PTSD often makes news headlines and is a problem that presents for individuals who have suffered from trauma. Some of these individuals may have trouble verbally expressing their feelings because of how painful the traumatic experiences were. Could music therapy be an effective way to help cope with the symptoms of PTSD?
In the study, “Group Music Therapy for Patients with Persistent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial with Mixed Methods Evaluation”, Carr et al. compare music therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in this pilot (or first time) study. In this randomized control trial study, participants received weekly groups of music therapy for ten weeks and interviews, notes, and video were taken in order to determine if music therapy was effective. During the music therapy session, participants were encouraged to improvise on easy to play instruments (such as xylophones, maracas, drums, etc.) and guitars/pianos were available as well. The music therapists responded to the participants’ improvisation by imitating, matching, or enriching the music in order to strengthen the emotions expressed by the participants.
There was an opportunity to discuss thoughts and feelings from the musical experience, but was not required. The music therapists aimed to create a safe environment, increase independence and confidence, alleviate PTSD symptoms, and encourage communication through instrumental improvisation.
The researchers found that music therapy was particularly successful with the symptom of avoidance by providing an opportunity for grounding through music. Participating in music provided an opportunity to engage in appropriate arousal stimulation and participants reported improved mood after sessions. Participants reported that the music helped them focus and helped them feel safe and calm. Music was also a way for participants to be social without having to speak that much. More effective treatments, like music therapy, are needed to treat these individuals and help them when they experience anxiety, flashbacks, stress, etc. For more information on how music therapy can help you or your family, please visit www.musictherapy.org or continue to visit our website.
By Jessica Fletcher, MM, MT-BC
Carr, C., D’Ardenne, P., Sloboda, A., Scott, C., Wang, D., & Price, S. (2011). Group Music Therapy for Patients with Persistent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder-An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial with Mixed Methods Evaluation. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice, 1–24.