Music therapy: 7 types and how they help

What is music therapy?

Music is all around us and we are exposed to it daily. It’s something that begins in the womb, as early as the last trimester of pregnancy, and is known to be an excellent outlet for expressing one's emotions later on.

Music therapy is the use of music by a trained music therapist to work towards personal goals. It suits people of all ages, from very young children to older adults, with any level of musical experience.

People use it to express emotions, feel calmer, connect with others and build confidence. Many say it helps with things that are hard to put into words.

Overall benefits of music for therapy

Music has been used for centuries to help people through difficult times. It can be highly personal, which makes it suitable at any age.

Engaging with music activates regions of the brain linked to memory, emotions, mood, movement and reward, and in a group it meets social needs too. People often say it helps them relax, feel less stressed and sleep better. Playing an instrument or singing can also bring a real sense of accomplishment and confidence.

Types of music therapy

Whether it’s relaxing music to help someone unwind or calming music to help a baby sleep, music therapy comes in many forms:

Analytical music therapy

involves having a conversation with your therapist via an improvised musical piece; this provides insight into unconscious thoughts which can be reflected upon afterward.

Benenzon music therapy

Combining ideas from psychoanalysis and music, Benenzon music therapy is a process that focuses on making music. Benenzon involves discovering your "musical sound identity," which are the external sounds that closely reflect your inner emotional state.

Cognitive behavioural music therapy (CBMT)

Cognitive behavioural music therapy (CBMT) combines ideas from cognitive behavioural therapy with music, to encourage certain behaviours and change others. It is organised rather than spontaneous, and can involve listening to music, dancing, singing or playing an instrument.

Community music therapy

seeks to use music as a way to effect positive change throughout the community. Teamwork is essential and each person must be actively involved for the task to be completed.

Nordoff-Robbins music therapy,

also known as creative therapy, the therapist plays an instrument such as a cymbal or drum while accompanying another instrument. Through improvisation, music allows for the expression of self.

The Bonny technique of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM)

utilises classical music to activate the imagination as part of the therapy. This technique lets you describe the emotions, memories, and images that come to your mind whilst listening to music.

Vocal psychotherapy

involves utilising vocal exercises and other methods to gain insight into one's emotions and impulses. Engaging in this practice is a way to create stronger connections with yourself.

What people use it for

People turn to music for all sorts of reasons. Some of the most common are:

• Low mood. Some people say music lifts their mood, or helps them express feelings they cannot talk about.
• Sleep. Many people listen to music before bed to help body and mind wind down, and some use white noise to block out disruptive sounds.
• Pain and recovery. Some people say music gives them something else to focus on when they are in pain or recovering from an operation.
• Difficult times. People going through serious illness or loss often say music brings comfort, and a way to cope when words run out.

Getting started

Getting started can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) can help you find a qualified music therapist, and your GP or therapist can point you in the right direction. Sessions typically last between 30 and 50 minutes, on a set schedule or as and when you need them. Before your first session, talk to your music therapist about what to expect, so that you feel comfortable.

If you wear a hearing aid or implant, check with your audiologist first. If pain or illness makes moving difficult, ask for a session without movement.

Once you have found a certified music therapist, it is important to discuss your goals and expectations for the therapy. It is also important to be open and honest with your therapist about any concerns or questions you may have. Additionally, it is beneficial to keep an open mind and be willing to try the different activities that your music therapist may suggest.

Music and MindHug

Music remains central to how MindHug thinks about wellbeing. For everyday life, MindHug Zero seamlessly blends personalised wellbeing frequencies with the music you already love, for calm, sleep and focus.

Want to try this with your group? We run sound baths and other wellbeing experiences, in person or online.