Page 18 - Joshua's Journal

Healing Through Music By Dr. Glenda F. Hodges Gray skies are going to clear up, put on a happy face…. healing modality. Music therapy is the clinical and So, just put on a happy face! (de, dop, de, do, wah, evidence-based use of music interventions to accom- woooo) Have you ever felt really down? Have you plish individualized goals within a therapeutic relation- sung a song or merely hummed a few bars of your ship by a credentialed professional who has completed favorite tune which started to make you feel better? an approved music therapy program. Simply stated, According to Dr. Deforia Lane, Director of Music it is the use of music to promote feelings of healing Therapy at University Hospitals of Cleveland and or wellness. Although not always scientifically recog- a world renowned music therapist, music, faith and nized, music therapy is an established health service healing are dynamic partners in healthcare. While similar to occupational therapy and physical therapy only 74 schools in the United States offer a Bachelor and consists of using music to address physical, psycho- of Arts degree in music therapy, Seattle Pacific Uni- logical, cognitive and/or social functioning for patients versity’s program in Seattle, Washington, is illustrative. of all ages. Considered a powerful and non-invasive Students graduating from this program receive practical medium, music therapy has proven to be extremely guidelines in music therapy that are research based, effective for patients of all ages with disabilities. It goal oriented and extremely useful in the areas of is also used to address illnesses related to respiration, psychological and behavioral therapy. chronic pain, physical rehabilitation, diabetes, head- aches, cardiac conditions, surgery, obstetrics and many What is Music Therapy? other disorders. Because music is a form of sensory Clipart stock Many persons have no idea or understanding of music responses brought on by the familiarity, predictability stimulation, research indicates that it provokes positive therapy. Further, they are reluctant to accept it as a and feelings of security associated with it. 16 • Joshua’s Journal • Winter 2014 16 • Joshua’s Journal • Winter 2014