Walker, a board-certified music therapist, explained how the power of music causes an emotional response. The music allowed a small yet strong release of anxiety. It communicated to all of us, especially his family, that he was definitely with us somewhere. Tears are often the first reaction to music therapy stimulation. But tears aren't the only emotional reaction to music.
Some patients yell or scream, or get a lump in their throat.
Still, no matter what the response, feelings do come out, and that's when the counseling aspect of music therapy begins. Music therapists, like occupational therapists and physical therapists, provide health care supportive to other types of prescribed treatment. The purpose of music therapy is to use music to achieve a non-musical goal. Now, instead of teaching people how to sing or play the guitar or the keyboard, I use singing or instrumentation to help patients release anxiety and lower their perception of pain. That also makes it cost effective.