Evidence based musical interventions reduce stress, enhance well-being, foster communication, and boost feelings of accomplishment. Musical self-expression in substance use disorder treatment has been shown to:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Increase motivation for treatment
- Offer an opportunity to communicate without words
- Allow for expression and connection with others
- Provide emotionally therapeutic support for clients and families
- Improve physical coordination
At Blue Heron Recovery, our music therapy groups participate in drumming, writing lyrics, analyzing sounds, rhythm, and listening to and discussing emotional reactions to music. Everyone can benefit from exploring this form of self-expression where participants enjoy the sense of community and work together as a team. No musical background is required, we use hand drums, guitar, piano and share in the opportunity to be expressive and connect with musical rhythms.
One client recently said, “If I lose my place while drumming, I just pause and wait for the group. Then I find the rhythm and jump back in. It’s like recovery. If I start to lose my way, I just stop, take a breath, find the tempo and rejoin the rhythm of sobriety.”
According to The American Music Therapy Association, music therapy outcomes include:
- Decreased anxiety and agitation
- Reduced muscle tension
- Improved self-image
- Increased self-esteem
- Increased verbalization
- Enhanced interpersonal relationships
- Improved group cohesiveness
- Enhanced self-expression and self-awareness
- Increased motivation
- Improved perception and differentiation of feelings
So when you’re feeling anxious, depressed, disconnected – turn the beat around and experience the healing components of music!
