The therapist should not have them calm down or bang out their feelings on a drum. Instead, the patient should verbally express feelings to the group. By improving respiration, a patient can help break the cycle of depression. Two former heads of the music therapy department at the University of Kansas give their views on the principles of music therapy. It creates a social atmosphere and a feeling of acceptance.
Music is an energizer and gives a person a sense of accomplishment.
William Sears explains that music demands continuous behavior because the music can not take a break. Music is based on time order. Music can be based on mood and motivation, and help a client reach and maintain a more desirable psychological level. Music allows for self expression that may otherwise come out in other, less appropriate ways. It can also bring out feelings that a patient would not otherwise express.