Using Music, Art and Recreational Therapy in Addiction Treatment

Summary

Brie, a music therapist at a Residential Treatment Center, emphasizes the profound impact of music in recovery, highlighting its ability to validate feelings and facilitate self-expression. The therapy includes lyric analysis, songwriting, and improvisation, alongside group activities and community outings to foster connection and coping skills. Brie encourages seeking help, assuring potential clients of a supportive team ready to assist them through every step of their recovery journey.

Takeaways

• 🎵 Music therapy is a significant part of the recovery process at the Residential Treatment Center.
• 💖 Music can deeply connect with people and validate their feelings, aiding in self-expression and exploration.
• 🎤 Clients can express vulnerability through music without needing to speak, which helps them understand themselves during recovery.
• 📝 Lyric analysis is used to relate to songs and discuss the lessons learned from them.
• 🎼 Songwriting allows clients to incorporate personal experiences into music, aiding in self-expression.
• 🥁 Improvisation with instruments is part of the therapy, offering a creative outlet for clients.
• 🎤 Karaoke is also used as a therapeutic activity, likely for enjoyment and engagement.
• 👥 Group music activities are part of the recreation therapy program, promoting community and connection.
• 🎨 Other recreation therapists incorporate various activities like art, games, and aromatherapy into the therapy.
• 🏞 Outings are organized to help clients reconnect with their community and engage in sober activities, learning new coping skills.
• 🧘‍♂️ The therapy aims to help clients deal with emotions like anxiety and depression, which are often numbed or avoided through substance use.
• 🤔 Encouragement is given for those seeking help to ask questions and try new things, acknowledging the risks and changes involved.
• 💪 Support is emphasized as being available from a team, not just from the music therapist but also from others in the program and center.

Q & A

What is the role of music therapy in the recovery process according to Brie?

Music therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process as it allows individuals to connect deeply and express themselves through music, which can validate their feelings and facilitate self-expression and exploration in a safe and comfortable manner.

How does music therapy help individuals who are not comfortable speaking about their feelings?

Music therapy provides a medium for individuals to express their emotions and be vulnerable without the need to speak directly, allowing them to explore their feelings through the music.

What are some specific activities that Brie mentions in her music therapy sessions?

Brie mentions activities such as lyric analysis, songwriting where personal experiences are incorporated into songs, improvisation with instruments, and karaoke.

How does the recreation therapy program at the Residential Treatment Center integrate music with other activities?

The recreation therapy program groups music with other activities like art, games, aromatherapy, and guided imagery, creating a holistic approach to therapy.

What is the purpose of taking residential clients out into the community as part of their therapy?

Outings are meant to help individuals reconnect with their community, engage in sober activities, connect with peers, and learn new coping skills and resources for dealing with emotions such as anxiety and depression.

Why is it important for individuals in recovery to learn new coping skills and resources?

New coping skills and resources are important because addiction often involves using substances to numb or avoid emotions, and learning to manage these emotions healthily is crucial for recovery.

What advice does Brie give to someone looking for help with addiction?

Brie encourages individuals to ask questions and try new things, emphasizing that there is no harm in seeking help and that taking the risk to change can lead to a better life with the support of a team.

How does the Residential Treatment Center support clients throughout their recovery journey?

The center provides a team of support, including music and recreation therapists, to assist clients with every step of their recovery process.

What is the significance of self-awareness in the recovery process as described by Brie?

Self-awareness is highly beneficial for clients as it helps them understand and manage their emotions, which is essential for improving in their recovery from addiction.

Can you explain the concept of using music to validate individuals' feelings in therapy?

Using music to validate feelings means that the emotional expressions in songs can resonate with individuals, affirming their experiences and emotions, which can be particularly powerful in therapy.

What is the role of the other recreation therapists in the overall therapy program at the center?

The other recreation therapists contribute to the overall therapy program by incorporating various activities such as art, games, and guided imagery, enhancing the multifaceted approach to treatment.