: Alfredo Zotti
: Music Therapy An Introduction with Case Studies for Mental Illness Recovery
: Loving Healing Press
: 9781615995325
: 1
: CHF 5.30
:
: Architektur
: English
: 98
: DRM
: PC/MAC/eReader/Tablet
: ePUB

Alfredo Zotti, a professional musician and bipolar survivor with a university degree in social anthropology and three years study of psychology, provides an introduction to music theory with specific case studies of applications for Alzheimer's, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, anxiety, depression and other issues. Working primarily as a peer support counselor, his person-centered methods are respectful of client's needs, abilities and responses to music therapy. Strategies explored include both active listening of recorded music as well as instruction in playing musical instruments. Using patience and listening skills, you can -- with Zotti's book -- begin your own journey of music therapy.

'I congratulate Alfredo on this terrific summary of the ways in which music therapy can serve a complementary role in the treatment of a range of psychological difficulties. Anyone who is interested in promoting his or her wellbeing, or the wellbeing of loved ones, will enjoyMusic Therapy: An Introduction with Case Studies for Mental Illness Recovery.'
--Paul Corcoran, psychologist, Moving Forward, NSW
'Alfredo Zotti'sMusic Therapy: An Introduction with Case Studies for Mental Illness Recovery shows that recovering through music can be an extremely powerful and wonderful journey of self-healing and positive discoveries. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to enhance their knowledge of music therapy and the influence of music on their health and, consequently, on their lives.'
--Krystyna C. Laycraft, Ph.D, physicist, educator and artist
'Through his own experience of positive outcome by therapeutic use of music, Alfredo Zotti shares the supplemental, holistic method to improving mental health issues and dementia.Music Therapy: An Introduction with Case Studies for Mental Illness Recovery promises to assist in the recovery process and help sufferers regain a happier life.'
-- Rie Matsuura

1

An Introduction to Music Therapy

In this book, I hope to illuminate the topic of music therapy as it is used in a practical, common sense and powerful way to help people who suffer with mental illness and other mental challenges. Unfortunately, governments here in Australia, as in many countries of the world, do not subsidize music therapy in terms of providing mental health insurance for those who cannot afford to pay for it. While this book does not aim to offer therapy that is specifically tailored to a person, it nevertheless offers some elements that can be used by the sufferer to alleviate symptoms. Given that we are all unique, there is always the need for a therapist to guide the sufferer.

Although I am not certified as a music therapist, practitioners of that profession often consult me, because I am a qualified pianist, composer and sound engineer and have recorded many CDs for a variety of artists. Since 1993, as a composer, I have been a member of the Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA) and the Australian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society Limited (AMCO). Recently, I completed my own jazz CD to raise funds for the Kidman Centre. It is particularly relevant that my wife and I also suffer with bipolar disorder, and I have collaborated with psychologists and psychiatrists on various issues. I have also written three books, including this one, on mental illness, and one on art therapy in collaboration with other writers. I have a university degree at honors level, majoring in sociology, anthropology and three years of psychology.

In the following chapters, we will discuss practical ways in which I have been able to help people, of all ages, with Alzheimer’s, autism, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Music therapy can be powerful, either in combination with medical interventions or as a sole therapy, where medical interventions fail, because not all people respond to medication. Over the years, I have developed my own unique methods of helping people and this has also been possible because of my tertiary studies in sociology, anthropology and psychology. When possible, the chapters are supported by research, and I indicate issues in which there is need of more research.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is defined by Bruscia (2014, p.12) as:

A systematic process of interventions wherein the therapist helps the client to promote health, using musical experiences, and the relationships that develop through them, as dynamic forces of change.

Alvin (1966, p 11) offers a somewhat deeper definition, although complementary to Bruscia’s:

Music therapy is the controlled use of music in the treatment, rehabilitation, education and training of adults and children suffering from physical, mental and emotional disorder. Since it is a function of music in which music is not an end in itself, its therapeutic value is not necessarily related to the kind of music used, nor to the standard of musical achievement. Its effect is primarily due to the influence of sound on man, of which music was born, and whose curative, harmful or negative value will become apparent… throughout history.

Koelsch (2009) proposed that five factors contribute to the effects of music therapy: modulation of attention, modulation of emotions, modulation of cognition, modulation of behaviors and modulation of communication. Koelsh (2009, pp. 26-27) writes:

These processes can have beneficial effects on psychological and physiological health. Music can evoke strong emotions and reliably affect mood... Music-evoked emotions can modulate activity in all limbic and paralimbic brain structures.

I will now, in turn, discuss each of these effects of music.

Attention Modulation

This is a complicated area of the music therapy. For example, according to Koelsch, when music captures our attention, we can become distracted from any stimulus that can lead to negative thoughts or experiences. For example, suppose a person is constantly worried about personal problems; for example, finances. A song or a nice tune comes on the radio, and the person begins to focus on t