Some of you may have read my recent post on Music Therapy. Recently, there have been a couple things that have brought this allied health profession into the forefront. You might be surprised to learn that music therapy is now entering its 60th year as a profession. To learn more, visit the American Music Therapy Association website.
One of them is the recent tragedy that befell Gabrielle Giffords, Rep. from Arizona. She was shot, point-blank, in the head and is faced with a challenging recovery. ABC news covered the story, interviewing her husband, a former astronaut and pilot. He was also faced with a brain injury and has recovered fully. He mentioned the “high-tech” therapies that might help Giffords. An example of this, he says, is music therapy. He gives a short explanation of how it could help his wife recover and develop her speech and communication abilities.
Update as of Feb 20, 2011
This article in CHRON, Houston & Texas news mentions Music Therapy as one of the contributing factors in her recovery.
In addition, there is a movie being shown at the Sundance film festival that features a music therapist: The Music Never Stopped. The Sundance film festival is happening this week. Read about it here, on the AMTA website! And then visit their website and contact them to request a screening in your area.
Something we can all do, is to investigate and advocate for music therapy treatment for people with all kinds of needs. Music Therapy works with all ages and a wide spectrum of diagnosis. Music Therapists work in all types of settings, from hospitals to schools, and can make a huge difference in the lives of their clients. With more research being published and more people learning about the power of music therapy to help, we can make a difference. Tell your friends, share on Face Book, write a letter to your Representative and Congress person telling them about your support for music therapy.