Argumentative Essay On Music Therapy
The American Music Therapy Association defines music therapy as “the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals” used to “address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.” Music therapy began in veteran hospitals during WWI and WWII. Local musicians started to play for the veterans, and the positive results became obvious (Music as Medicine, para. 2). Music therapy is even mentioned in the Bible as a way to cast out evil spirits. A man named Saul was tormented by a demon, but “23 Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.” (1 Sa. 16. 14-23) For
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Music therapy does not require the patient to have musical experience to be beneficial. (Rettner, para. 3). There are absolutely no side effects to music therapy. Even with all of these reasons to support music therapy, some do not agree with this modality of treatment.
People may be against music therapy because it is an alternative treatment, lacking an abundance of scientific evidence and controlled testing. Also, music has the power to make Alzheimer's and dementia patients recall past emotions, so they may be confused (Swayne, para. 16). In addition, music therapy can only help treat certain medical problems. Despite this point of view, music therapy has helped many people.
Whether the patient goes to a musical therapist, jams out with pencils on desks, or listen to Pandora music can do phenomenal things. Mosby's Medical, Nursing & Allied Health Dictionary defines music therapy as "a form of adjunctive psychotherapy in which music is used as a means of recreation and communication... and as a means to elevate the mood of depressed and psychotic patients." Nonetheless, anyone can benefit from music therapy, even if they are perfectly healthy (Cantorial, point 6). For example, music therapy cannot heal a broken leg, but it can help alleviate some stress and pain that will come along with the injury. Clearly, music therapy is a remarkable tool that can be used
Music therapy does not require the patient to have musical experience to be beneficial. (Rettner, para. 3). There are absolutely no side effects to music therapy. Even with all of these reasons to support music therapy, some do not agree with this modality of treatment.
People may be against music therapy because it is an alternative treatment, lacking an abundance of scientific evidence and controlled testing. Also, music has the power to make Alzheimer's and dementia patients recall past emotions, so they may be confused (Swayne, para. 16). In addition, music therapy can only help treat certain medical problems. Despite this point of view, music therapy has helped many people.
Whether the patient goes to a musical therapist, jams out with pencils on desks, or listen to Pandora music can do phenomenal things. Mosby's Medical, Nursing & Allied Health Dictionary defines music therapy as "a form of adjunctive psychotherapy in which music is used as a means of recreation and communication... and as a means to elevate the mood of depressed and psychotic patients." Nonetheless, anyone can benefit from music therapy, even if they are perfectly healthy (Cantorial, point 6). For example, music therapy cannot heal a broken leg, but it can help alleviate some stress and pain that will come along with the injury. Clearly, music therapy is a remarkable tool that can be used