Benefits of Group Music Therapy Sessions In honor of our two NEW group sessions we’re offering this year– one is Social Jamboree, a music therapy group for adults, and the other is an adult music band called Spotlight Stars (click links to learn more), we want to share some research that supports why group sessions are so beneficial! Let’s get right into it. Music therapy groups…
- Allow for social interaction
Individual music therapy is beneficial as well, but for those that are working on social skills, a group session is a great way for the client to put into practice the skills they are learning, as well as see the music therapist demonstrate healthy social interaction! One study was looking at the effects of music therapy on individuals with mental health conditions, and found that after a 13-week study, group music therapy sessions “enhanced quality of life, self-esteem, and spirituality” (Grocke et al, 2014). In another study– also with individuals with mental health conditions, researchers concluded that after a nine-month music therapy program, “long-term group music therapy may be effective in improving social skills and emotional expression states to achieve satisfying social recovery and well-being” (Schneidman et al, 2023).
- Offer another form of communication
For people in hospital settings, memory care, or who are otherwise non-verbal, music therapy groups are a less intimidating way to open up ‘discussion’ or expression of feelings through using music. This can be through improvisation, playing instruments together to practice leisure skills, demonstrating emotions through instrument-play, analyzing/relating to song lyrics, or songwriting. All of these musical interventions can be done in individual sessions as well, but create a lot more enthusiasm and interest when done with a group.
- Foster a bond through shared experiences
Aside from the benefit of having social interaction with others that may have similar goals, or at least have a similar need/desire for music therapy, there is also a built-in bond that music provides. According to Harmony & Healing, “singing familiar songs together allows for shared experiences that build connections between people regardless of their similar backgrounds. Similarly, playing instruments together creates moments where both parties feel heard without verbalizing their thoughts” (2024).
- Are cost effective
Music therapy groups are a cost-effective way to begin therapy, or to continue receiving services. While a group music therapy session may not always be the best option for every client at all times, group music therapy sessions can be obtained at a lower expense (when compared to private services) for the caretaker or family member providing financial support. What do you think? Do you prefer individual or group sessions? In what other ways have you seen the benefits of group music therapy? If you’re in the Waxahachie, TX area, click the following links to learn more about our adult music therapy group, Social Jamboree, and Spotlight Stars, our adult music band. References:Schneidman, A., Elefant, C., Keren, R., Ben-Shachar, S., & Roe, D. (2023). Group music therapy for people living with mental health conditions in the community: A pilot longitudinal quantitative micro-analysis study. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 33(1), 29–47. https://doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2023.2204898Victor, D. (2024, June 19). How music helps people heal. Harmony & Healing. https://www.harmonyandhealing.org/how-music-helps-people-heal/?campaign=20369613736&content=665635081323&keyword=music+therapy&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7se8BhCAARIsAKnF3rzXeIz_1O3t32_HdFuL8Gr4DF-_uqgJ74SW1afl-afwX5nXGNXP4gIaAlyJEALw_wcB