Resources & references

This feasability study explores the effects of short-term individual music therapy sessions among adults with substance use disorder (SUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results show that music therapy can reduce hyperarousal and increase self-regulation, attention, and cognitive functioning in this population.

This article explores music therapy models that enhance neurorehabilitaiton among service members with brain injuries and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Read an article comparing the effects of telehealth sessions of music therapy to telehealth sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy on anxiety in cancer survivors. Results found that both interventions were led to significant improvements in anxiety levels. 

This study analyzes electrophysiological signals during Music-Assisted Relaxation (MAR) with adult burn patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Results showed increased parasympathetic system activity, attention shifts, reduced muscle tone, and relaxation.

Read an article exploring the use and possibilities of music therapy for severely multiply-disabled individuals. A focus-group of music therapists who work with this population was convened, and the findings are compiled into three macro-areas: opportunities, music therapy approaches, and research challenges. 

This literature review examines music therapy treatment with active military service members and veterans. Common session formats and music experiences, the development of music therapy as a a profession, and gaps within the current body of research are discussed.

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 an article exploring four case studies of music therapy with young children who had intellectual disabilities and complex needs. The music therapy sessions were compared to toy-play sessions, led by the same therapist, and results indicated that both conditions were similar in the quantity of communicative interactions, but that the music therapy communicative attempts displayed more interpersonal interactions.

Read an article exploring the effectiveness of a music therapy intervention on resilience in undergraduate university students. Results demonstrated a positive impact on resilience and affect, regardless of what year of study a student is in. Limitations and implications for future research are also discussed. 

Read a scoping review on musical interaction in young people with severe or profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Findings highlight six categories of promising components of musical interaction and suggest that musical activities, including music therapy, have positive benefits in a number of domains for this population.

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 research article investigates a music therapy program that uses music improvisation to enhance emotional wellbeing and social skills among elementary school students displaying behaviour challenges.