Music therapy uses music and sound to help express emotions and improve emotional and physical well being.
Music therapy can help you to:
express your emotions
cope with symptoms of a disease and its treatment
relax and feel comfortable
improve your emotional and physical well being
develop self confidence and self esteem
develop or rekindle a sense of creativity
You don’t need to be musically talented to get something out of music therapy. It isn’t about learning to sing, or play an instrument.
In a music therapy session, you might:
listen to music
move to music
sing
make music with simple instruments
write and discuss song lyrics
use guided imagery alongside music
Music therapists work alongside other healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, speech therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists.
They may work with adults and children who have:
symptoms caused by physical illness or mental illness
side effects from cancer and its treatment
a terminal illness such as cancer
There are more than 600 registered music therapists in the UK. They work in various places, including NHS hospitals, hospices and nursing homes.
Why people with cancer use music therapy
One of the main reasons people with cancer use music therapy is because it makes them feel good.
Many of us know how calming and relaxing it can be to listen to a favourite piece of music. It can help people with cancer to cope with side effects such as:
pain
anxiety
depression
sickness
Music therapy can be a safe place for people to explore fear, anxiety, anger and the range of emotional responses to living with cancer.
Some studies show that music therapy can help children with cancer to cope by encouraging them to cooperate and communicate.
What music therapy involves
You work with your music therapist to plan a programme that suits your needs. You decide together how often you should have the therapy and how long each session will be.
Music therapy sessions usually last between 30 to 60 minutes. Your therapist might encourage you to play or listen to music at home between sessions.
You might have regular therapy for weeks or months. You may want to see your therapist on your own, or take part in group music therapy sessions.
Your relationship with your music therapist is very important. If you don’t feel comfortable with anything your therapist is doing, do talk to them about it.
Research into music therapy in cancer care
Music therapy cannot cure, treat or prevent any type of disease, including cancer. But some research shows that music therapy can help people with cancer reduce their anxiety. It can also help to improve quality of life and reduce symptoms and side effects.
We don’t yet know about all the ways music can affect the body. But we do know that when music therapy is used in the right way for each person, it can help them to feel better. To learn more about its full benefits, we need larger trials across a wider range of cancers.
About our information Terms & Conditions Privacy Modern Slavery Statement Cookies Accessibility Sitemap
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666) and the Isle of Man (1103). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: Angel Building, 407 St John Street, London EC1V 4AD.
SOURCE: General cancer information
Facebook Page: Music Psychology Research