What is Music Therapy? (The Pros and Cons)
Listening to the right song at the right time can definitely feel like a form of therapy (have you ever yelled the bridge to Cruel Summer on an evening drive with the windows down?)
But did you know there’s a real form of therapy that uses music?
Here at KMA Therapy, we know that beginning your therapy journey involves a lot of research, questions, and decisions.
It’s important for you to choose the best type of therapy for you, so we’re here to give you the answers you’ve been searching for.
After reading this article, you’ll know what music therapy is, its pros and cons, and how to know if it could be the right choice for you.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is when an accredited music therapist uses musical interventions to help you reach your therapeutic goals.
Music therapy can help you enhance your memory, alleviate pain, improve your communication, and manage your stress.
Music therapy is often used for:
- Relaxation
- Stress management
- Anxiety management
- Memory issues, including Alzheimer’s and dementia
What are the Pros of Music Therapy?
Music therapy can be a great way to connect with your emotions, access feelings that were previously blocked, and reach your therapeutic goals.
Anyone can benefit from music therapy - you don’t need to have any previous musical experience or musical “talent” to enjoy music therapy and see positive results.
Music therapy might be a great choice if:
- You’re interested in creative expression
- You’re looking for new ways to regulate your emotions
- You want to reduce your stress levels and explore new relaxation techniques
Music therapy is often highly effective when used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, so you may choose to see a music therapist in addition to seeing a registered psychotherapist.
Many music therapists hold music therapy degrees and psychotherapy degrees. This can be a great combination if you’re looking for both music therapy and psychotherapy at the same time.
The Cons of Music Therapy
While music therapy can have many benefits, it’s not the right choice for everyone.
Music therapy can help you explore new feelings, emotions, and coping mechanisms - but it can also trigger painful or traumatic memories that you weren’t expecting.
Accredited music therapists are not psychotherapists (unless they also have psychotherapy training), so depending on your needs, a music therapist may not be equipped to help you meet your therapy goals.
Music therapy may not be the right choice for you if:
- Your insurance only covers registered therapists or psychological services
- You have complex mental health needs that require a licensed therapist
- You’re easily overstimulated by sounds or songs
Alternatives to Music Therapy
After learning about the pros and cons of music therapy, you might be interested in learning about some alternatives.
Alternatives to music therapy include:
- Existential therapy - a flexible form of therapy that allows for creative thinking within a traditional therapy structure
- Seeing a music therapist who is also a registered psychotherapist to ensure your needs are appropriately addressed
- Psychodynamic therapy - a form of therapy that allows you to process past experiences through a therapeutic lens and create a plan to move forward
Next Steps for Beginning Therapy
After reading this article, you know about the pros and cons of music therapy, and how to decide if it could be the right choice for you.
Here at KMA Therapy, we’re here to help you find the best treatment plan for you - whether it’s with us or with any of the other talented mental health professionals here in the GTA.
Register online to learn more about what therapy at KMA could look like for you, or download our Therapy 101 Guide for an extensive walk-through of therapy.
If you’d prefer to keep reading, we’ve chosen these articles for you:
- What is Existential Therapy? (The Pros and Cons)
- What to Expect in Your First Therapy Appointment
- How to Find a Therapist in Toronto
About the Author
Emily Weatherhead has a Masters in Community Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University, where her research focused on improving post-secondary student mental health. She is passionate about finding new ways to make mental health research more accessible and break down the barriers that prevent people from receiving mental health care.
