BLOGS
Educational blogs for parents and professionals
The Importance of Gratitude and Music in Mental Health Wellness
We are in the midst of one of the biggest holidays in the United States, Thanksgiving. Many families traditionally host family dinners and create memories and focus on things that they are grateful for during this holiday season. As a marriage and family therapist as well as music therapist, in our practice at Mewsic Moves we focus heavily on the power of gratitude and incorporating music as it is an important element of mental wellness. I try myself to practice gratitude daily to maintain optimum mental wellness.
Gratitude and music therapy are both powerful in their ability to positively impact mental and emotional well-being. I would like to outline the connection between gratitude and the impact or benefits of music in mental wellness.
Gratitude
1- Positive Psychology:
Gratitude is a central theme and focus in positive psychology. Practicing gratitude involves acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life, which can contribute to increased happiness and life satisfaction. Gratitude also can trump negative or fear thoughts they cannot exist at the same time.
2- Emotional Well-Being:
Having consistent practice of gratitude has been linked to improved emotional well-being. Expressing thankfulness can reduce stress, enhance mood, and contribute to a more positive outlook on life. Research has shown that consciously practicing gratitude can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. In fact, studies have found that a single act of thoughtful gratitude produces an immediate 10% increase in happiness, and a 35% reduction in depressive symptoms.
3- Social Connection:
Gratitude often involves recognizing the contributions of others. This can strengthen social bonds and relationships, fostering a sense of community and support which is important in mental wellness.
4- Mindfulness and Presence:
Gratitude practices often encourage individuals to be present in the moment and become mindful of the positive aspects of their day to day lives. This can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of peace.
Music Therapy
1- Emotional Expression:
Music has the power to evoke and express a wide range of emotions. Music therapy can serve as a channel for individuals to express and process complex feelings, including gratitude either through playing or listening to music.
2- Stress Reduction:
Listening to or creating music has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Music therapy provides a structured and therapeutic environment for individuals to engage with music as a means of relaxation or mindfulness. Get your free meditation download here from our amazing music therapist, Zach.
3- Enhanced Mood:
Music has the ability to influence mood and emotions. Music therapists use music interventions strategically to help individuals first validate and then shift their emotional states, working on achieving a more positive and uplifted mood.
4- Connection and Communication:
For individuals who may struggle with verbal expression, music can serve as a powerful means of communication. Music therapy facilitates connection and self-expression, even for those who find it challenging to convey their emotions verbally. Mewsic Moves offers multiple groups for clients to connect.
5- Cognitive Benefits:
Music therapy has cognitive benefits, such as improved memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. These cognitive enhancements can contribute to a more positive and empowered sense of self. Some music therapists are also trained in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) which specialize in working with clients with neurologic conditions such as Autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and more that focuses on the cognitive benefits of music on the brain. All of our therapists are trained in NMT.
6- Community and Support:
Participating in music therapy sessions can create a sense of community and support. Group music-making or shared listening experiences foster a feeling of belonging and shared purpose. At Mewsic Moves we have multiple groups that focus on the importance of community connection and support such as: Glee Choir, Rock Band, Music in Recovery, Musical Minds and more. Click here to view our group supports.
7- Therapeutic Relationship:
The therapeutic relationship between the music therapist and the individual is crucial. The therapist uses music to create a safe and supportive space, allowing individuals to explore and process their emotions, including gratitude.
How to Integrate Music in Your Gratitude Practice?
1- Gratitude Journals with Musical Elements:
Integrating music into gratitude practices, such as keeping a gratitude journal, can enhance the experience. Individuals might reflect on moments of musical joy or create playlists that represent things they are thankful for.
2- Expressing Gratitude Through Music:
Music can be a unique and creative way to express gratitude. Composing a song, playing an instrument, or even selecting a meaningful piece of music can serve as a personal expression of thanks.
3- Mindful Listening Practices:
Incorporating mindfulness and gratitude into music listening experiences can deepen the therapeutic impact. Paying close attention to the nuances of the music and appreciating the auditory journey can enhance the mindfulness aspect of gratitude.
4- Music Playlist of songs to reflect gratitude:
Making playlists on your smart phones or devices of songs that reflect gratitude can be an easy way to reflect on gratitude through music and songs from your favorite artists.
In summary, both gratitude and music therapy contribute to emotional well-being and can be integrated for a holistic approach to mental health and wellness. The combination of these practices can offer individuals unique and meaningful avenues for self-expression, connection, and optimum mental wellness.
We’d love to hear from you…What is your favorite gratitude song?
Mewsic Moves offers individual as well as group therapy support to help clients optimize mental wellness. We offer a FREE 15 minute consultation and look forward to supporting you. Click here to schedule your FREE consultation.
How is Music Therapy Beneficial For Those With Alzheimer’s?
Research has shown that music has a profound impact on the brain of individuals with Alzheimer’s, often eliciting positive responses and triggering various cognitive, emotional, behavioral and physiological effects. Some key ways in which music therapy can benefit those with Alzheimer’s include:
1. Memory recall
Music has the power to evoke memories and emotions, even in individuals with advanced Alzheimer's. Listening and playing familiar songs from their past can help stimulate memories and encourage reminiscence. Music has also been shown to improve memory retention and cognitive function, making it an effective tool for aiding in the learning and memorization of information which can assist in long and short term memory skills.
2. Cognitive stimulation
Engaging in musical activities such as singing, playing instruments, or rhythmic exercises can also stimulate cognitive functions, including attention, concentration, and executive function. Music can also help maintain cognitive abilities.
3. Delayed cognitive decline
While not a cure, some research has suggested that music therapy and music-based activities can potentially slow the progression of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
4. Neuroplasticity
Engaging with music can promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Learning to play a musical instrument or engaging in musical activities can stimulate the growth of new neural pathways, leading to improved brain function and cognitive abilities.
5. Emotional well-being
Music can have a calming and uplifting effect. It can also enhance mood and promote emotional well-being. Many studies have reported reductions in anxiety, depression, and agitation when individuals with Alzheimer's are engaged in music.
6. Enhanced communication
Music can serve as a means of non-verbal communication for individuals with Alzheimer's who may struggle with language. It can help caregivers and loved ones connect with and understand the person with Alzheimer's.
7. Stress reduction and relaxation
Music has the capacity to reduce stress, anxiety, agitation and restlessness by affecting the autonomic nervous system. Playing or listening to calming music can lower cortisol levels, reduce heart rate, and promote relaxation, which leads to a decrease in stress related symptoms.
8. Promotion of physical well-being
Engaging in music-related activities such as rhythmic movements or dancing can promote physical well-being by encouraging movement and coordination. This can be particularly beneficial for maintaining motor skills and physical function in individuals with Alzheimer's.
9. Social interaction
Participating in group music therapy sessions provide opportunities for social engagement, which can help reduce feelings of isolation, depression and improve overall well-being for individuals with Alzheimer’s. At our organization, we offer a range of specialized programs designed to cater to various needs, including our Rock Band, Glee choir, and Social skills group therapy services. These programs are specifically crafted to foster connections, boost well-being, and provide a sense of belonging for participants.
10. Reduced reliance on medication
Some studies have indicated that the use of music therapy in Alzheimer's care can lead to a reduction in the use of psychotropic medications, which are often prescribed to manage behavioral symptoms. Music lowers cortisol as stated above which helps reduce anxiety or stress associated with Alzheimer’s.
11. Improved quality of life
Music therapy can enhance overall quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, bringing on a sense of joy, comfort, and connection, all of which increases overall enjoyment and pleasure in daily life. It also provides an avenue for self-expression and creativity, which can enhance feelings of fulfillment and contentment.
Bonus Benefit!
12. Caregiver support
As a marriage and family therapist, I especially love the additional benefits that music has on individual caregivers. When in session with an individual with Alzheimer’s, their partners, children, and or siblings frequently participate in the music sessions, either absorbing the melodies or actively engaging with the music. This involvement not only offers solace but also fosters a sense of empowerment, equipping them with new skills to assist their loved ones. Ultimately these sessions create enduring, delightful musical memories that they can cherish for a lifetime.
While music therapy has shown significant benefits for individuals with Alzheimer's, it is important to note that it is not a cure for the disease nor a substitute for medical treatment. It is typically used as a complementary approach to standard care, tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals.
The impact of music therapy can differ depending on the individual, underscoring the importance of collaborating with a skilled music therapist capable of tailoring music therapy approaches to the specific needs and goals of those with Alzheimer’s. Some music therapists specialize in neurologic music therapy (NMT), making them particularly adept at working with individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other neurologic conditions. Their expertise and experience extends to understanding the intricate ways in which music influences the brain, including neuroplasticity and other neurological elements.
At Mewsic Moves we are dedicated to supporting families of those living with neurologic conditions such as Autism, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and more. All therapists at Mewsic Moves are trained and understand the application of music and how it affects the brain and those living with neurologic conditions. As a family first practice we are also dedicated to supporting the entire family with counseling and group support. Check out our musical minds programs which is a community based music therapy for those living with Alzheimer’s which includes their loved ones, partners, caregivers and more.
Check it out here: www.mewsicmoves.com/musical-minds
If someone you know is struggling with the progression of Alzheimer’s and needs additional support we offer a FREE 15 minute consultation and would love to chat with you and support your loved one.
Schedule your FREE 15 minute consultation in the link below:
https://www.mewsicmoves.com/contact-us
John Mews, LMFT, NMT
Founder & Owner - Mewsic Moves
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #132572
Music Therapist
Eating Disorder Support in a World of Stigma
An eating disorder IS a mental illness! Here are some resources that can support you, your family or your clients…
For those who are not familiar with eating disorders, you can find more information here: Eating Disorders Explained
About one-fifth of American medical students are required to take a nutrition course and most medical schools in the United States teach less than 25 hours of nutrition over four years, According to the Harvard School of Public Health, . Marcella Raimondo, PhD, MPH, discusses in one article how Eating Disorder Training is being left out of Medical Schools: Read here. Studies show that medical students receive less than two hours of training on eating disorders. Do you feel this is adequate training for such a complex disorder? Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses (Marcella ED Training)
Many individuals suffering from an eating disorder have stated that the lack of knowledge their doctor had negatively affected their recovery process. How can doctors have more sensitivity? How can families and loved ones become more educated? How can we support the eating disorder community?
What is Health at Every Size (HAES)?
“Health at every size (HAES) is a lifestyle that encourages healthy eating and enjoyable physical activity as a way to feel better and live longer. Unlike other programs, it does not believe weight loss through dieting is the way to become healthy.” (National Geographic). Find out more information here: Health at Every Size
What is Intuitive Eating?
“Intuitive Eating is a self-care eating framework, which integrates instinct, emotion, and rational thought and was created by two dietitians, Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch in 1995. Intuitive Eating is a weight-inclusive, evidence-based model with a validated assessment scale and over 100 studies to date.” (intuitive eating.org)
It is important to be educated on intuitive eating because it not only teaches one how to listen to their body, but also teaches one how to move on from when you may get too hungry or eat beyond fullness without shame or guilt. The wonderful book by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch can be purchased here: Intuitive Eating
The Ten Principles of Intuitive Eating - Find out More Here
Reject the diet mentality
Honor your hunger
Make peace with food
Challenge the food police
Discover the satisfaction factor
Feel your fullness
Cope with your emotions with kindness
Respect your body
Movement - feel the difference
Honor your health - gentle nutrition
Important Resources for your knowledge:
Lindo Bacon - a major contributor to the HAES movement: Resources
Evelyn Tribole - writer of Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program that Works: Resources
Marcella Raimondo - Advocate for there being more knowledge of nutrition in the medical system: Resources
National Eating Disorders Association - Resources
Project Heal - Resources
Youtube Resources:
Affirmations are important because they help aid us in the self-confidence and strength we may need to conquer our fears or insecurities. I remember when I was in treatment, I was with six other girls and each morning, we would pick one of each other’s names out of a hat and by the evening we would give each other affirmation. These would consist of what we found most special about that person. I accumulated all of those affirmation over the two months I was there and I saved them so when I am feeling particularly down, I will read them and remember what these girls who got to know me from spending twenty-four hours a day with me saw in me that i may not have seen in myself.
Five Supportive Affirmations: (Find more here or think of your own and write them down!)
I am more than your eating disorder.
I am not perfect and that is okay.
My worth is not defined by a scale.
I am worthy of love.
I AM enough.
Music therapy is successful at helping those dealing with eating disorders. Schedule your free 15 minute consultation to learn more about how it can help you or your loved one.
Author: Francesca Crowley, MT
Top 5 Therapeutic Musical Toys For Children Of All Abilities: With Video Resources
After writing our first top therapeutic toy blog back in 2014, “TOP 10 MUSICAL TOYS FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM” and having it as our top read blog we continued to write again in 2020, “TOP 11 THERAPEUTIC MUSICAL TOYS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS”. Since both of these resource lists has been such a popular read we would love to continue our holiday tradition and offer you yet another music therapy toy/instruments resource list! Plus much more this year!
Everyday we use unique, fun, motivational and engaging music instruments in our music therapy programs to help address multiple goals. Many family members and parents struggle during this time to find the “perfect gift” or “perfect toy” for the little ones on their gift lists, especially for some that have neurodiverse or developmental needs. We want to continue our Mewsic Moves resource holiday tradition and help you find that perfect musical toy(s) that provides exponential value.
This year we wanted to make our list not only beneficial but educational as well. So this year we are providing a short video that showcases one of our of amazing Neurologic Music Therapists, Zach, giving you a musical example of how we use the instrument as well as sharing some of the therapeutic value in each instrument. We know you will find much value in this years musical therapeutic toy list!
1. Cabasa
The cabasa is a versatile and unique instrument used in latin music that many children are drawn to as many have never seen one or used one before. It has bright shiny chains of beads that surround it and make a sound similar to a maraca as you roll the beads around the instrument. The cabasa ranges from large or smaller sizes as well as plastic or wood. We prefer the larger wooden cabasas as they provide better weight for proprioceptive input and pressure.
Cabasa can support:
Sensory processing & integration
Regulation
Body awareness
Speech and communication
Palmer grap control
For more details or to buy click here
2. Xylophone
The xylophone is one of our most used instruments as its transportable, easy to carry, and mimics the tonality and notes of a piano. The xylophone that we are adding to our list this year is one of our favorites as it can fold in half and some come with a carrying case. You can use one side as the major scale (similar to
white notes on piano), and the other side (the black notes) can be used to improvise songs together on a pentatonic scale which is fun to use as there are “no wrong notes”. We also love to add colored stickers to our xylophones and play music together through colors versus actual notes. It makes playing easier, fun and much more successful.
Xylophone can support:
Sustained attention
Joint attention
Communication skills (completing circles of communication)
Cognitive and impulse control skills (stop and go)
Turn taking
Eye-hand coordination
Gross motor skills
For more details or to buy click here
3. Ocean Drum
The ocean drum comes in many sizes and we prefer smaller size that can fit in a younger child’s hands. The ocean makes a beautiful and peaceful sound of the ocean as you tilt it back and forth. It can also create loud crashing wave sounds if you play and tilt it faster. The ocean drum we have chosen this year provides a visual appeal with under water display of fish and has a transparent top so you can see the beads rolling which often is a visual anchor and sensory support for many of our clients.
Ocean Drum can support:
Regulation
Sensory processing and integration
Turn taking
Cognitive control
Motor control and modulation
Sustained attention
Mindfulness and meditation
For more details or to buy click here
4. Hand/Desk Bells
Our younger clients love these bells! They are colorful and you can play them by pressing the handle or lifting them and striking them like a traditional bell. These bells also have a color sequence that aligns with the Cmajor scale that we use to work on color matching, sequencing, early music education and much more!
Hand Bells can support:
Working memory
Sequencing
Turn taking
Communication
Cognitive skills - colors and counting
Early music education
Early reading skill development
For more details or to buy click here
5. Gathering Drum
The gathering drum is a fun communal drum that sits on the floor and is perfect for circle time or gathering around with friends or family to join and play together. We prefer the larger gathering drum as it holds much space for friends to join around and it also provides a large deep base sound that fills the room as well as deep into your body. The gathering drum is one of our favorite drums to use as it can also help support impulse control as it has a large range in sounds from big and vibrational to more subtle and soft.
Gathering drum can support:
Cognitive control
Joint attention
Sustained attention
Modulating emotions
Self regulation
Co-regulation
Provides proprioceptive feedback
Speech & communication
Social goals
Bonding
For more details or to buy click here
I hope you find value in this list as well as the educational videos that we have provided to help give you some guidelines on how to use these instruments in a therapeutic way. We are always excited to share our resources with you to use with your family at home or with your clients in your office or schools. Music is truly motivational and transformational and we love to share the gifts of music with you. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about the appropriateness of any instruments with your child or clients.
All of us at Mewsic Moves wish you and your family a musical holiday!
Gift the gift of music this holiday season.
Let's be social:
PLEASE SHARE, PIN, LIKE AND LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW AS WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Self-Love Songs: Music Therapy for Trauma Survivors
Photo by Jean-Karim Dangou on Unsplash
A part of the human experience is trauma – some have a little, some have a lot. I won’t break down how people are broken down by the world; music often provides such answers, in raw, multi-dimensional, and engaging ways. Therein highlights the invaluable multi-tool which is the object of our discussion: music, or more specifically, music therapy for trauma survivors. Unfortunately, the stigmas associated with mental illness ensure many who suffer don’t get the help they need. This is, ironically, even true for musicians themselves, though mental health in the music industry is a beast of a different nature.
Music therapy is introducing many non-musicians to an outlet of self-love through the joys of music. There is empirical, theoretical, and experiential evidence to support music therapy. Sites of music therapy can be found in homes, prisons, schools, youth centers and hospitals around the world. Whereas it can be difficult to overcome or articulate our traumas in everyday settings, music therapy offers opportunities for release, self-discovery, reward, the facilitation of grieving and pleasure, and community building. Music therapy takes three forms: playing or listening to music alone, in a one-on-one setting with a licensed music therapist, and in a group setting.
All music can be therapeutic, whether you’re making the music yourself or listening to recordings. Although a licensed music therapist can help guide you through a process and provide more support, listening to music at home or playing on your own can also be healing. With the availability of recordings today, from YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, or home CDs, you can choose from a wide range of genres. Whatever your mood and needs, there is likely a piece of music out there that can help. If you feel inspired to create music, you can hum or sing a familiar folk song for free. Using music as a way to improve your mood, work through complicated feelings, or calm down after a stressful day are all a type of music therapy. However, if you find that listening to your favorite song isn’t enough, you can contact a music therapist who can help you explore your feelings and trauma using music.
Where solitary action is simply not enough, music therapists are there to provide a service which could greatly benefit the trauma survivor in need. Guided exercises with music therapists, appointed by a mental health physician, combine the benefits of professional psychology with a ground-breaking methodology which aims to personalize and musicize the therapy process. Talking to – or better yet, singing to or with – another human being who knows what they are talking about when it comes to trauma can guide the individual through the difficult healing process in a way that better engages and empowers the individual.
Additionally, music therapy in a coordinated group setting has unique benefits which may not be achieved by an individual practicing alone. Group or communal music therapy aims to help people with working together and to instill a healthy mixture of individuality and unity. Group discussions and group-music-making can encourage individuals to feel as if they belong to a larger whole which can be extremely important. Serving as a basis for the case for group-oriented music therapy is the way in which music has cemented the bonds between a group of oppressed people, who share a connection to each other precisely because of their suffering. American Blacks, for example, subjugated to slavery in the United States, used such mediums as songs and hymns for unification and motivation as a cohesive unit of oppressed and estranged people. The same principle can be more broadly applied to disabled veterans who share with each other a similar trunk of struggles in the wake of their often-damaging services to the military, or a group of children devastated by a local tornado.
Music is more than just another coping mechanism for some, but rather a way of surviving, and there is strength in numbers. It is for many reasons including this that music therapy is a valid and expansive resource for those struggling with trauma, and it is emerging in many personal and institutional settings. If you are someone struggling with trauma and cannot find effective short-term or long-lasting coping mechanisms, music therapy may be the change you never knew you were searching for, the self-love song you’ve been longing to sing.
Exclusively written for mewsicmoves.com
Mewsic Moves is also offering telemusictherapy sessions during this time for those that need additional mental health support in dealing with anxiety and depression or also those that want to continue individual music therapy sessions but are practicing social distancing.
For more information please reach out to us:
email: john@mewsicmoves.com
phone: (818) 877-6797
Let’s Be Social
Benefits of Making Music With Your Family: Especially During Quarantine
The global pandemic has forced thousands of people to lessen their time outside of their homes. This has encouraged families to look into different types of activities that they can do from home. In line with this, Rolling Stone's piece on instrument sales during quarantine details that a surge in music gear sales and downloads for free music software Garageband has surged due to quarantine.
Now, if you've been undecided on whether or not making music with your family is something you should consider doing then this is the article for you.
Aside from it being an overall fun activity, making music with your family also brings other benefits as well. If you want to learn more about this process, read on for a quick discussion on why recording an album or some songs with your family could prove quite beneficial.
Benefits of Making Music With Your Family:
Bonding Opportunity
First of all, making music with your family is a great opportunity to bond. Even if you have children that are too young to participate, they can still reap the benefits of the music that you'll be making. The New York Times' article on lullabies and bonding highlights how babies' sense of hearing is the most important sense they'll give for the first two years. This is why singing to your children is one of the most effective ways to form a connection early on.
Cognitive Development
Aside from being a fun activity, playing and learning how to play instruments has quite a few cognitive benefits as well. An article published on INC. highlights that science has shown that musical training can change the brain's structure in a way that promotes long-term brain development. Mileage will obviously vary depending on how involved your children will be with the entire music-making process but this is something you may want to keep in mind when considering trying out musical activities with your family.
Importance of Creativity
Lastly, the importance of creativity when it comes to you child's development cannot be understated. A study conducted by researchers from UC Berkley detail that nurturing your child's creativity could help them with problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and social intelligence down the line.
What You'll Need to Record:
Audio Interface
To put it simply, your audio interface will be what sends your recording into your computer. All you have to do is connect a microphone into it to convert the sounds into digital form. Most audio interfaces come with features that let you monitor the metering and levels of your recordings to ensure that they're optimal for the music that you're trying to make. The Focusrite Scarlett is a good place to start as it is budget-friendly and is compatible with 3rd party digital audio workstations (more on this later).
Microphone
The next thing you'll need is a microphone to record instruments on. We understand that not everyone is familiar with music gear. Which is why it's important to look for a mic that's simple to set up and use. Shout4Music’s review of The Audio-Technica ATR2500 outlines how this particular type is a plug and play mic making it easy to handle and record with. Not to mention it has the range and flexibility to record a multitude of live instruments that may be used for the songs. If you're only going to be recording one song rather than an entire album, your phone or computer's built-in microphone may be the way to go. However, if you're going to be recording extensively, a decent microphone is pretty much a necessity.
Digital Audio Workstation
Lastly, a digital audio workstation (DAW) can make up for any live instruments you lack. It can even add effects and samples to any of your tracks. When it comes to DAWs you'll one want one that's intuitive and easy to use. If you're using macOS, Garageband is a great free option as it comes with many instruments and effects that'll be useful for any song you'll be trying to record.
If you enjoyed this article, you might want to check out our other article on the 11 Music Activities to Do With Your Family During Corona Virus Shut Down for additional things to try out!
Exclusively written for mewsicmoves.com
By: Leila Alayna
Mewsic Moves is also offering telemusictherapy sessions during this time for those that need additional mental health support in dealing with anxiety and depression or also those that want to continue individual music therapy sessions but are practicing social distancing.
For more information please reach out to us:
email: john@mewsicmoves.com
phone: (818) 877-6797
Let’s Be Social
Coronavirus Got You Down? You Are Not Alone!
As a mental health practitioner, I support people with various mental health conditions daily. My initial approach is to help clients first understand and recognize the elements and symptoms of mental health decline if they do not already. Many clients share that they have been struggling for a long time but were not aware of the elements of their conditions; and shame or embarrassment have kept them from seeking help or speaking out about their mental health challenges.
As the coronavirus pandemic began and the social isolation and distancing became mandatory, it made me think of so many who may be affected by mental health decline and are not even aware of its symptoms and effects on them.
I want to highlight some common thoughts or feelings that I encourage you to pay close attention to, and hopefully find the necessary help and support that you need during these challenging times. It is also important to understand that although many of these feelings and reactions are normal during a traumatizing pandemic, they can also lead to a deeper state of mental health decline.
Here is a list of some of the thoughts and feelings that I would like to bring to your attention:
1- Hopelessness
Giving into and repeating all the fear, thoughts, and negativity during this time can lead to a sense of hopelessness. This can be a sign of depression or a precursor to depression.
2- Panic & Anxiety
Panic is a sudden uncontrollable fear of something. If we spend too much time in panic and anxiety, this can have dramatic effects on our overall mental health and can lead to body pain and even panic attacks. This is something to pay attention to and I urge you to find ways to help decrease or distract you from panic, anxiety and worry.
3- Worry
Worry is a common trait of ours. However, as I described above, when we consistently feel worried it can turn into catastrophizing thoughts and have an overall impact on our emotional and physical wellbeing. Catasprophizing is ruminating on a negative thought and convincing yourself things are worse than they really are.
4- Feeling Overwhelmed
Many families, individuals, businesses and even our amazing heroic front line workers are more likely feeling overwhelmed right now. Feeling overwhelmed is not to be taken lightly or to be “shrugged off”. This is a common symptom of anxiety and an indicator that someone is doing “too much of something”. Feeling overwhelmed can also trigger panic and/or depression.
5- Lack of Interest/Desire
People who experience a lack of interest or desire in things that usually give them pleasure is often a core symptom of depression.
6- Engaging in Excessive Behaviors
This is a tricky one as many right now are binge watching Netflix and are bored and engaging in activities more than they usually would, including drinking alcohol. It is necessary to pay attention to this as this could lead to further excessive behaviors, and we need to check in on our mental health and strive for balance.
8- Case of the F*** Its!
Most of us know at our core that it is important to stay healthy, eat well, have balance in our lives and so on. But when someone feels overwhelmed, worried, has no interest and on top of that experiencing being alone in isolation, it is easy to get the case of the “F*** it’s”, which is a type of “I don’t care anymore” perspective. This can also lead to giving up on things that are important to your overall mental health like exercising, meditation, reaching out, and much more.
I want to encourage you in the midst of these chaotic times and this pandemic that we all experience some of these elements above; but I want to bring awareness to them and encourage you that “you are not alone” and if you recognize any of these thoughts and feelings in excess, I encourage you to reach out and seek help.
I feel very strongly about the use of music during these times. Being a music therapist, I see the many benefits of music to help validate as well as distract from many of our emotions and life situations that we may experience. I have turned to music many times myself to help release my emotions and worries during this time.
At the beginning of the pandemic I could not get the song “You Will Be Found” from the popular musical Dear Evan Hansen out of my head. I sat at the piano, recorded it, and felt especially drawn to the line that repeats “you are not alone”. I wanted to share this message with the world during this time and invited my music therapy colleagues from all over the world to join me in song. I have found so much comfort during these difficult times collaborating with 116 other music therapists across the world on this project and want to spread the message to the world that “you are not alone”.
As I have outlined above, I want to bring awareness to many of the thoughts and feelings that may arise during traumatic times and to educate others who may not know or understand its impact or effects. Please don’t be afraid to talk to others about what you are experiencing, seek help and know that “you are not alone”.
Thank you for taking the time to view this video and we encourage you to share this musical message with many others who may need to hear “You are Not Alone”!
Mewsic Moves is also offering telemusictherapy sessions during this time for those that need additional mental health support in dealing with anxiety and depression or also those that want to continue individual music therapy sessions but are practicing social distancing.
For more information please reach out to us:
email: john@mewsicmoves.com
phone: (818) 877-6797
Let’s Be Social
Photos by Claudia Wolff on Unsplash
Why Singing is Important Especially During the Holiday Season
Photo by David Beale on Unsplash
Have you ever wondered why people like to carol during the holiday season? Why singing Christmas songs is a family tradition for so many American families? Or why does your church always ask you to sing together as a part of your Christmas Eve service?
The answer is probably simpler than you'd think. It's because it brings joy to you when you sing, especially when you sing with others. We are not saying this just because we are music therapists, but because science suggests it as well. It brightens your day by lifting your spirit, but do you know what it does to your brain? Well, let me unfold the magic of singing to you on a science level.
Before we know anything about modern choir or singing in church, human beings have already started the ritual of singings back to tens of thousands of years ago. Our ancestors, regardless of culture, language, or origin, have all used music or singing as a tool for community building. It's almost like it was built into our evolutionary history.
Although back then, singing and performing were mainly done by the "professionals", or the "talents", you can't deny the effect of closeness and joy for anyone who decides to open their mouths to sing, professionally or not. Neurologists have done researches to suggest that when people sing together, their brains release a hormone called oxytocin, which is commonly known as the "love hormone", and makes people feel closer to each other emotionally. Not only does the closeness happen between people who sing together, researches also suggested that the act of listening when singing in groups makes participants' brain responses to synchronize with one another. That's why it still makes you feel closer to the people around you regardless of your singing skills. It's not the excellent music we are looking for, but the closeness that music can bring us.
Other than making people feel closer together, music is probably the best anti-depressant you can get over the holiday season. No extra sugar or alcohol needed, singing will do the tricks! Neurologists suggested that our brains release dopamine and serotonin during singing activities (meaning both listening to it and doing it) with people you love. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in our brains that regulates the pleasure and reward centers, and serotonin is found mostly in the digestive tract that helps regulate our moods, social behaviors, and appetite. According to Daniel Levitin, a psychology professor at McGill University and author of This is Your Brain on Music, said that around 20 percent of Canadians are currently taking some sort of SSRI or anti-depressant drugs to maintain their mood balance caused by lack of serotonin. It's incredible to know that singing with others, especially the ones you love, can lift your mood and fill your holiday prescription of that anti-depressant you've been taking.
If you are spending your holiday with any elderlies in the family, make sure you include them as well when you do the family singing tradition. Neurologists have shown that memories involved music can engage broader neural pathways than other types of memories. Listening to an old song can bring back so much of one's memories with vivid details of emotions or visual cues. Music therapists have spent years implementing music therapy services in nursing homes and elderly facilities, using music and singing to evoke the lost memory of many dementia and Alzheimer's patients. It's always a surprise for the families to see dementia or Alzheimer's patients who can't even remember their own sons' and daughters' names but can sing an old song without missing a single lyric. Singing stimulates multiple areas in our brains across both left and right hemispheres, which keeps more neuron cells in excellent working order.
I can't think of a better gift you can give to your family and friends this holiday season other than music. The most wonderful things sometimes are the simplest things that we fail to notice. So remember to sit down next to the ones you love, sing a little song together. Include the kids and elderlies in the family. It doesn't matter if you sing on pitch or in the most accurate rhythm, what matters is the closeness and joy that singing brings us.
I wish you a wonderful holiday full of music, warmth, and joy!
Resources:
https://www.choraldirectormag.com/articles/vocal-pro/your-brain-and-singing-why-singing-in-a-choir-makes-you-happier/
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/blogs/the-science-behind-why-choir-singing-is-good-for-you-1.4594292?fbclid=IwAR181J6umzSkdMnXRUbwVjQ-pIj0jvZmNwPvJudfj-ITK-EGbqKDkONu928
Here are some original songs that I wrote for your and your family for the holidays. Hope you enjoy singing them with your family and friends.
Let’s Be Social
What is Your Brain Doing During Music Therapy?
A review of a recent case study on how the brain reacts to music therapy.
“For the first time researchers have been able to demonstrate that the brains of a patient and therapist become synchronized during a music therapy session, a breakthrough that could improve future interactions between patients and therapists.”
On July 25, 2019, a new study was published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology. It was the first research that utilized a procedure called hyperscanning in music therapy research, which allowed researchers to better understand the interaction between two people by recording brain activities in both brains at the same time.
Both EEG (electroencephalogram) and video recording were used to capture data of the session from both the therapist and the client in a guided imagery and music session. GIM music therapist guided the client through an “imaginary journey” while incorporating music listening and images to elicit memories, emotions, and feelings from the client, and to help the client understand life issues.
In this dyadic case study, the goal was to engage the client in a supportive music experience while discussing strong emotions. A series of classical music was played during the session while the client shared and discussed issues and concerns in her life. The researchers specifically looked for the “moment of interest” which was defined as a therapeutically important moment. Brain synchronization was observed through brain scan and video recordings during moments of interest. During one of the moments of interest, the brain scan showed that the client experienced a shift of emotion from negative to positive, which shortly followed by a similar shift in the therapist. The researchers concluded that the client and the therapist truly connected during the session, and such a therapeutic setting provided a safe environment to work on negative emotions, fear, anxiety, etc.
This study marks a milestone in music therapy research by demonstrating the brain synchronization between a patient and a music therapist during a music therapy session. It allowed us to see what "moment of change" looks like inside the brain. The findings could set the foundation on understanding emotional processing in therapeutic interactions, and determining the effectiveness of music therapy in psychodynamic settings.
Original Source
Jörg C. Fachner, Clemens Maidhof, Denise Grocke, Inge Nygaard Pedersen, Gro Trondalen, Gerhard Tucek, Lars O. Bonde. “Telling me not to worry…” Hyperscanning and Neural Dynamics of Emotion Processing During Guided Imagery and Music. Frontiers in Psychology, 2019; 10 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01561
Let’s Be Social
Music Therapy and Mental Health: A Form of Treatment
Music Therapy
& Mental Health Awareness
In most of my music therapy groups this week I dedicated time away from engaging in music but rather to engage in conversations around music and mental health since May is mental health awareness month. I know some of you just gasped and thought, how dare a music therapist do a session without engaging in music ! Well, I did and it was quite powerful!
In most of the sessions the clients were engaged in some deep and emotional discussions around music in our culture and artists that have contributed a great deal to our music as art; many from their own experiences with mental health challenges.
Artists names such as Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Britney Spears, and so many others came to surface. Clients shared that these artists music has touched their lives in so many ways over the years of their personal struggles with mental health issues. Some have expressed, “It was the only thing that got me through” while others expressed “It was a relief to know that I was not alone”.
Client's have described these songs as being a "source of strength in times of adversity". I encouraged the clients to share songs from artists who gave them words of encouragement that in turn were also dealing with similar mental health challenges.
Music in all forms has been therapeutic for centuries and I want to highlight that even though many of these artists songs are therapeutic I want to honor and thank them that they had the courage to step into vulnerability and share their hurt and challenges through words and song with us. These artists shared personal stories in their songs that continue to support, validate and help many of the clients that I work with in our music therapy groups.
This month let's recognize that much of the music we listen to on a daily basis very likely has been a form of music therapy for the individual artists themselves. Its been a way for them to share their story, their pain and help support others along their journey. That's the beauty in music and creativity -- it can often come from pain but then transform into something beautiful and powerful, similar to the Eminem song, “Beautiful Pain”.
I encourage you to share your story, share your song, share your art and help others find comfort and peace and normalize that mental health issues are real and we can shed some light in the darkness.
Find a list of songs below that clients have chosen in music therapy groups throughout the month that were created and performed from artists that too have struggled with mental illness. This is just a small representation of the many artists out there that struggle and have used their voices and creativity as an outlet, a way to help heal others and help empower their listeners from not feeling alone in their experiences with mental health challenges. (click on song titles to view the video)
Britney Spears - Stronger
Eminem - The Monster
Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
Natalie Grant - The Real Me
Demi Lovato - Skyscraper
Alessia Cara - Scars to Your Beautiful
Macklemore - Otherside
Lady Gaga - Perfect Illusion
Rachel Platten - Fight Song
Justin Bieber - Love Yourself
Do you have other songs that you could add to this list? If so, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a link to the video or artist below in the comment section. Thank you. #musicandmentalhealth
Let's Stay in Touch
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Music Therapy Addressing Back to School Needs
September and October can be very challenging months for both parents and children transitioning back to school from a relaxing and non-structured summer. Going back onto a routine can be tough for both parents and their children.
Once school starts, most teachers will be very attuned to each child's needs in their classroom. Perhaps you've gotten a call to have your child taken from class because of your child's performance, behaviors or even social isolation? If this happens, it can make the transition even more stressful for both the parent and the child.
Parents then might try to find services that will support their child and address the concerns of their teachers. What kinds of therapy might help? occupational therapy? speech and language therapy? physical therapy?
What about music therapy? Maybe you've never even considered it. This form of therapy has been around for almost 80 years, yet surprisingly people are still unaware of its effectiveness, particularly for helping children with special needs.
The fascinating aspect of music therapy is that you can be working on multiple goals simultaneously, such as speech/communication, fine/gross motor, social skills, emotional regulation, and others. For example, when playing a drum, a child can work on their gross motor skills, and at the same time be learning to regulate by maintaining a steady rhythm. If you add in vocalizations, it can help them with communication. Very few forms of therapy can compare to the versatility and efficacy of music therapy.
Here are a few examples of why music therapy can be an effective therapy for your child to help with any of the goals and concerns that may arise during this hectic transition starting back to school.
1- Music can increase social skills
2- Music can help regulate your child
3- Music can increase your child's attention span/focus
4- Music strengthens your child's auditory skills
5- Music helps with memory and sequencing skills
6- Music is fun, engaging and rewarding
7- Music can help increase communication skills and language development
8- Music can help with understanding and processing children's feelings
9- Music can help with social-emotional development
10- Music can help with fine and gross motor skills
If you would like to learn more about music therapy please contact me: john@mewsicmoves.com
Let's Stay in Touch!
For FREE songs, videos and tips on how to support children with special needs through music click here.
Please share, like and leave your comments below as I love to hear from you.
Autism Parenting Magazine Lists Music Therapy/Mewsic Moves as a Resource!
I've had the privilege of writing multiple articles for the autism parenting magazine over the past few years. They have covered many great topics and have been an amazing resource for parents, educators and therapists over the years. Some of my articles they've published are:
Last year the Autism Magazine also awarded us with the Top Music Therapy Writer for their magazine in 2014!
Just last month they have created an online resource for parents and I am so excited to announce that Mewsic Moves has made the list! We are so grateful to the Autism Parenting Magazine for all they do for families across the country, online and around the world. Thank you for being such a great tool and resource for so many.
You can find the resource list by clicking HERE.
You can also get your FREE copy of the Autism Parenting Magazine by clicking HERE.
Please share this resource with families of children with special needs and others who may benefit from any of these resources.
Let's Stay in Touch!
For FREE songs, videos and tips on how to support children with special needs through music click here.
Please share, like and leave your comments below as we love to hear from you.
Mewsic Moves Wins an Award!
I am so thrilled to announce that I have received the “Top Music Therapy Writer” award from Autism Parenting Magazine for 2014! This is a terrific magazine that provides education and support to families of children on the spectrum. The Autism Parenting Magazine was also proud recipients of the 2014 Gold Award for Online Resources (websites, eMagazines and blogs) in the category of Family/Parenting from the Mom's Choice Awards®.
Here is a list of some of the articles I contributed to the Autism Parenting Magazine:
I encourage you to check out this excellent magazine! Also, look for more articles from me this year. If you have questions or are interested in learning more about music therapy, please reach out to me. Your question might even inspire me to write my next article!
Click on the picture to the right to subscribe to the Autism Parenting Magazine.
Musically,
John Mews, BMT, MA, MFTI
john@mewsicmoves.com
www.mewsicmoves.com
You can also check out the Autism Parenting Magazine by CLICKING HERE
Check out my other blogs below
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Please share, pin, like and leave your comments below as I love to hear from you!
Top 10 Musical Toys For Children With Autism
This is the time year most people are out shopping for things to put under the Christmas tree. This can be an especially challenging time for parents of children with Autism. So many of the available toys are far too over-stimulating for these children
Over the years parents have asked about buying musical instruments for their child. I think these make great gifts, because they help the child engage in music making at home, which helps to reinforce what was learned during the music therapy session.
Here are my top ten musical instruments I recommend for children with Autism. For each one, I explain how the instrument can be utilized in a therapeutic and beneficial way. What a great dual purpose, a toy that’s also beneficial therapeutically! ( you can also click on each image or title for more information on the instrument).
1. Ukulele
The small size of the ukulele makes it great for small children and adolescents. It’s lightweight and narrow neck make it easy for the child to grasp. I find the Ukulele is useful for fine motor control when picking or strumming. You can also work on gross motor control if you rock the arm up and down to create strumming patterns. The Ukulele is also great for working on eye-hand coordination.
2. Recorder
Recorders are very popular with children and come in many colors. I often use this for language and speech development, primarily to aid in breath support and control. The recorder is also useful for working on fine motor skills that are needed to create different tones on the instrument.
I enjoy using the Sound Shapes®, because they are colorful, fun and come in different sizes, shapes and sounds. Sound Shapes® are easily stacked they don’t take up much room like most other stand-up drums and they are lightweight. The Sound Shapes® can provide therapeutic value in supporting eye-hand coordination, impulse control and to provide controlled sensory input.
4. Hand bells
Hand-bells come in various sizes and price ranges. I like these because they have a smaller scale (8 notes), are less expensive then others, and are quite durable. They are useful for developing fine motor skills, since you can simply press the top with your finger to make a sound. You can also use them to develop gross motor skills if you pick them up and ring them. I often use these to increase reading skills as well. I create color-coded music, which the child “reads” by playing the correctly colored bell. This also helps with visual tracking skills.
5. Cabassa
Cabassas come in various sizes. I prefer to use the larger ones, particularly if I want to use sensation and movement in my therapeutic approach. The weight of the cabassas can be useful for grounding a child, and you can roll the cabassa on the child’s arm, legs or back to create different sensations. A word of caution here – you should practice on yourself before using it on the child so that you know to use the right amount of pressure. The cabassa also can be useful for fine and gross motor skills, as well as visual and auditory stimulation when you roll it around and around.
6. Melodica
I often use the Melodica to support a child’s fine motor skills, breath control and eye-hand coordination. This is a less expensive option to purchasing a piano or keyboard.
7. Ocean Drum
Of all the drums I use in my practice, the Ocean Drum is by far the most popular. This drum comes is different sizes and colors. I prefer the ocean drum with fish inside, since it provides added visual stimulation. This instrument can be used to aid with relaxation, grounding, sensory-input, gross motor and impulse control. The sound of the ocean drum ranges from a loud crescendo of crashing waves to the gentle white noise of the sea foam bubbles dissipating on the warm sand.
8. Castanets
Castanets are fun, small and the least expensive instrument that most children love to play, mainly because they are touch-responsive. I have used this instrument to help children slow down from a fast paced-rhythm to a slower more regulated rhythm. This can be used as an auditory cue for children to understand their current energy levels and how they can learn to self-regulate. This instrument is also useful for developing fine motor skills, particularly for differentiating between using and isolating different finger movements.
I recommend buying a less expensive keyboard for therapeutic use. Children particularly seem to enjoy keyboards whose keys that light up as they are played. I use keyboards to help with fine motor skills, as an outlet to help children be creative and have fun on their own without direct instruction. Make sure your keyboard has a record button so your child can record their creative masterpieces and play it back. This helps them to feel good about their accomplishments, and allows them to share their work with others. This is particularly useful to enhance social skills and to promote sharing.
Like most of the instruments listed here, xylophones come in various sizes, colors and prices. For use at home I suggested something smaller, more colorful and less expensive. I prefer the wooden xylophones since they produce a lower-pitched sound, which helps to prevent over-stimulating a sensitive child’s auditory system. The xylophone can also help with a child’s eye-hand coordination, impulse control, gross motor skills as well as reading skills if you use color-coded music to match the notes on the xylophone.
I hope you find these list of instruments helpful in bringing some of the therapeutic benefits of music into your home. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about the appropriateness of a particular instrument for your child. If you are not working with a music therapist already, in most cases I can refer you to a qualified therapist in your area that can support your child’s development through music therapy.
