An important part of music therapy. Emotions.

I normally blog about a specific experience that I have had with a client, but this time I want to write in general about something that I think is so unique to music therapy.  When I work with people, I have specific goals that I am trying to reach.  Most of the time the goals are focused on social skills, speaking, motor skills, or communication.  But I think that music therapy has a very unique and special way to help people, which many of the other available therapies never seem to address: the emotions of the people that I work with. 

Emotions effect so many aspects of our lives.  If someone is in a good emotional state, than they excel in every other thing that they are working on.  Music has such a powerful way to effect our emotions.  When I am working with people, I am always mindful of their emotional state, and how the music therapy can help lift the clients.  I love when I can come and help someone go from agitated, frustrated and sometimes depressed to engaged, happy, and calm.  I never discount the power of the music to help the clients emotionally because once they are in a good emotional spot they will meet the other goals so much quicker.