Most people are aware that music feels good and it has a range of benefits that it is famous for. I think Music Therapists will largely agree that its most well-known power is for helping people to feel more calm and relaxed. However, in the world of Neurologic Music Therapy
vague therapeutic goals are not a thing, and it's sometimes hard to believe that NMT interventions can target many non-musical aspects of the brain.
These include rhythmic auditory stimulation for an even gait; melodic intonation therapy for recovering speech after stroke and the training of 4 different types of attention. The techniques are very specific and take quite a long time to master. I recently attended a course for Advanced Neurologic Music Therapists with the amazing Professor Corene Hurt-Thaut NMT Academy Faculty – The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy
Neurologic Music Therapy involves a powerful set of 20 interventions that are specifically designed to directly target parts of the brain and improve their function.
Key Elements of the NMT Evidence-Based System – The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy (nmtacademy.co)
In my practice, I like to embed these specialist techniques alongside the psychodynamic model that follows the client's interests and offers nonverbal support through the music. When I have been working with clients with neurodiversity, it seems as though this is the best way by walking alongside someone in the music, and then gently introducing elements that will promote positive neurologic changes.
It's very exciting when you witness some of these happening.. but it's also joyous just to bring pleasure, fun and enjoyment for their own sake. The other day I helped a young client with ABI go to sleep - what a lovely thing to be able to do for an over-tired child who has so much to deal with every single day.
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