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What Is Music Therapy, and What Is it Used for?

a person with headphones explores What is music therapy

In addition to psychotherapy and medication, many effective rehab programs use various methods to support your recovery. These methods work together with your primary treatment options. They help you reach your overall goal of getting and staying sober. Today, some high-quality rehab centers offer a music therapy program. Programs of this type can potentially benefit your recovery in multiple ways.

Northpoint Colorado helps you heal with music. Through effective planning and therapy sessions, you can learn the skills for sobriety and build meaningful connections with the rhythm of life. Learn more about your options for music therapy by calling 888.231.1281 today.

What Is Music Therapy?

Music therapy belongs to a group of rehab options known as complementary and alternative treatments. These treatments do not replace psychotherapy or medication. Instead, they support and extend the benefits of medication and psychotherapy.

A music therapy program may offer various options to further this important goal. Examples of these options include things such as:

  • Composing your own music
  • Improvising your own music
  • Singing songs with other participants
  • Analyzing a song’s structure or lyrics
  • Playing musical games
  • Combining music with some form of movement
  • Learning how to play an instrument

How do these activities qualify as therapy? First, they take place in a structured setting under the guidance of a trained therapist. Just as importantly, the focus is not on becoming a music expert or a good musician. Instead, the focus is on expressing yourself through music. When guided effectively, this self-expression can have a positive, therapeutic effect on your well-being.

What Is Music Therapy Used For?

Music therapists may work with several different groups of people. One such group is people affected by a substance use disorder (SUD).

Music therapy also helps people affected by significant trauma. In this way, it also increases its potential benefit for anyone affected by a SUD. Why? Many people with drug or alcohol problems have a history of major trauma. The lingering effects of trauma may be a factor in the development of substance problems. They may also maintain an existing pattern of abuse or addiction.

Finally, music therapy can help people with mental health issues unrelated to substance use. Issues of this kind often occur in combination with a SUD. Unless you receive treatment, they can make your SUD symptoms worse. They can also make it much harder for you to reach your sobriety goals.

Benefits of Music Therapy

Music therapy is an evidence-based treatment. Evidence-based means that substantial scientific evidence supports its usefulness. For people with SUDs, known benefits of this therapy include lowering your levels of:

  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Anger

Music therapy can also help you improve your self-esteem and self-awareness. In addition, it can increase your willingness to play an active role in your recovery. Finally, it may also help fortify the everyday coping skills that support your ongoing sobriety.

No specific music therapy option provides a more significant maximum benefit than any other. However, not everyone will respond equally well to a given option. For this reason, customization of your therapy is crucial.

What Is Music Therapy? Learn More at Northpoint Colorado

Have further questions about music therapy? Talk to the professionals at Northpoint Colorado. We’re standing by with the answers you need to understand what music therapy is used for.

Northpoint Colorado also features a comprehensive music therapy program. You can participate in this program as part of your overall recovery plan. In all cases, our team of recovery specialists will fully customize your therapy to your needs and preferences. That’s just one aspect of our enduring commitment to effective treatment. To learn more, call us today at 888.231.1281 or fill out our online message form.