Music Therapy at TriStar Centennial Medical Center
TriStar Centennial Medical Center provides the service of Music Therapy as a part of patients’ treatment and care.
What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is an established health service similar to occupational therapy and physical therapy and consists of using music therapeutically to address physical, psychological, cognitive and social needs for patients of all ages. Music Therapy is a clinical profession that uses evidence-based music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. Many research studies highlight the profound benefits Music Therapy can bring to individuals both physically and mentally.
What Can Music Therapy Provide?
Participation in Music Therapy has been shown to help reduce symptoms of:
- Pain
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
In addition, participation in Music Therapy has been shown to improve the following:
- Physical strength
- Endurance
- Heart Rate
- Blood Pressure
- Breathing Rate
- Mood
- Overall wellbeing
With this in mind, no previous musical experience is necessary to receive these documented benefits. By engaging in something new and creative, the very act of participating in Music Therapy Interventions can yield powerful results for patients’ healing and recovery.
Where is Music Therapy Offered?
- The Intensive Outpatient Program of Parthenon Pavilion
- The Neuro ICU of Centennial Medical Tower
- Parthenon Pavilion
- Sarah Cannon Cancer Center
Who are Music Therapists?
Music Therapists use music activities, both instrumental and vocal, that are designed to facilitate changes that are non-musical in nature. For example, Music Therapists use interventions such as music assisted relaxation to serve as a distraction from pain and nausea, song writing and lyric analysis to encourage social interaction and express thoughts and feelings, instrument improvisation to encourage creativity and hope, and instrument use to improve mood, address loneliness, and express emotions.
* To be a Music Therapist, one has to have a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy, complete 1,200 hours of internship experience, and pass the National Board Certification Exam to become a Music Therapist, Board Certified (MT-BC).
This information and more about Music Therapy can be found on the American Music Therapy Association’s website at: www.musictherapy.org.