Music for Growth

I was first drawn to music as a healing tool because of my own needs.

For a few months in my early twenties I was prone to constant panic attacks, as I experienced a period of high anxiety in my life.

I managed to get through this with the use of music and meditation, as I religiously did a relaxation/meditation exercise three times a day.

Not only did the process take me through a path of realizing who I was and what I wanted out of life, it also resulted in conquering the constant anxiety.

Many changes resulted from this experience, one of which was a search for a new career, so I could share this experience of growth and healing through music with others. Now, in my work as a music therapist, I have seen many people grow and change using this healing modality.

Improvisational techniques, music and imagery, sound healing, use of song and song-writing can all be ways to explore one's personal issues and promote personal growth. Through improvisation, music can speak and express the individual's innermost feelings. Often, one can hear in the music elements that are not able to be expressed verbally. Similarly, with the use of words, songs and song-writing, one can integrate feelings and emotions at a level which may go deeper than many verbal therapies. The creative process of music-making in any form is healing, and lends itself to exploration and growth. Because of the nature of music to be in the moment, one is able to capture where he or she is in the here and now.

Music and imagery are a potent way of exploring one's inner world. The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music can lead to profound exploration of one's consciousness. It is important in any style of music therapy to take what is experienced inside the session and apply it to one's everyday life. I have witnessed people working through issues of loss, career change, childhood, relationships, family, health, spirituality, creativity, work, and purpose in life, with Guided Imagery and Music.

Other techniques can also be used to achieve deep states of relaxation and to take one on an inner journey. The use of live improvised music, combined with guided visualisation, is used with groups and individuals facing life-impacting conditions. Using live music provides the flexibility to adapt to the clients' needs in the immediate. Often, in their imagery, people encounter loved ones, go to special places, or receive meaningful messages; encounters which can bring about more clarity and understanding of their current state of being, and perhaps inform of a direction in which to grow.

The way I use sound healing incorporates many energy healing techniques ~ Healing Touch and Reiki, Sound-Healing tools such as Tibetan singing bowls, Shamanic drums, tuning forks and voice (toning, chanting and spontaneous singing). Through the use of my own imagery and that of the client, I am guided intuitively to use what the client needs at the time. Together, we work through the sensations and images that arise during a session. Many times, a spontaneous melody or song will come through that has a significant effect on the client. The various vibrational elements of sound, touch, and intention, work together to balance the mind, body and spirit through these sessions.

So, I find now I have come full circle, to the place which initially brought me to music therapy. Recently, I have worked on my own healing with the use of music, in my own treatment for breast cancer. Through the use of Guided Imagery and Music, Sound Healing, including toning, tuning forks, and drumming, Healing Touch, Reiki and much music and visualization, I have come to a place of healing. I have learned firsthand that as a caregiver, one must remember to care for oneself. Through this awakening, I find that music has played a significant role in rediscovering and returning me to my path.

By Chantal Jolly