Music Therapy is the use of specific music to help patients cope with the experience of their illness by providing a therapeutic alternative to medical approaches. The beauty of the music, in addition to the compassion and intent behind the music, is meant to improve a patient’s quality of life and help with the healing process.
The objectives of Music Therapy are:
A positive physical response that may result
in relief of pain, a state of relaxation, and lowering of blood
pressure.
A positive emotional response or catharsis to
neutralize fears, negativity, depression, and isolation.
A positive spiritual response that may result
in a sense of greater connectedness to family and spirit.
Music Therapy is very individualized and sensitive
to the collective whole of each person. It is an approach that
encompasses a diverse range of therapeutic interventions, including:
Music listening — passive or active
Participation with the voice and/or instruments
Song writing
Patients who might benefit from Music Therapy include
those:
Who are isolated because their family is far
away
With long-term hospital stays
With chronic pain
With depression or loss of hope
Who are terminally/chronically ill
With mental or physical disabilities
Music Therapy services are available at Munson by
contacting:
Amy Colombo, MA, MT (231) 935-5070 — voicemail (231) 318-7968 — pager
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 am - 4:30 pm
Please leave the patient's full name, room number,
and reason for referral on voicemail. There are also volunteer
musicians available on various days throughout the week.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
