Music Therapy

The Christian life has music interwoven into its fabric. We use it to worship God. We are instructed to sing. It should not be surprising then to learn that music has the potential to benefit the mind and emotion. In this episode, music therapist Nick Lanz gives us tips on how to use music therapeutically. 

Show notes: 

Music Therapy: The clinical & 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.  

What do music therapists do?​ 

Assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses. 

Design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using various musical interventions. 

Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.​ 

 

Music therapy interventions for mental health can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals: 

Develop healthy coping skills 

Identify/express/explore emotions 

Process trauma 

Improve depressive symptoms 

Decrease anxiety/agitation 

Promote relaxation 

Promote positive thinking/self-esteem 

Develop sense of belonging/community 

Promote positive social interaction/group cohesion 

Address loneliness, grief, loss and stigma that persist despite treatment 

Develop independence/decision-making skills 

Manage stress 

Promote wellness 

“Music therapists use music to accomplish non-musical goals.” 

There are four main approaches: 

Receptive 

Music listening 

Song discussion/lyric analysis 

Music-assisted relaxation/progressive muscle relaxation 

Can also include music for sleep 

Movement & music 

Bonny Method of Guided Imagery & Music (requires post-graduate training) 

Re-creative 

Instrument instruction 

Instrument playing 

Sing-along 

Recording sessions 

Compositional 

Therapeutic songwriting (multiple methods) 

Improvisational  

Instrumental/vocal improvisation 

Drum circle/instrumental circle (groups) 

The Christian life has music interwoven into its fabric. We use it to worship God. We are instructed to sing. It should not be surprising then to learn that music has the potential to benefit the mind and emotion. In this episode, music therapist Nick Lanz gives us tips on how to use music therapeutically. 

Show notes: 

Music Therapy: The clinical & 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.  

What do music therapists do?​ 

Assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses. 

Design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using various musical interventions. 

Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.​ 

 

Music therapy interventions for mental health can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals: 

Develop healthy coping skills 

Identify/express/explore emotions 

Process trauma 

Improve depressive symptoms 

Decrease anxiety/agitation 

Promote relaxation 

Promote positive thinking/self-esteem 

Develop sense of belonging/community 

Promote positive social interaction/group cohesion 

Address loneliness, grief, loss and stigma that persist despite treatment 

Develop independence/decision-making skills 

Manage stress 

Promote wellness 

“Music therapists use music to accomplish non-musical goals.” 

There are four main approaches: 

Receptive 

Music listening 

Song discussion/lyric analysis 

Music-assisted relaxation/progressive muscle relaxation 

Can also include music for sleep 

Movement & music 

Bonny Method of Guided Imagery & Music (requires post-graduate training) 

Re-creative 

Instrument instruction 

Instrument playing 

Sing-along 

Recording sessions 

Compositional 

Therapeutic songwriting (multiple methods) 

Improvisational  

Instrumental/vocal improvisation 

Drum circle/instrumental circle (groups)