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)
Monthly Archives: July 2018
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.