Have you ever had an experience with a piece of music that deeply moved you? Perhaps you’ve listened to a song or played an instrument that helped you move through a difficult time in your life?
It’s no secret that music can be a powerful conduit when it comes to healing and self expression. Certain sounds have the capacity to take us on a deep inner journey – evoking emotion and transcending what we may not be able to express through language.
This is exactly why we offer Music Therapy as a service here at Crossroads Collective. Children may not always find it easy to express themselves through their words, which can result in feelings of frustration, confusion and sadness. This program offers an in-depth exploration of a range of musical experiences – granting the child space and permission to express themselves in ways that transcend words. With the use of specific methods and techniques, this type of therapy can help to promote positive changes in behaviour, improve communication, and enhance cognitive skills. If you feel that your child could use this service, read on to learn more about the benefits of this wonderful program.
Music therapy promotes healing and eases depression and anxiety.
Studies have shown that music therapy can lower symptoms of depression and help to alleviate anxiety. Certain melodies help to release dopamine and endorphins – both which are hormones that can improve your mood. This in turn helps to induce feelings of happiness and well-being, and who doesn’t want to be happy?
Music also has the capacity to help a child process more difficult emotions that they may have trouble expressing. Certain tones help to bring that emotion to the surface, so that it can be felt fully and therefore healed. For example, a child may listen to a song that is loud and fast in order to process feelings of anger. Or perhaps a slow, melancholic tune to induce feelings of held back sadness.
Helps to improve behavioural responses and cognitive function.
The body and the mind are intricately connected. Meaning that we can condition our minds to think new thoughts and react to stimuli based on the state that our body is in. For example, if a child responds to their environment in a way that demonstrates worry or tension, introducing a piece of soothing music may help to change the child’s response to one that is more pleasant and calm natured. The process of conditioning the mind occurs when listening to this music is paired with the activity that would normally induce anxiety. Through repetition and deep relaxation, over time, the music alone cues the response. Not only does music therapy help to shift behavioural responses, it can also improve a child’s memory and overall communication.
Music is strongly associated with memories, which can help a child relate back to a previous experience in an instant. Because of the powerful associations that are formed with music, a child may experience improved memory and stronger communication skills. As their communication skills grow, so does their sense of self-esteem, responsibility and resiliency.
Music can improve a child’s self expression.
Music is no doubt a gateway into self expression. It allows a child a vehicle whereby they can translate their feelings in a healthy, expressive and joy-filled way. Through activities such as song writing, creative writing, or learning how to play an instrument – the child is able to articulate and convey their deepest feelings creatively, in a way that transcends the need for language.
It’s no argument that music therapy can act as a powerful and effective way for your child to enhance their overall wellbeing. Through modalities that allow the child to channel emotions and move beyond words, they have the capacity to experience more happiness, more expression and a deeper sense of confidence overall. Prioritizing a child’s mental health and wellbeing at a young age can make all the difference when it comes to establishing those self-care practices well into teenagehood as well as adulthood.
Partner with Crossroads Collective for music therapy.
Do you feel like music therapy is a good fit for your child? Are you ready to help them grow into their most unique and expressed selves? If so, Crossroads Collective would love to take care of your child’s needs. Contact us to learn more about our music therapy programs and offerings and to schedule your first appointment. We are also offering virtual appointments so your child can experience all the benefits of our offerings from home. We look forward to helping your family through the use of music therapy.