Читать книгу The Creative Arts in Counseling - Samuel Gladding T., Samuel T. Gladding - Страница 38

From reading this chapter you will learn about

 The importance to human health of music

 The difference between music therapy and music in counseling

 The way music is used with clients of different ages and in different settings across the life span

As you read, consider

 Whether you have ever been moved by a piece of music

 What your favorite type of music is and what it is about it that appeals to you

 How you think music can affect the world for better or worse (be specific!)

Music is a universal multicultural experience that is respected, appreciated, and potent, with at least 15 countries recognizing its transformative abilities through having established their own music therapy associations (Grimmer & Schwantes, 2018). Music can serve as a bridge to the development of new insights, behaviors, and coping skills (J. M. Brown, 2001; Silverman, 2018). It is effective at altering moods in a positive direction, especially if it is self-selected and the individual doing the selection is not depressed (Garrido et al., 2016).

Music is most simply described as “the appreciation of sound” (Beaulieu, 1987, p. 13). Making music is a creative act, as is listening in an active way (Sackett & Edwards, 2020). Both involve being sensitive and responsive to the cacophony of rhythm that occurs spontaneously in nature and purposely in human interactions (Schneck & Berger, 2006). At its most basic level, music is a nonverbal medium. It has been used in various ways since the beginning of time to communicate and express feelings in a variety of ways (Duffey & Haberstroh, 2013; Gfeller, 2002b; Silverman, 2008). Indeed, many civilizations and people have been defined by the types of music they have developed (e.g., classical music) and the part that music has played in their lives. On a global level, some of today’s popular music is significant in creating a sense of cultural identity (e.g., hip-hop or rap). The following thought is attributed to Plato:

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.

Music creates an atmosphere either for better or for worse. Stimulating background music seems to detract from the formation of initial counseling interactions, whereas soothing music seems to promote interaction. A specific song or genre of music may cue an urge to use substances among individuals who are addicted (Dingle et al., 2015). However, music can also be a powerful adjunct in reducing depression and resolving generalized anxiety disorder (Esfandiari & Mansouri, 2014; Gutiérrez & Camarena, 2015). Music that is liked, regardless of one’s familiarity with it, is the most important factor in reducing anxiety (Jiang et al., 2016). Overall, music can elicit a wide range of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual responses and is a fundamental component of many people’s lives.

Research on the effects of music is strong (Stephensen & Baker, 2016), and some studies indicate that music has the capacity to facilitate healing by influencing brain activity and creating and altering moods (Schweitzer, 2014). Music can facilitate the expression of emotions and reduce stress; it helps us tell our stories and process our experiences (Avent, 2016; Duffey, 2015). Music is used to capture attention, elicit memories, communicate feelings, and create a sense of community (Mandsager et al., 1997). It can help in the resolution of grief and abuse, increase intimacy between partners, be of assistance in identifying competing interests, and differentiate people (Duffey et al., 2001). Music is linked specifically with helping individuals convey thoughts and feelings, alter behaviors, and reduce unhelpful behaviors (Minor et al., 2013). Simply put, music is the soundtrack of our lives. William Styron (1990), the author of Sophie’s Choice, found music to be a lifesaver in his battle with depression and suicidal ideation. His experience is not unique.

Many populations who have been victims of abuse have developed distinct musical forms, such as Blacks’ creation of spiritual gospels and the blues. This type of music has provided an outlet for their individual and collective expressions of pain. Other groups have created different sounds that express the essence of their experiences and perceptions. In the United States the great diversity of sound includes rock and roll, bluegrass, hip-hop, rap, beach, jazz, country, classical, and big band music. An even wider variety of sound exists internationally, such as samba, reggae, and waltz.