In every music therapy treatment, music is used as a tool to reach nonmusical goals, whether physical, cognitive, emotional, social or spiritual. The techniques used during sessions are based on research and extended collegiate study. Among many possible goals addressed by music therapists might be:
- Increasing memory recall
- Improving motor coordination
- Increasing attention to task
- Improving steadiness of gait
- Improving speech and communication
- Increasing reality-based thinking
- Decreasing anxiety
- Decreasing pain
- Adjusting mood
- Developing bonds among family members
- Increasing coping skills
Watch a 13 minute documentary on the Healing Power of Music here.