Resources & references

This fact sheet, developed by the American Music Therapy Association, describes how music therapy is effective in supporting military service members and veterans. It describes how active and receptive music experiences can address physical, cognitive, communication, social, and emotional goals.

Music therapy can uniquely help severely injured children and their families deal with the events surrounding an accident and its aftermath. The use of music therapy in treating these families on a pediatric service is described and illustrated with a fracture patient and a burn patient

Read about a group music therapy program for Ukrainian children seeking refuge in Spain. This article explores the use of music therapy experiences to enhance social integration, process trauma, and improve quality of life among participants.

Read a thesis exploring the literature around combining narrative therapy techniques with therapeutic songwriting techniques to support children and adolescents living through adverse childhood experiences. Trauma-informed care is highlighted, as well as a discussion surrounding both factors which can promote and which can hinder success of the approach.

A pilot study of a the SMAART music therapy protocol shows that it can help prisoners with a Post Traumatic Stres Disorder (PTSD) in a Penitentiary Psychiatric Center. Neurologic music therapy techniques, guided breathing, singing and rhythmic exercises were effective in reducing hyperarousal and improving attention among participants.

Karla Hawley, a board certified music therapist, shares how a nostalgic piece of music helped her address and overcome the pain of childhood abuse. Through her personal testimony, she describes how music can help individuals express their emotions and heal from traumatic experiences.

This article reviews existing research on the use of music therapy to support veterans and military personnel. It identifies primary music therapy techniques utilized in the treatment of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to best meet their broad and complex needs.

This article provides general information on how music therapy can support individuals with various mental health needs. It explains what music therapy is, who can benefit, how it can support adults and teens, and music therapy experiences that are beneficial in offering emotional support.

Air Force veteran Christopher Smith shares how music therapy helped him deal with the anxiety of almost losing his eyesight. Through drumming and singing, he found a way of coping with PTSD.

Read an article conceptualizing the therapeutic functions and adaptations of voice-work with individuals experiencing chronic traumatic stress, including exploration of the complexities of trauma work in the context of ongoing threat. Key adaptations in this context, as compared to work in time-bound trauma, include prioritizing safety, resource development, and relational support, rather than processing of trauma, as well as the use of softer, more structured approaches.