Category Archives: Research

This article states that music can support clients therapeutically to combat their addiction as well as spark cravings for substances. “This article describes such a music therapy program tailored to clients with addiction problems, to tackle some of their major difficulties and specific impairments,” (Dijkstra & Hakvoort, 2004). It is also worth noting that music is an extremely powerful tool, and is as helpful or harmful to someone’s recovery. “It touches feelings of longing, craving, pain, pleasure,…and shows their coping strategies, (Dijkstra & Hakvoort, 2004).  This article states that The Dutch Health Care Council reports addiction as an almost chronic illness of bio-psycho-social etiology. This theory combines one’s biology, psychology,…

We should not assume that all children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are non-verbal.  Some do have verbal skills and are considered “high functioning,” a term used to give further definition to the individual’s overall ability to function.  I have found in my practice, that even if they have some verbal skills, it does not automatically mean they are “high functioning,” but that is a discussion for another day. What this study wanted to explore is what do music therapists think that work with these children perceive as to how the music functions?  What is the music’s probability to work therapeutically?  As with any qualitative study, the researcher often…

Depression is a common problem that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. “Music therapy has been used in a range of ways to treat depression… approaches can be active or receptive,” (Maratos, A., Gold, C., Wang, X., & Crawford, M., 2008). Music therapy can be provided in an engaging or relaxing manner and can have an effect on mood and spark self expression when it may be difficult to express feelings. In this study, it stated that music can help reduce stress, sooth pain, and energize the body. It can also provide others with insight to one’s relational and emotional problems throughout talking about musical dialogue.  The objectives within…

This is my first blog about internships.  As the internship director for our company, this topic has been on my mind as of late because I am working to complete the necessary paperwork for Central Ohio Music Therapy, LLC to become a National Roster Internship site for the American Music Therapy Association.  Knowing that good experiences and education can provide keys to success, this mixed methods study sounded interesting when I went to look for resources recently. I will say that understanding how undergraduates view the internship process was not something I had thought about before.  Internships can vary in length depending on the facility or company hosting the internship. …

This study took place by the geriatric department in Lanspitali University Hospital in Reykjavik, Iceland. Researchers found that a majority of people living with Alzheimer’s disease show many episodic behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, such as agitation and restlessness. This can lead to decreased wellbeing in patients, decreased quality of life, and an increase of heavy burden on the caregivers, (Scansdottir & Snaedal, 2006). These symptoms can determine the difference in one’s life as to where they live; at home, in a nursing facility, or an institution.  Treatment to these symptoms are mostly pharmacological, which can include but are not limited to sedatives, neuroleptics, or antidepressants. This use of…

For many music therapists, research is a lifeline and an incredible tool with which we expand our personal knowledge and educate others in and out of our field, including client families. Throughout previous and current research, the language used amongst researchers has come to the forefront of Metell’s mind. In this article, Metell describes in great detail the discrepancies between language used in research as compared to language used in person with families and clients.  Although there are moments of uncertainty, unfamiliarity, and discomfort, Metell respects these dissonant emotions through full awareness and identification of their biased social context.  Discourse as a social system gives production to knowledge and meaning…

Back in May 2019, I wrote about a research study called “Music Improves Social Communication and Auditory-Motor Connectivity with Children with Autism” (Sharda, M, et al., 2018).  That study looked at roughly 51 children in which half of them received music therapy and the other half received non-music based therapy and focused on how the music affected their socialization skills.  In discussing the results and conclusion, I stated, “Positive results often bleed into improved quality of life issues for the family, who are the main support system and need support in the way of effective therapies.” This post highlights another study, but this one is using electroencephalography, better known as…

Dementia, and its various forms, is a disease that often changes the personality of the individual, which may include agitation, wandering, and other behaviors that are difficult to manage in the home.  Caregivers are challenged to deal with these symptoms and sometimes have to resort to moving their loved one to a facility. Over the years I have worked with individuals diagnosed with various forms of dementia in both home settings and in facilities.  Music therapy has proven over and over to be a positive form of therapy that can redirect unpleasant behaviors and give caregivers an opportunity to share a special time with their loved one. Researchers piloted a…