Music Therapy
Natural Solutions in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch



Learn about the natural health benefits of Music Therapy & find an Music Therapy practitioner/clinic in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to assist you further within New Zealand.

MUSIC THERAPY FACTFILE

Fact:  The idea of music as a healing influence is at least as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato.
Founded:
The first music therapy degree program was founded in 1944 (Michigan).  The American Music Therapy Association was founded in 1998.
Therapy Type:
  Mind-Body


WHAT EXACTLY IS MUSIC THERAPY?

Music therapy is used as an interactive tool to encourage and foster an individual’s creative strength.  The therapy supports an individual within their healing process, once the intellectual, emotional, social or physical neMusic Therapy | The Wellness Directoryeds have been recognized.

Music therapists can work with individuals and groups of all ages and in a wide range of situations.  The unique qualities that a music therapist shares with their clients, can support and enable an individual to promote change within their life, encourage healing, aid learning and is created to meet the clients’ individual needs.  Group work can consist of children, the elderly and families. It is often utilized and is valuable in aiding memory, imagination, supporting and building upon communication skills and in addition within developing an individuals’ spiritual and cultural individuality, amongst numerous other benefits, which people find deeply enriching and life altering.

Music therapy sessions are tailored to the individual needs, so each individual’s plan of treatment is different and music is chosen based upon that individuals plan.  Music is often used by people for reducing stress, either through listening for relaxation or by creating their own music through playing an instrument.  Music therapy can also be used to assist a woman throughout labor and delivery.



IS MUSIC THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?

Music Therapy may alleviate the following physical and mental conditions:

  • Addictions                      
  • ADD/ADHD                      
  • Alzheimer’s Dementia                  
  • Anxiety                      
  • Autism                        
  • Blood Pressure                  
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome          
  • Chronic Pain Relief              
  • Cystic Fibrosis                  
  • Depression                      
  • Fibromyalgia      
  • Grief/Loss                      
  • Headaches/Migraines                      
  • Immune System Disorders                  
  • Infant Development Problems                  
  • Insomnia                  
  • Mental Performance Issues
  • Nausea
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • PMS Relief  
  • Post Surgery/General Pain
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Stress – Mental/Physical
  • Tinnitus
  • Vomiting


WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MUSIC THERAPY SESSIONS

At the initial assessment, the therapist is able to recommend a treatment plan and assess how often and how many you need by evaluating your cognitive, psychological, physical, behavioral, linguistic and musical capabilities.  The length of the first session varies from sixty minutes, usually for adults and seniors, to thirty minutes, which is usual for younger adults.

When creating a treatment plan the therapist works alongside the client when choosing any music and the musical exercises within the treatment.  Each session can consist of a wide variety of musical tools, such as; guitars, pianos and keyboards, percussion exercises, songs to sing along with, to focusing on dance, movement and pre recorded CD’s and tapes.  The key to the session is to establish an atmosphere that is enjoyable and comfortable and encourages self-expression and participation, as this is the fundamental part of the music therapy sessions.

Music therapists are trained to be sensitive to clients' needs and responses and adjust sessions accordingly.  For example, if a client really enjoys or responds to a particular segment, the therapist may continue that activity.

Music therapy can be participated in through one-to-one sessions or a group dynamic.  Within a group setting each person has their individual needs met and has the added support network of the other members of the group.  Whereas one-to-one sessions concentrates upon your individual needs, on a deeper level.


FINDING A QUALIFIED MUSIC THERAPIST

Most people find Music Therapy relaxing and stress relieving.  It is also extremely effective when carried out by a qualified therapist.  It is wise to carry out some research and select a therapist who is either a member of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as Music Therapy New Zealand (MThNZ).  Music therapists are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment.  These regulations also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional upskilling.

The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified Music Therapy Practitioners within your region.  We fully encourage you to do some independent research by checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client feedback and so forth.


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