Music Therapy: An Introduction

This second edition of Music Therapy expands the information in the previous edition by updating the reviews of the medical literature and discussing recent developments in this growing field. This book provides an overview of basic information regarding the practice of music therapy-including historical development, principles and procedures, and areas of clinical practice. It also encompasses specific arenas where music therapy is successfully applied, such as for persons who have mental retardation, learning disabilities, hearing and/or visual impairments, autism, mental or behavioral disorders, and severe, multiple disabilities. Populations include individuals suffering with depression or anxiety disorders, psychiatric patients, alcoholics and substance abusers, persons with traumatic brain damage, and individuals with AIDS. It describes how music therapy can be used in the treatment of children and adolescents as well as the elderly and terminally ill. There is also a chapter on using this approach to therapy to promote wellness and well-being, providing examples of music experiences that can facilitate relaxation and stress reduction, improve coping and problem-solving abilities, and promote healthy habits.