What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic modality that uses musical interventions to address individual physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. It can only be offered by a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC).
At its core, music therapy is a reflexive practice, demanding the MT-BC to continually bring into awareness, then evaluate, and when necessary, modify one’s work with a client (WMF student). Therefore, MT-BCs can provide a healing space for individuals to be involved with their own therapeutic processes, thus allowing them to articulate their understanding of their own illness, disability, and needs, as well as identify and modify their personal goals for therapy. This sets music therapy apart from other (equally important) modalities of therapeutic intervention, and towards a dynamic process of therapist/client collaboration. One in which problems, interventions, objectives, and goals are identified based on working together rather than a hierarchical structure wherein clients are “prescribed.”
Why music therapy works for the military population.
Music therapy reveals close parallels to the military’s “Warrior Ethos,” which prioritizes discipline, remains mission-centered, and emphasizes teamwork. Though now, within WMF’s music therapy space, the “team” is comprised of the MT-BC and client (and if appropriate, their family/loved ones), and the mission is music; whether that’s learning an instrument—which demands discipline; performing a song—which requires courage; or writing an original song—completing a mission, to name a few examples. These experiential intersections between the military ethos and music uniquely positions music therapy as an effective modality for addressing the mental health needs of military-connected individuals.
Other types of music therapy we offer.
Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)
Deeply-rooted in neuroscience, Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT), uses various musical elements--such as rhythm, melody, tempo, and breathwork—to stimulate neural pathways and recover/maintain cognitive, sensory, and motor function(s) lost to neurological injury or disease. WMF has several MT-BCs on staff who are certified in NMT.
Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BGIM)
The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BGIM) is a music-centered therapeutic process that uses evidence-based, curated programs of classical music designed to access the human psyche and lead to self-actualization and healing. When used as a therapeutic tool, GIM can lead to transformative uncovering(s) of suppressed emotional responses and stimulate creative insights. GIM allows individuals to explore, experience, and resolve their personal needs, relationships, and life challenges. WMF has one MT-BC on staff who is an active Advanced Trainee of GIM, receiving supervision through the Appalachian Institute.