How Music Can Heal: An Expert's Perspective

Have you ever felt lousy but your favorite song helped to lift your mood? Music therapists know how powerful music can be; they help patients improve their health.

Music therapy, an evidence-based field of study, uses music to improve patient outcomes. Research shows that music therapy can have an influence over mental and physical health.

“Music is a companion for people on that journey to finding themselves,” says music therapist Zach Fischer. “It is a cost effective and efficient way to help people. It has the ability to transform our mental, emotional and even physical health.”

Music Used for Therapeutic Purposes

Doctors refer certain patients for music therapy, if they may benefit from the treatment. Music therapy may be helpful for people who have been diagnosed with:

• Chronic pain
• Learning disabilities
• Physical disabilities
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Substance use disorder
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Parkinson’s disease
• Dementia

When you meet with a music therapist, they may ask about your music preferences. They’ll determine what treatment you require, based on your diagnosis, considering your musical taste.

During music therapy sessions, patients may:

• Listen to music
• Move to music
• Play musical instruments
• Sing
• Compose songs with the help of the music therapist
• Improvise musically
• Talk about the music that they listen to

How Music Therapy Can Be Healing

Music therapists tailor treatments for individual patients, based on their needs. Over the course of multiple sessions, patients should experience improvements to their health.

Here are 5 benefits to using music as a healing tool. 

1. Connect Us to Our Emotions

Music has a profound impact on our emotional state. Fischer encourages patients to explore how music makes them feel and use it as a pathway to their emotions.

“When individuals are hospitalized or diagnosed with mental illness, they often internalize stereotypes and negative messages associated with their conditions. Music therapy provides a safe space where patients can work together to reveal their authentic experiences, thereby challenging and dismantling these harmful stigmas,” says Zach.

It can help individuals recognize the importance of not isolating themselves during difficult times and seek solace in connecting with others.

2. Enhance Mood and Boost Positivity 

Listening to uplifting and cheerful tunes has been linked to an increase in dopamine levels in the brain, leading to improved mood and a sense of joy. Zach emphasizes, "Incorporating music with a positive tone can create an uplifting environment and foster a sense of hope and optimism in people facing difficult circumstances."

3. Improve Communication and Expression 

For some patients, verbal communication can be challenging, but music provides an alternative means of expression. Fischer points out, "Engaging in music-making activities can improve communication and social skills, especially in individuals with autism or social anxiety disorders."

4. Reduce Anxiety and Create a Soothing Environment 

Studies, including Zach’s research, have shown that music therapy is a powerful tool for reducing anxiety and temporal distortion. Environmental music therapy involves creating a soundscape to soften the harsh edges of clinical spaces. 

5. Cost-Effective and Efficient 

As a therapeutic practice, music has been an integral part of human history. Fischer believes that music therapy is a cost-effective and efficient way to help people on their healing journeys. Unlike conventional therapies, music therapy doesn't require expensive equipment and can be adapted to various environments.

Not everyone needs music therapy, but nearly anyone may benefit from interacting with music. As Zach Fischer aptly puts it, "Music has the innate ability to touch our souls and facilitate healing; all we need to do is open our hearts to its melody."

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Zach Fischer
• To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website. 
• Learn more about our behavioral health services