Resources & references

Read a scoping review on music-based interventions for individuals with eating disorders. Results found that music therapy was the most frequently used music-based intervention, and studies reported improvements in anxiety, mood, eating disorder symptoms, and an increase in food eaten and weight gained when music based interventions were used. 

This thesis details a qualitative study on music therapy process resulting in the new concept of musico-relational competence. The project began with an exploration of music processes in the context of outpatient adult psychiatry. An ethnographic and ethnomusicological approach to the analysis of the video data (including music analysis) is used, focusing on the meaning making process of participants in the study.

Les Impatients is an organization that helps people living with mental health problems, offering art-based services. With Dany Bouchard, a certified music therapist, and people participating in his group music therapy sessions, the reporter Alexandre Courteau explored this discipline and shared some participants' testimonies on how music therapy has changed their life.

This study explores the experiences of music therapists working with adults in mental health settings across Quebec, both in the community and in hospitals. It highlights their reflections and recommendations to support the expansion of music therapy services in mental health.

This research article investigates who how music therapy and physical therapy can benefit individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). It demonstrates how these types of therapies can enhance rehabilitation, treat symptoms, decrease the use of medication, and improve overall wellbeing.

This article describes a music therapy program in a maximum security psychiatric state facility. Brief descriptions of the patient population, admission and discharge criteria, safety and security concerns, music therapy interventions, and behavioral strategies are given in order to provide a picture of the program and the concerns associated with this population.

The primary purpose of this study was to understand family members’ perceptions of music therapy experienced by a relative in palliative medicine or hospice. Patient self-reported scales and music therapist assessment of change were also investigated. Patients reported statistically significant improvement in pain, depression, distress, and mood scores. Family members of patients in palliative medicine and hospice settings reported an immediate positive impact of music therapy on the patient and on themselves.

This paper explores perspectives on musical competence for seven people with borderline personality disorder participating in an 8-week music therapy program using group improvisation. Participants’ perceived changes in musical competence appear to have facilitated relational insights and learning from which they derived therapeutic benefits. As participants’ musical competencies expanded, emotionality decreased, and a healthier self-concept emerged.

A music therapy group program was provided in a day program for adolescents with eating disorders. They came to group sessions once per week after lunch for one school term. Group members helped choose the content for the sessions which mainly involved music-based games. Working with young people to design session content may help build a positive relationship and music games may be useful for reducing distress.

In his studio at the Montreal General Hospital, music therapist Dany Bouchard uses music to connect with patients of the Mental Health Mission. Through regular sessions, Dany helps access their emotions, patients express their feelings, and open new doors to healing.

Music therapist Kevin Kirkland explains how he uses rapping to help persons with mental health and substance use issues to process their experiences and express themselves. 

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Remini-Sing RCT, community-based therapeutic choirs led by music therapists and offered to individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Preliminary results  showed a decrease in anxiety and depression. Considering the limited number of participants, the article also addresses the issue of  recruitment and retention of participants, to help future research and improve sustainability of such programs.