What is Music Therapy?
The American Music Therapy Association defines Music Therapy as the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.
Music therapy interventions can be designed to:
- Promote Wellness
- Manage Stress
- Alleviate Pain
- Express Feelings
- Enhance Memory
- Improve Communication
- Promote Physical RehabilitationResearch in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings.No musical experience or background required.
Music Therapy is Rooted in the Bible
I Samuel 16:14-23
14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented and troubled him.
15 Saul’s servants said to him, Behold, an evil spirit from God torments you.
16 Let our lord now command your servants here before you to find a man who plays skillfully on the lyre; and when the evil spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.
17 Saul told his servants, Find me a man who plays well and bring him to me.
18 One of the young men said, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who plays skillfully, a valiant man, a man of war, prudent in speech and eloquent, an attractive person; and the Lord is with him.
19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.
20 And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a kid and sent them by David his son to Saul.
21 And David came to Saul and served him. Saul became very fond of him, and he became his armor-bearer.
22 Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David remain in my service, for he pleases me.
23 And when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, David took a lyre and played it; so Saul was refreshed and became well, and the evil spirit left him.
Only work with Master’s prepared, board-certified music therapists:
ReSOUNDing Peace Life Group
Music Therapy HealthRHYTHMS (group empowerment drumming)
7 Scientific Evidence-Based Elements of Music Therapy HealthRHYTHMS (group empowerment drumming):
1. Stress-Reduction and Strengthens Immune System
HealthRHYTHMS strengthened the immune system by increasing Natural Killer (NK) cell activity. (Bittman, Alternative Therapies, 2001) This protocol also reversed multiple components of the human stress response on the genomic level, not just reducing but reversing 19 genetic switches that turn on the stress response believed responsible in the development of common diseases. (Bittman, Medical Science Monitor, 2005)
2. Exercise
Drumming is an accessible exercise which burns calories and improves mood and may reduce the risk of disease. A Norwegian study of 25,000 women age 20-54 that performed leisure time exercises at least 4 hours/week experienced a 37% reduction in the risk of breast cancer. (Thune, Brenn, Lund, Gaard, 1997)
3. Self-Expression
HealthRHYTHMS empowers people to move beyond their perceived boundaries.
4. Camaraderie/Support
A 1992 Duke University Study linked lengthened lifespan with having a close confidant. HealthRHYTHMS protocol builds camaraderie and support by creating a safe space where people feel comfortable sharing and offering support.
5. Nurturing
HealthRHYTHMS protocol creates a level playing field where support of growth and development is encouraged. As equal partners in this process participants often discover inner strength and encouragement by those sharing the experience.
6. Spirituality
HealthRHYTHMS is a group hand-drumming protocol. According to Jan Gregory, Adjunct Professor of Liturgy, Worship and Spirituality at Hartford Seminary, “Hand drumming is an ancient art that has been used in many cultures. The music of drums creates a conduit to the Divine. This is an opportunity to experience worship with our bodies as well as our minds”. One participant shared that “Drum therapy is an experience much like worship. People are gathered to learn how to be in sync with each other, to adjust to the crazy rhythms of life, to reflect on their emotions and experiences together. The therapy sessions provide imaginative experiences to remove us as participants, from the daily grind, which brings us into the presence of God.”
7. Music-Making
Systematic inquiry into the relationship between music and brain function is one of the most rapidly developing fields of human research. “Music making offers extensive exercise for brain cells and their synapses (connections). It would be difficult to find another activity that engages so many of the brain’s systems.”(Weinberger, N., 1998)
Other evidence-based benefits include:
-Improves mood states
-Reduces burnout
-Inspires creativity
ReSOUNDing Peace Life Group
About Natasha
I am a Master’s prepared board-certified music therapist and am passionate about helping people who are overwhelmed with stress and anxiety learn and understand how to implement specific scientifically-proven tools and techniques, all within a foundation that is grounded and aligned with God’s Word. I am married to an amazing musician and man of God. I grew up an Army brat, but call Tennessee home. I love writing, traveling, nature (especially sunshine!), and am learning how to become who God has created me to be.
Also joining us for this Life Group will be a very special guest, my dear friend, and truly anointed and appointed woman of God, Shantel Belcher.
About Shantel
I have a Master’s Degree in Applied Clinical Psychology, a particular field of psychology that only studies theories and practices that have been proven to work through research. While I was sitting in one of these classes about eight years ago God revealed to me that whatever has been proven to work statistically was not created by man, but was created by God. Research tells us that we can overcome anxiety by giving up control, by changing our thoughts, and by changing what we do in response to life stressors. The Wonderful Counselor already knew that and gave us the tools we need in the Bible. I hope to share these insights with you throughout the next six weeks. I’m so thrilled that Natasha invited me to come on board for this life group! I was born and raised in Thermopolis, Wyoming and have since lived in Texas, South Carolina, and Tennessee (which I love!). I have a wonderful husband and adorable one year old named Eli.