Individual Therapy - The
needs of the individual vary greatly from session to session as well as
throughout each session, therefore instrumental improvisation is utilized a
great deal. This takes away the pressure of saying the "right thing"
as well as redirects the mental focus back to the reality of the instruments
the individual is playing. Over time, the therapist will incorporate
discussion of the musical relationships between the client and therapist in
order to reinforce understanding of social relationships. Song
writing, lyric analysis, and public performance are also used to reinforce
reality orientation and the appropriate social skills worked on during
therapy.
Small Group
- A lyric analysis and song writing based group focuses on the emotional
reality of what a song writer was thinking when a song was written, how the
song affects each individual, how the individual group members respond to
each others' responses to the songs, and the group's ability to work
together effectively to create a unified piece of music.
Small Group Jam Sessions - Organized in the format of
a small jazz ensemble or rock band, the members are encouraged to explore a
variety of instruments such as electric guitars, bass guitars, drum sets and
pianos to create a cohesive ensemble sound. Work may or may not lead
to public performances. Goals of these jam sessions include
appropriate social interactions, learning appropriate leadership skills,
group cohesiveness, and reality orientation.
Adjunct Treatment Modality - Music Therapy can also be
utilized by other types of therapy professions to increase an client's
responsiveness and willingness to participate in treatment. It can be
utilized as a co-treatment (i.e., psychology and music therapy working
together on an equal plane) or as a supplementary treatment (i.e.,
psychology is the lead in treatment while music therapy provides support for
psychology's goals).
