MUSIC THERAPY PROMOTES MENTAL HEALTH

With Easter behind us, spring upon us, and summer just down the road, it is a good time to address the issue of music therapy. Although music is certainly a year round experience, it seems to be noticed more, used more, and appreciated more as we emerge from our long, cold Michigan winters. There is the joyful music of our Easter Celebrations, the return of the music of chirping birds on spring mornings, and the anticipation of many music festivals throughout our community as we move into Daylight Savings Time and our summer season.

The American Music Therapy Association has defined music therapy as “the use of music and music related activities to promote emotional, mental, social and physical growth.” It is the creative and sometimes spontaneous means of using the appeal of music to help people of all ages and ability levels. Music therapy is now an established healthcare profession. From a child with Autism to an elderly person in a Bell Choir, music therapy can make a difference between isolation and interaction, among other things.

Historically, music was solely synonymous with entertainment. Increasingly, music has acquired many new medicinal roles. It is used for people suffering from developmental disabilities, cancer, chronic pain, and mental illness, among other maladies.

Currently, criteria are established for the education and training of music therapists who adhere to a code of ethics and standards of practice in their delivery of music therapy services. In Michigan, Wayne State University and Michigan State University are considered among the top training institutes for music therapists.

Headquartered in Farmington Hills, a unique choir comprised of men and women recovering from traumatic brain injuries, mental illness and substance abuse problems, delivers music therapy throughout our State.

Rehabilitation Services, Inc. has given over 100 free performances to schools, hospitals, and other rehabilitation centers. On April 25 and 26 the “Therapy” Choir’s “Project Protection” will take place, first at 1-2 p.m. April 26 at Divine Child High School. The Choir’s “Project Protection” programs promote the deterrence of destructive decisions, domestic violence, and drinking and driving at this season’s Prom time, Spring break time, and Graduation time amongst our areas youth. The messages the choir will deliver will echo those of our Farmington Area Call to Action Coalition, led by Estralee Michaelson.

The Coalition’s Board is hereby invited to attend these performances and experience the use of this unique, a capella, courageous group of men and women as the vehicle for delivery of the messages of safety, education, hope, and inspiration through the medium of music therapy.

The “Therapy” Choir is also pleased to announce its “Volunteer Voices” Program. It is opening membership to volunteers from the community who want to participate as singers or as choir helpers. Sharing your voices with us offers: community service project ideas, emotional support for our choir members, and community awareness about traumatic brain injury, mental illness, substance abuse and violence prevention. Some of the benefits of participating in music therapy include: exploration of feelings and improvements in self-esteem, self-expression and confidence building, social interaction and just having fun.

L.J. McCulloch is a Diplomat of The American Psychotherapy Association and a member of the Michigan Music Therapy Association. He created and directs the “Therapy” Choir, headquartered at Broe Rehabilitation Services, Inc. where he serves as Director of Psychological Services. His monthly column “Our Mental Health” has been running in the Observer and Eccentric newspapers for 4 years. He can be reached at 248-474-2763.