it's caught your eye, then it's worth a try.
A music therapy session
What does a music therapy session look like?
In your music therapy sessions, your music therapist aids your musical experience in various ways. You will find yourself engaging in a variety of musical activities that music therapists use to reach your individualised goals, such as:
Music Creation. You can create music in multiple ways. It could be song writing, creating your own tune, writing lyrics or collaborating to make music. Analytical music therapy is where you create a dialogue through your improvised musical outpouring which might express unconscious thoughts or emotions.
Vocal psychotherapy. Here, you get to use your voice to share a musical piece. You might also participate in vocal exercises, breathing techniques and natural sounds to create a deeper connection to self, emotions and impulses.
Instrument Playing. You will have the chance to utilise a musical instrument of your choice such as the guitar or drum for creating music.
Musical Improvisation. This activity involves you and your therapist co-creating music that reflects your emotions. Singing and playing instruments can both be components of this.
Music Driven Movement. This could be something as simple as tapping your feet or as complex as executing a dance number.
Active Music Listening. Under the guidance of your therapist, this involves listening to recorded music, then discussing it. Listening to music can help you process emotions and life experiences. The therapist may also play music to help you relax, using the rhythm to guide your breathing or stretching. You may also be taken through music with guided imagery.
Lyrics Discussion. You will analyse song lyrics and discuss their potential meanings.
The role of the music therapist
Music therapists, being mental healthcare professionals, will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your particular needs. This will typically delve into an exploration of your:
Emotional state and health.
Physical wellness.
Social interaction skills.
Perception and motor abilities.
Capacities for communication.
Cognitive competencies.
Existing musical knowledge, aptitudes and preferences.
History of traumatic experiences.
Specific triggers linked to trauma.
Music therapists are committed to collaborating with you in order to set achievable objectives and develop tailored experiences for your therapeutic journey. Factors taken into consideration include:
Your personal musical tastes and passions.
Your age and developmental stage.
Your physical and cognitive capabilities.
Any known trauma triggers you might have.
Benefits gained from Music Therapists
Music therapy has a remarkable impact on improving mental health and overall wellbeing. It's a potent tool in relieving stress and anxiety, effectively managing moods and energy levels, fostering motivation, and assisting in anger and frustration management. Moreover, it also plays a significant role in managing challenging behaviour.
Equally significant are the benefits of music therapy in enhancing speech, communication and social skills. It provides an avenue for improving both verbal and non-verbal communication. Music therapy amplifies physical speech function, can improve communication skills and interaction, promotes independence and introduces positive and novel methods for handling different situations.
Physical benefits are also found in music therapy, particularly in the areas of body movement, coordination and physical function. It aids in the improvement of gross motor function and control - those larger movements made with arms, legs and the entire body. At the same time, it enhances fine motor function and control - the smaller movements involving wrists, hands, fingers, feet and toes. Other physical benefits include improved balance, increased physical independence, regulated heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure, enhanced respiratory muscle strength and control, as well as improved sleep quality.
Cognitive improvements are another key benefit of music therapy. Studies have found that it can significantly enhance memory, attention and cognitive function. Participating in music therapy specifically boosts core executive functions such as self-awareness, inhibition, non-verbal and verbal working memory, emotional self-regulation, self-motivation, planning and problem-solving abilities. It also aids in improving memory and attention spans.
Finally, music therapy is effective in managing pain. It aids in diminishing pain perception by boosting the body's production of natural pain killers and supports faster recovery from various medical procedures, making musical experiences a versatile treatment plan for overall health and wellness improvement.
The 4 Pathways of Music Therapy, Gold Coast style
In the world of music therapy programs, we make use of four core pathways: receptive, recreational, compositional and improvisational. Each of these offers a unique means for you to engage with. These broad categories aren't exhaustive of all the therapeutic music therapy methods. While it may seem like an alternative medicine, there is actually a lot of science behind music interventions.
The receptive approach sings a soothing tale where the therapist plays calming tunes for you to absorb or "receive." You are free to respond in your own unique way, perhaps by crafting your own melodies, dancing or sharing your thoughts. It's not uncommon for this approach to brighten the days of hospital patients.
The recreational method is as relaxing as it sounds. Here, you'll re-create the melodies performed by the therapist. Sing along, play an instrument that resonates with you, or breathe life into a song in a way that best suits your needs.
The compositional approach is truly a collaborative tuneful journey. Together with your therapist, you'll compose your own symphony. It may be a solo performance, a harmonious duet or a full orchestra, whatever helps convey your feelings through music.
The last path is the improvisational approach, a free-spirited exploration of spontaneous melody-making. Your therapist translates your current emotions from the sounds and lyrics of your composition. As this path encourages decision-making, it's a perfect companion for those seeking confidence and self-expression.
Who can benefit from music therapy?
Registered music therapists base their approach on a plethora of research while following a dedicated code of ethics to guide their practice. They seamlessly blend various music-making techniques into their therapeutic relationships, serving diverse sectors such as health, community, aged care, disability, early childhood, and private practice.
Music therapy stands apart from music education and entertainment because its focus lies in fostering health, operational ability and overall well being. Music therapists are there for everyone, regardless of their age, ability, cultural background, or life journey.
Picture the calming rhythm of music as a therapeutic tool, especially valuable for those in need of neurorehabilitation. Imagine its soothing harmony helping you relearn how to move and speak after a brain injury, stroke or other neurological disorders. Let the magic of music therapy rekindle memories for those who are in the late stages of dementia, offering loved ones fleeting but precious moments of recognition.
Would music therapy help children or teens?
Yes. When it comes to children and teenagers, music therapy is a popular technique and one that brings so much joy.
Children’s hospitals
In the sterile environment of a children's hospital, where pain and anxiety are part of the expected experience, know that music therapy is there, providing a sense of normalcy and a distraction from illness. It hands back some power to these children, giving them a chance to make choices in a world where they may feel they have none.
Special education
Within the realm of special education, music therapy makes waves. Helping children with intellectual, physical or developmental disabilities progress towards their developmental and educational milestones. It opens doors for cognitive and sensory stimulation, aids in the development of motor skills, understanding and mobility.
Emotional release
For a child, music therapy can be a place of emotional release, offering a heightened awareness of their surroundings and the people inhabiting it. It gives a boost of self-confidence as they are making music, enhancing their social functioning skills and communication abilities.
Powerful for teens
Notably, for teenagers grappling with mental health issues, the strong bond they often already share with music becomes a valuable resource therapists can tap into. Realise that music therapy is not merely a tune humming in the background, but a powerful tool of expression, comfort and healing.
Music Therapy on the Gold Coast
The use of music to boost your quality of life through songs is beneficial for children right through to older adults. Book in for a one-on-one music therapy Gold Coast session to discover how this evidence based method can actively support people just like you.