Music Therapy

Music therapy is the systematic, applied use of music in a therapeutic setting. Music therapy applications serve to improve or maintain physical, emotional, social, and/or cognitive functioning. Methods used in music therapy include songwriting, active playing, listening, improvisation, singing, movement, and relaxation exercises (music listening, imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, etc.) Specifically, the Pediatric Unit at Ministry Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital aims to provide music therapy services to:

-Provide comfort and support to patients and families

-Improve patient's quality of life                                  

-Encourage communication/socialization

-Offer verbal as well as nonverbal opportunities for self-expression 

-Encourage family involvement when appropriate

-Enhance self-esteem

-Provide opportunities for functional activity

-Provide opportunities for independence

-Encourage rehabilitative goals when appropriate

-Offer sensory stimulation

-Serve as a facilitator/motivator

-Assist with relaxation/anxiety/pain management

-Improve cognitive skills

-Assist other therapies in encouraging success of patient






Music Therapy