next-arrow

Music Therapy: The Sounds of Healing

Music exists outside of language and does not require physical ability. Even without the guidance of a therapist, music is an outlet for those seeking a way to express themselves or hear their feelings reflected back to them in resonant songs.

For all these reasons, music therapy can be an incredibly impactful support treatment for those seeking to improve their mental health. 

At The 72 Fund, we believe in the power of music to express and embody complex emotions, individually or within a group, and believe it is an option for mental healthcare that can be scaled and applied globally. We are committed to expanding access to and awareness of the benefits of music therapy through educational outreach and resources. 

Facts:

  • Music therapy is an intervention in which trained professionals guide individuals to express themselves and work through complex emotions through musical experiences. Music therapy has been shown to improve social emotional skills, enhance mental health, and help patients achieve physical, mental, and emotional therapeutic goals.
  • Playing a favorite song can activate the amygdala and hippocampus, the parts of the brain that, respectively, process emotion and memories. This brain activity is helpful for people with mental health conditions, such as panic attacks, as well as for people with Alzheimer’s Disease.
  • Since music is processed with both hemispheres of the brain, music therapy can improve cognitive functioning and have a positive impact on speech development, language acquisition, and motor control. For example, researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered that playing a marching song stimulates the parts of the brain linked to physical movement in adults with Parkinson’s.
Sources