Individuals with Substance Abuse Problems

Music Therapy with individuals with substance abuse problems serves to address the areas of emotional identity, self-esteem, leisure time skills, group identity, patterns of addiction, and awareness of defense mechanisms.  Music Therapy utilizes the power of music to facilitate recognition of a common identity among clients, and recognition of common beliefs and problems, thereby opening pathways for communication necessary for both group interaction and personal change.  Therapy can be provided in either individual or group settings.

All treatment focuses on:

•  Improving the perception and differentiation of feelings

•  Promoting self-expression and self-awareness

•  Increasing group cohesiveness and peer interaction

•  Enhancing the development of a positive, healthy self-image

•  Facilitating relaxation and stress reduction

The following treatment examples can be applied to either individual or group therapy (other treatment types may apply):

•  Music listening and discussion and lyric analysis facilitates perception of emotions

•  Improvisation to facilitate differentiation and understanding of emotions, and provides the opportunity to make choices, take risks, and develop skills conducive to change in significant areas of life

•  Song choices allow individuals to safely express themselves through projection into the song subject's experiences

•  Songwriting facilitates perception of emotions and encourages interaction among group members and work toward a common goal

•  Guided imagery, music-assisted biofeedback, and autogenic skills training encourage relaxation and stress reduction

•  Music listening and playing addresses effective time management, self-discipline, and promotion of healthy use of leisure time

All treatment provided depend on the individual(s) being served.  For more information on service types provided by Blue Ridge Music Therapy, please visit the Services page.

Other pages of interest:

Music Therapy and Psychological Counseling

Individuals with Mental Health Needs