Musical Theraphy (musicoterapia)

Music therapy is a form of therapy that uses music to address and treat physical, emotional, cognitive, and social issues. Music has been used for healing purposes for thousands of years. It grew popularity after WWI and WWII, when musicians would go to Veterans' hospitals and play for the veterans suffering physical and emotional traumas.

Music therapy works well in people of all ages with health needs as well as developmental or learning disabilities. The client or patient need not possess any particular music abilities in order to benefit from music therapy. There is also no one style of music that is more therapeutic than the rest; the individual's preferences, circumstances, and needs will help the therapist determine the types of music to use.

Music therapy is effective in promoting wellness, managing stress, alleviating pain, improving communication, and promoting physical rehabilitation. It is most commonly used in the case of age-related conditions, substance abuse problems, physical disabilities, and pain. There are different types of music therapy that are used according to the patient's needs. Music therapists assess emotional wellbeing, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses.

They then design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs. Although music therapy sessions will differ depending on the needs of each individual, most techniques include using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music.