Music Therapy

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is a form of creative psychotherapy through the clinical and evidenced use of music. It aims to develop the mental and physical health of every person regardless of age, need and skill. Every person, regardless of their difficulties and abilities, responds to sounds and musical patterns by demonstrating a thorough understanding of the structure and characteristics of music (Bruscia, 1987). Music therapy involves the participation of children and adults within a therapeutic relationship.

Music therapy serves as a means of expression, alleviates anxiety, boosts self-confidence, and helps the child to believe in themselves and their abilities. Every musical outcome is a reminder that effort is rewarded (Habibet et al., 2006).

A music therapy session is tailored to the child's needs, skills, and interests. It includes, among other things:

Creation of music

Music therapy games

Clinical improvisation

Song composition

Singing

Music for relaxation (receptive music)

The music therapist is specially trained to listen to the "musical child", to recognize, facilitate, and support musical communication (Nordoff & Robbins, 1977).

Music therapy helps improve the quality of life for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, learning difficulties, traumatic experiences, anxiety, and depression, among other conditions.

How can music therapy help children on the autism spectrum?

Music therapy has been applied to the autism spectrum since the mid-1940s. It is a proven effective approach that promotes communication, socialization, expression, collaboration, and active participation within a therapeutic relationship. Through music and its fundamental elements, the music therapist designs the session according to the child’s abilities, with specific goals for achievement being implemented.

How does music therapy contribute to a better quality of life?

Music therapy invites the child to listen, play and explore different sounds, choose favorite tunes, sing, and relax. The music therapist initially responds to the child's needs to build a relationship of communication and safety based on the person's interests and psychological condition.

Music Therapy, Child, and Parents!

Our space allows for parental involvement during a music therapy session. When the music therapist, child, and parents collaborate, it creates a unified supportive environment that enhances the child's development on all levels—emotional, social, and cognitive. Additionally, parental participation in music therapy facilitates understanding and addressing the child's needs in a safe and accepting environment, strengthening the family bond and fostering a shared effort.

Co-Therapy: Music Therapy and Speech Therapy Together!

The combination of music therapy and speech therapy represents an innovative approach that merges these two fields for the best possible outcome. Two therapists, the music therapist and the speech therapist, work closely together to provide a comprehensive and multidimensional treatment approach. This collaboration allows for the creation of personalized therapy programs that address each person's specific needs. The music therapist can make sessions more creative and enjoyable, while the speech therapist focuses on developing verbal skills, pronunciation, articulation, and overall communication abilities of the child.

In a therapeutic, creative, and enjoyable setting, within the framework of speech therapy and its corresponding goals, the music therapist will use clinical improvisation and other approaches to contribute: