Co-therapy: Music Therapy & Speech and Language Therapy TOGETHER!

What is co-therapy?

The combination of music therapy and speech and language therapy represents an innovative method that unites these two fields for the best possible result. Two therapists, the music therapist and the speech and language therapist, work closely together to provide a comprehensive and multidimensional approach to therapy. This collaboration allows for the creation of personalized treatment programs that meet the specific needs of each individual.

Speech and language therapy is the scientific branch that deals with difficulties brought by the spoken and written language. It deals with communication, speech, speech, voice, chewing and swallowing disorders in people of all ages.

The music therapist can be used to make the sessions more creative thereby enhancing the individual's motivation to cope with new mental or cognitive skills with a positive attitude, while the speech therapist focuses on the development of verbal skills, pronunciation, articulation and general communication skills of the individual in the expressive domain and social interaction.

Within a therapeutic, creative and pleasant context, in the context of speech therapy and the corresponding goals, the music therapist will use clinical improvisation and other approaches which will contribute:

In the development of phonological awareness

Improve articulation

In the development of vocal, verbal and social communication

In supporting the body in producing voice and rhythmic movements

To reproduce spoken words and short phrases

In social and emotional relationships

With this approach, individuals can enjoy a more holistic therapeutic experience that not only helps them improve their language skills, but also develop their love of music, express themselves and embrace their potential!

'Music can be especially promising for children who have language difficulties and therefore much room for improvement'(Swaminathan & Schellenberg, 2020, p. 2345).

The close relationship between music and language strengthens the collaboration of these two therapies. Music and language share many structural similarities, which allows for their simultaneous development during therapy.

What are the Similarities Between Music and Language:

1

Music and language are universal and specific to humans.

Both are omnipresent in human societies and play a significant role in communication and the expression of emotions. Through music and language, people manage to connect, communicate, and share emotional and spiritual states in unique and rich ways.

2

Both have characteristics such as pitch, timbre, duration, tone color, and dynamics. Specifically:

Pitch and Timbre

Pitch and timbre of the voice are two key characteristics that influence verbal communication. Therapists use these musical elements to enhance the perception of sounds and help individuals distinguish different vocal notes and emotional nuances. Through music, they learn to recognize and reproduce different vocal pitches and timbres, which can lead to improved communication skills.

Duration

Timbres and dynamics (such as loudness and power of sound) are factors that influence emotional response and speech comprehension. Through music, therapists help individuals recognize and use different timbres and dynamics to enhance the expression and understanding of their feelings and intentions.

Timbres and Dynamics

3

Rhythm is probably the most important property common to music, speech, and language. Specifically:

Rhythm is such a powerful part of spoken communication that some cultures may use rhythmic drums as a substitute for speech. Rhythmic structure can help children with autism and ADHD maintain attention to rhythms associated with speech. Some researchers support speech improvement after music therapy intervention with music therapy and rhythmic activities focusing on more general sensory integration (Bharathi et al., 2019). As music therapist and sensory integration expert Dorita S. Berger writes: “Any rhythmic musical work that involves physical participation can help internalize rhythm. A focus on drumming and rhythmic movement is highly recommended” (Berger, 2002, pp. 155-156).

Co-therapy: Music Therapy & Speech and Language Therapy TOGETHER!

What is co-therapy?

In the development of phonological awareness

Improve articulation

In the development of vocal, verbal and social communication

In supporting the body in producing voice and rhythmic movements

To reproduce spoken words and short phrases

In social and emotional relationships

What are the Similarities Between Music and Language:

1

Music and language are universal and specific to humans.

2

Both have characteristics such as pitch, timbre, duration, tone color, and dynamics. Specifically:

Pitch and Timbre

Duration

Timbres and Dynamics

3

Rhythm is probably the most important property common to music, speech, and language. Specifically:

What are the indicative ways of support?

1

Making music can develop rhythmic skills in interaction, such as early communication skills such as role-switching, joint attention, or simply engaging in rhythmic movement.

2

3

Music therapy techniques such as:

Oral Motor and Respiratory Exercises- MORE

Melodic Intonation Therapy- MIT

Therapeutic Singing -TS

Musical Speech Stimulation-MST

Rhythmic Speech Cueing-RSC

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Hours Of Operation

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