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Writer's pictureSouthwestern Music Therapy

What to Expect in a Music Therapy Session

Updated: Nov 25, 2022

What exactly happens in music therapy sessions is a question that many people ask when they first consider the help of a music therapist. People have always been curious about what happens in therapy sessions and wonder what is involved for everyone invested. Music is very personal and has been used to help people overcome some of life's difficult obstacles, and when used in a therapy setting, can be very powerful.


The first thing that is usually noticed during a therapy session is breathing. During the therapy session, the therapist will hold both sides of the body for a few seconds and make sure that both sides can fully inhale and exhale while remaining still. Next, the therapist will use a series of different methods to help the person to relax, such as deep breathing or visualization techniques. The goal is to help a person learn how to get into a state of relaxation and presence. Drums, Guitar, and piano can be used to create a music experience that is both stimulating and relaxing.


While the patient may be unaware of this, participating musically can actually play an important role during a treatment session. In fact, music can actually help a person overcome emotional problems, experience deeper self-confidence, and share in the positivity of song.


Music is considered a form of art and it is often used as an art form. When a patient is being treated by a therapist, musical participation plays a role of exploration and self-discovery for a patient in a safe and productive way.


The therapist will have different types of music and participating types for different levels of distress. Some therapists will have one type of music for mild distress and others for more severe distress. One therapist may also allow the client to choose which songs are utilized during therapy sessions. However, the patient should realize that the therapist may not agree with their choices, and provide alternatives that go along with the technique.


It is important to know that there are different types of music and participation levels used for different types of treatments. For instance, children who are being treated may need to listen to a calming song in order to be calm. They may also need to listen to a fast song if they are experiencing a fast heartbeat or other physical reactions while participating in a treatment session. Music is also often used in a therapy session as a way to create an environment that encourages a sense of peace and relaxation, as well as connection with the therapist through participating in making music.


When someone is taking part in a music therapy session, it is common for them to focus on the soothing sounds of the music that they are creating. They commonly won’t even realize that they are in a therapy session. It just makes them feel good! Music is often used as a method to help a patient overcome their negative thoughts or feelings, but it can also be used as a form of therapy in other ways, like to promote physical movement or body/spatial awareness.


Music therapy has been proven to help many patients, especially those with mental disorders of all sorts. Many therapists are now beginning to see the potential for using musical participation in therapy sessions in order to help patients overcome the negative thoughts and emotions that are driving their life. If you are considering Music Therapy, get in touch with Southwestern Music Therapy today- now offering virtual consultations and visits for patients across Texas and worldwide.


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