Music Therapy Helping the Homeless

Music Therapy has been a great support in helping the homeless. In a December 2016, article from WNBC Dallas, Texas describes the usefulness of music therapy in an Adult homeless environment.  Kamica King, a certified music therapist leads a group through several music and lyrical sessions the use of song and sound is used to address mental or physical illnesses.   I believe that this process eases some of the pain of dealing with a homeless environment.  These sessions were conducted at The Bridge Recovery Center in downtown Dallas. Texas.  Ms. King states, “Music therapy is a huge benefit for someone who is experiencing homelessness,” “There’s a lot of stress that comes along with homelessness. Their past may include some trauma as well,” said King. (WNBC Texas, Gilmore, 2016)

How Encouraging is Playing Music During A Therapy Session?

Playing music during therapy or encouraging the patient to develop a playlist of soothing music could utilize music without being considered formal music therapy. It is recommended that clinicians who wish to incorporate music into treatment possess a basic knowledge of the physiological and psychological impact of music and consistently solicit feedback from patients in a collaborative manner. Clinicians can also consult with music therapists regarding how they might incorporate music into their practices with individual patients. Further, some individuals may not consider themselves musical and lack interest.  I believe that the clinician should directly refer the patient to the trained music therapist.  Each employee has a title and expertise in their relative field and therefore I believe that they should let the Music Therapist do the job that they were trained to do.

Because there are individuals who experience symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) there are many benefits that can come out of music therapy as an optional treatment option.  There are many tools available that aim to offer better holistic care.

I liked the fact that the article offered the facts that if clinicians’ expand their repertoires of available evidence-based treatment options for PTSD then there may be better ways of documenting cures for this disorders.

 

Are Clinical Recommendations Practical in Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is considered a reimbursable service is you live in the United States.  Music Therapy is affordable when one has health benefits such as Medicare; or private insurances may also cover the costs. I would suggest one to see if you insurance covers Music Therapy.  When Music therapists are independent contractors the cost music therapists working independently, but the costs may be lessened if the music therapist is employed by a mental health clinic, hospital, or community health organization that offers comprehensive care that includes music therapy (AMTA).

As long as a  music therapist has the required credentials such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in music therapy, 1200 hours of clinical training, be certified by the Certification Board of Music Therapists (a national certification), and any additional licenses as required by a state to practice psychotherapy (Office of the Professions; AMTA). A music therapist is qualified and trained to assess their clients’ needs and tailor each therapeutic experience to those needs.

As per my review of the Journal – Landis-Shack, Nora, et al. “Music Therapy for Post-traumatic Stress in Adults: A Theoretical Review.”, pp. 335-342 it is written that “Clinicians who wish to integrate music therapy into their patient’s treatment plan they encouraged to explore the resources and refer that patient to a board-certified music therapist. They may do this by contacting the AMTA National Office to request a list of referrals or looking through their online directory.  Although the use of music therapy requires a licensed music therapist to administer it, clinicians need not be music therapists to augment care with music.

Music Therapy And Sustaining Long Term Memory?

My greatest desire is to accomplish is to implement a program that may help create sustaining a senior citizens long-term memory as well, in the event that no other medical condition interferes such as: Dementia or Alzheimer’s.  If a client does not speak, I hope that I will be able to help them respond comfortably.  If they have a problem moving their limbs, I hope the client will be able to accomplish moving their limb or limbs’ through a musical activity.

There are variations for Music “in” therapy and music “as” therapy.  When a client’s relationship to music is primary then music is used as a therapeutic avenue.  However, when a client’s relationship to the therapist is primary then music is used in therapy.  The difference is that it does not matter what the choice is for each individual client because either way there will be an allegiance of a musical experience to assist in offering a benefit.  There is a physical interaction between the client and the therapist which may be to create, perform or improvise music.  The client develops skills that will support their ability and the therapist will observe the various methods to reach the client(s).

How Important Is Organized CSR?

It will be helpful if a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee is organized and meets at least every 6 months so that a clear and consistent direction is in place for all employees and best advice is given.  The President of the organization shall chair the committee and this person may receive advice from a broader based prospective Committee.   There shall be a Human Resources department or Corporate Social Responsibility Department that has initiatives that covers human rights, environmental protection, ethics, equal employment opportunities and social contributions.

When the organization is very large each area of the department should have a Director so they can fully focus on one area.  I believe that this department will be able to convey values and shall provide the proper training that should be held regularly.  With this regular training, better workplace values will be instilled and more opportunities for consultations in the specific areas such as: human rights, equal employment opportunities, environmental protection, ethics and social contributions may be addressed.  Employees should be not be afraid to address any issues or concerns that pertain to any of these areas or that are not law abiding – without being penalized.  A hotline can be set up if there are any issues that need to be addressed.

The role of Music is prevalent and is used in everyday life.  Our life history includes Music and Music helps us to integrate our lives.  Music has an affective and physical level that also affects clients whom have verbal limitations.  The role of a Music Therapist can be enhanced when social contributions have been supported because one will interact with various businesses, their employees and clients will be developed from these businesses.  When an employee knows how a business works then they will be able to conduct their partnership and have a closer relationship with a firm.  The therapist of music is responsible for choosing music that relates to areas that may engage a response.  I have researched and experienced these responses from reading material and physically interacting with senior citizens when performing for a venue.  “Music has been a part of people’s lives throughout history and in all cultures (Wheeler, Shultis, Polen. pp.147).”

Corporate Responsibilities for Music Therapy

Corporate Social Responsibility is a great necessity to reach the Music Therapy field.  I have many goals for the future.  I would like to accomplish working in the area as a Music Therapist.  I am currently completing the necessary academic education courses in Music at York College. I am frequently active in my community and I share my artistic abilities occasionally through singing.  I am interested in giving a purpose and lead a community of individuals such as senior citizens that are housed in a nursing facility or that attend a senior center. I am also interested in introducing the field of Music Therapy to school-age children.  I hope to accomplish improvement to help sustain some of the short term memory in seniors’ through music and therapeutic activities with percussion instruments.  I also hope to be able to conduct a business that is organized and self-sufficient.  My many years of experience working for various organizations have led me to believe that in order to be successful one’s business has to have a structured fframework for promoting Social Responsibility and a great deal of information can be collected by contacting the Human Resource department if it is available.

I am interested in being an entrepreneur and self-sufficient business owner in the area of Music.  I believe that when building an organization, it is best to provide safety and rules to ensure that the business lasts for a long time and the employees and customers are happy and treated fairly.  By establishing a Business Conduct Guideline (BCG) for all employees to refer to, it will help employees get a better understanding of how to make clear and consistent business decisions for the organization.  When all employees follow the guidelines, a business can promote fair corporate conduct when fulfilling corporate social responsibilities.

What Is So Interesting About Music Therapy?

You will experience Corporate Social Responsibility relating to the field of Music and Music Therapy. I have researched a great deal of information that will actively engage you and provide information on the many services available in the therapeutic music field.  There are many contributions for the development of cultural and spiritual values and I am open to all engaging information that leads to a better understanding in the field.

What Is Music Therapy?

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) defines 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 therapy interventions can be designed to:  Promote Wellness,Manage Stress, Alleviate Pain, Express Feelings, Enhance Memory, Improve Communication and Promote Physical Rehabilitation.

 

Music Is A Universal Experience

My interest in the field of Music Therapy leads me to research further to accelerate in the field.  I came across an article from on Social Responsibility from the Universal Music Group explaining how music is a universal language which inspires us and heals us and ultimately unites us.  This is an area that I gladly focus on to bring people together through music.  I enjoyed the article because it brings light to areas that engage happiness.  When we look or listen to the news each day, we may experience negative presentations. This article appears to be positive in most aspects.  I am looking forward to covering why recorded music is important and how they have made many contributions to the economy.