Even though these types of music therapy vary, they all have a basic structure that is followed. This is accomplished by the therapist choosing music and presenting it in many different ways to a patient. As the patient listens, the patient will follow activities through the music. Therefore, it is obvious how important the therapist is in this process. Music therapists are the opposite of what many people would normally think of when they hear the word therapist.
Music therapists try to find emotional contacts with the patient.
They try to get the patient to the point of trust. The reason the therapist performs small musical activities at first is so the patient can become familiar with the therapist. Music therapists use music instead of conversation to get the patient to a relaxed state. Then the therapist begins to involve the patient in extensive musical activities and experiences. As the patient gains trust in the therapist, they allow the therapist to carry out more musical activities in their sessions.