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.

 Bi-annual online journal, whose purpose is to disseminate current knowledge and information about music therapy education, clinical practice, and research worldwide.

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. 

Julien Peyrin is part of the team of music therapists working at this hospital. With his Handpan, Julien creates links with the adolescents of our psychiatric unit. Through musical exchanges with them, he allows them to manage their emotions through creation. Patients write and record their songs or musical performances and choose music that calms them or helps them fall asleep. They also have the opportunity to release excess energy by playing a percussion instrument. This non-judgmental therapeutic approach is proving successful. Not only do patients report feeling progress at the end of their sessions, some even report discovering a new passion!

Pascal Comeau is part of the team of music therapists working at this hospital. With a variety of instruments, Pascal does much more than make music. By cleverly using soothing sounds, bright colors and fun shapes, he helps children who are admitted to the hospital for long periods of time or who have frequent appointments express their stress, fears and other feelings through music. For children with physical disabilities, playing an instrument and moving to the beat of the music can even improve their motor skills. In this video, find out more about the fascinating profession of music therapist!

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.

Discover the story of a teenage boy living with Angelman Syndrome, who received music therapy sessions to support goals such as communication, motor skills, and concentration. Watch as he plays instruments and participates in vocal activities, and hear reflections from his mother and music therapist on his treatment and development.

Charlotte Stewart, a board-certified music therapist, sings a hello song to a child during an individual music therapy session, helping the child develop their verbal communication skills through singing.

This book presents models of music therapy for families across diverse clinical settings, with international contributors sharing approaches and case studies that link theory to practice and address each model’s challenges and relevance.

Watch how music therapist Belinda Burns works with Hudson, a young boy with developmental delays. 

This video features twin brothers diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy who received individual music therapy sessions. Watch as they play instruments and sing to strengthen their communication, expression, and collaboration, and hear insights from their mother and music therapist in interviews.