Resources & references

Read a study discussing the impact of a group music therapy intervention to support adolescents in depression recovery post COVID-19. Results demonstrated statistically significant changes in several physiological measures associated with improvements in depressive changes in the music therapy group, but not in the control group. This finding supports the use of music therapy in this group to improve depression.

Watch interviews with music therapists Carla Navarro, Pedro Vinuesa, Maria Martinez-Gil, and Paula Ramirez describing what music therapy is, who it can benefit, and how it can help. Client testimonials are also included. 

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.

Watch a documentary featuring music therapist Hilary Camino as she provides music therapy to older adults at Sage Living. It includes interviews, testimonials, and music therapy sessions about the benefits of music therapy for this population. Note: this video is available with closed captioning and a transcript. 

This research article investigates how music therapy influences the mood levels of adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injury (TB), and other types of brain injuries. The results demonstrated that participants had elevated mood levels after engaging in individual music therapy sessions.

This research article studies the effects of music therapy for patients with a terminal illness who are receiving end-of-life care within a family context. It studies the impact that music therapy can have on patients' immune system, quality of life, quality of sleep, and anxiety and depression levels.

Read a thesis paper on the potential uses of songwriting in a music therapy context to assist women who have experienced unplanned pregnancy loss through the grief process. 

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.

This article describes the experience of a registered music therapist who offered music therapy services to an older adult with early onset dementia. It provides clinical examples of what music therapy is and how it can improve the quality of life of older adults.