Music has been used as a tool for healing throughout history. Music therapy uses the natural mood-enhancing properties of music to help improve mental health and overall well-being. The psychological impacts of music are powerful and far-reaching, and a music therapy program has become renowned as a highly effective treatment for numerous mental health disorders and addiction treatment.
The music therapy program at Westwind Recovery® allows clients to have a hands-on experience creating, mixing, and recording songs on studio-level recording equipment. Whether you are an amateur or professional musician or a complete novice who just loves music, the benefits of our music therapy program are resounding. To learn more about how music therapy can be part of your comprehensive treatment at Westwind Recovery®.
What Is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is the evidence-based clinical use of music to achieve therapeutic goals. It is administered by a credentialed music therapist and is well-established as an effective therapy for a wide range of applications, including the treatment of addiction and mental health disorders. Music therapy can include singing, playing instruments, composing, or just listening to music. Individuals do not need musical talents or skills to receive the benefits of a music therapy program.
Formal music therapy was developed and implemented by the United States War Department in 1945 to help wounded service members during recuperation. Since then, it has been used in countless therapeutic milieus. Music therapy influences an individual’s emotional, spiritual, psychological, physical, social, and cognitive well-being. Among the many benefits of music therapy are the following:
- Improved communication and social skills through experiencing music with others
- Development of coping skills to manage thoughts and feelings
- Self-reflection and self-regulation
- Increased motivation and happiness
- Decreased blood pressure
- Pain management
- Improved memory
Music therapy is a powerful intervention for helping individuals manage stress and reduce the symptoms of depression. To learn more about how the music therapy program at Westwind Recovery® can benefit you, contact us.
What Happens During Music Therapy?
A professional music therapist at Westwind Recovery® will spend time getting to know you and your music preferences. Together you will identify your needs, strengths, and goals for therapy. Your therapist will design appropriate music therapy sessions to meet those goals. Sessions might include:
- Singing and dancing
- Learning to play an instrument
- Writing lyrics and composing music
- Talking about the emotions music evokes
- Breathing exercises or meditation to music
- Recording your songs
Music triggers activity in the parts of the brain that release dopamine, the body’s natural pleasure chemical, which is a significant part of why people enjoy music so much. Therapeutically, music reduces the stress, anxiety, and pain associated with trauma. Research has shown that music therapy can increase self-awareness and strengthen coping skills for individuals with substance use disorders.
Developing Healthy Coping Skills at Westwind Recovery®
The power of music to entertain is universal. When used therapeutically, music can provide a wide range of coping skills such as breathing techniques, relaxation, distraction, and emotional expression. Practicing these strategies in music therapy enables them to be utilized effectively when a crisis arises.
At Westwind Recovery®, we believe the key to keeping clients on the path of recovery is to make recovery fun and vibrant. We offer many holistic and experiential therapies to supplement our evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment programs. Along with our music therapy program, we offer the following:
- Adventure therapy program
- Art therapy program
- Family therapy
- Virtual reality meditation therapy
- Life skills training
At Westwind Recovery®, clients can expect private, individualized, resort-style treatment. Respect and dignity are cornerstones of all of our addiction treatment programs. Recovery from addiction begins with the decision to seek treatment. If you have made that decision, contact Westwind Recovery® online or call to learn how we can help.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
