Category: Uncategorized
How Music Therapy Empowers Recovery in Substance Abuse Treatment
In the journey to overcome addiction challenges, music therapy has been a great tool in recovery centers. Music has the power to support those dealing with substance use disorders. Music therapy isn’t only a form of artistic expression; it’s a clinical approach recognized by professionals in the mental health and substance abuse fields, including the American Music Therapy Association. This type of therapy taps into the emotional and physical health benefits of music, offering those in substance abuse treatment a unique pathway to recovery. Here, we’ll explore the benefits, techniques, and applications of music therapy in overcoming addiction and enhancing well-being. Understanding Music Therapy’s Role In Addiction Treatment Music therapy, as defined by the American Music Therapy Association, involves using music to achieve certain goals within a therapeutic relationship. Further, some of the things music therapy may help with include overcoming negative emotions, expressing an individual's feelings, and building social skills. Also, a trained music therapist who is board certified is equipped with the knowledge of developing a tailored treatment for each client's need. This is because the music therapist has gone through an approved music therapy program and clinical training. Music therapy training includes: Creating music Playing instruments Analyzing lyrics Listening to music Moreover, all these activities support the emotional well-being and communication abilities of patients in treatment centers. So, by fostering a therapeutic relationship between a client and a therapist, music therapy may improve communication skills and create a safe space for healing and self-discovery. Benefits Of Music Therapy In Overcoming Addiction Challenges For those experiencing substance use disorder, the benefits of music therapy sessions are vast. That includes mental health, physical health, and emotional well-being. Some of the benefits include: 1.) Emotional Regulation and Self-Expression Many people with substance use disorder struggle with processing emotions. Listening to music has been found to be the easiest way to express complex feelings non-verbally that may be difficult to articulate in traditional forms of therapy. Creating music, singing, and playing instruments offer a sense of release and validation. Music therapists report that song lyrics can give comfort and insights into disorder treatment. This is because individuals find words for their experiences and build their communication skills while creating art through music. 2.) Reduce Anxiety and Stress Key findings indicate that anxiety and stress are common triggers in addiction relapse. Music therapists work with clients during a music therapy session to develop relaxation techniques that can reduce anxiety. Music listening response techniques, where individuals listen to soothing music, have been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. The American Music Therapy Association has also reported that music intervention calms the mind and body, making it easier to resist the urge to relapse. 3.) Enhancing Social Skills And Social Functioning Group music therapy sessions are common in treatment centers. The sessions help individuals build social skills as they make music, listen to music together, or discuss musical experiences in their journey to recovery. These group sessions foster connections and reduce feelings of isolation, offering a support system within the therapeutic community. 4.) Boosting Self-Esteem And Confidence Substance abuse can cause individuals to suffer from mental health disorders and diminished self-esteem and confidence. Music therapy may help individuals regain a sense of self-worth. As an individual creates music or masters a piece of music, they feel accomplished. This positively impacts their self-esteem in daily life. 5.) Health Benefits Chronic pain and physical health issues are known to be the side effects of addiction. Music therapy is often used to manage chronic pain in both medical and substance abuse settings. Engaging in music can act as a distraction from physical discomfort, providing relief from pain. Key Techniques Used In Music Therapies To Promote Recovery In Substance Abuse Treatment To support addiction recovery, music therapists employ different techniques. This is because music therapeutically enables individuals to apply the recommended adaptable habits by their therapist. Some techniques used by the therapists include: Songwriting and Lyrics Analysis with a Music Therapist Through songwriting, clients can express feelings creatively, transforming their emotions into lyrics. Music therapists confirm that this process has been effective mostly for individuals who struggle with self-expression. Analyzing lyrics from favorite songs also reveals underlying feelings that individuals may not realize they are harboring. Instrumental Play Playing instruments allows for direct engagement with music therapy, which can foster a deep sense of relaxation and concentration. Individuals with no musical background can still benefit from instrumental play, as the focus is on self-expression rather than technical skill. Music Listening and Response Listening to music that resonates personally with clients can trigger an emotional response, promoting relaxation. Music preferences play an important role in this technique, as listening to familiar music can be comforting and supportive of emotional healing. Improvisation In music therapy sessions, music therapists improvise ways for individuals to express themselves easily. This type of expression can reveal emotions or thoughts the person might not consciously recognize, providing insights for both the individuals and the music therapists. Movement To Music Moving or dancing to music can release bottled-up energy and emotions, helping individuals process experiences on a physical level. This technique can also improve general health, as it encourages movement and coordination, which are often neglected in the daily life of someone struggling with addiction. How Treatment Centers Utilize Music Therapy In Accordance With Principles Laid Out By The American Music Therapy Association The American Music Therapy Association has noted that many substance abuse treatment centers now offer music therapy as a part of their overall treatment. Music therapy sessions can be integrated with other complementary therapies, such as art therapy, to address co-occurring mental health disorders. It’s now common to see music therapy offered alongside traditional counseling, as music therapy’s benefits enhance the effectiveness of other treatment modalities. Music Therapy’s Role In Addressing Mental Health And Co-Occurring Disorders Often, addiction leads to other forms of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, and general psychiatric disorders. Music therapy can help individuals to express heavy emotions and provide general psychological relaxation. That also promotes the processing of difficult emotions. Creating art can also alleviate symptoms of such disorders. For example, studies have shown that music can reduce symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and general cognitive impairments. This shows the potential benefits of music. Raising Awareness And Accessibility Of Music Therapy Raising awareness about the benefits of music therapy in substance abuse treatment is essential for the broader adoption of this therapy. Organizations like the American Music Therapy Association advocate for the inclusion of music therapy in an individual's treatment plan and encourage mental health professionals to consider music therapy as a valuable tool for recovery. It’s important to note that a credentialed professional should conduct music therapy. Music Therapy Interventions Are Instrumental In Treating Substance Use Disorders And Serious Mental Disorders Music therapy is a powerful tool for people trying to overcome addiction. It allows them to express their feelings, reduce stress, build confidence, and connect with others. By creating, listening to, or playing music, people in recovery can find it a great way of expression. Many treatment centers now use music therapy for addiction recovery. This is because it supports mental, emotional, and physical healing. We can all encourage people who need it to go for it. Read Also: Family Musicals: The Best Dads on The Stage The Role Of Bass Clef In Shaping Jazz And Modern Popular Music
READ MOREDetails
How to Reach Out to a Recruiter on LinkedIn Do’s and Don’ts
How to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn? But, most importantly! Can you reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn? Actively looking for a job? How many CVs and active job requests have you sent over LinkedIn for the past few weeks? ...and are there still *crickets* from the recruiters? It is not an error from your end but something you are missing out on. If you are actively searching for your next dream job and expecting an upgrade from your previous one, you need more than simply sending CVs in bulk! Like all norms and ethics that govern other parts of your life, job searching also has its fair share of etiquette. After all, your qualifications can match those of a hundred (some are even ready to take a salary offer less than what you are expecting). Then what makes you stand out? That is what we will be discussing in the excerpt below! The Pros & Cons of LinkedIn Job Searching LinkedIn is undoubtedly one of the biggest social media platforms that has helped many find jobs. But is it the best platform to look for when finding a job? Here are some of the pros and cons of the LinkedIn platforms (especially in terms of job seeking) that you should be aware of. Pros If you are wondering about whether to go through the process of looking for a job on social media handles like LinkedIn, here I am with some encouragement. Here are the benefits of looking for a job through LinkedIn. 1. It is Beginner Friendly If you are a fresh graduate looking for a job. In most jobs, you get the easy LinkedIn application option. This is where you must fill in some basic details like age, and experience. Then upload your CV, and your application will automatically reach the recruiters. Therefore, this is a good place to start for someone who doesn’t have much experience in terms of job seeking. 2. Mail Updates LinkedIn offers you a mailing update feature. This is where you get updates about your application. When your application is successfully submitted. Or whether the recruiter viewed your application. In fact, you also get an automated update when your application is rejected. Yes, it is painful to swallow at times, but at least you are not waiting on a false sense of hope. 3. High Candidate Volume Jobs LinkedIn is a good place for someone planning to look for a freelancing job or a work-from-home job. Generally, recruiters over LinkedIn are posting for jobs which require a high number of candidacies. Therefore, the chances of you getting a job even if most seats are filled are high. Because there are generally many seats to fill! 4. It is also a social media Tool LinkedIn is a one-of-a-kind recruitment platform because it bridges the gap between candidates & recruiters even before getting a call for an interview. Alongside sending your resume and applying for the job, you can also send them a connection request. Plus, interact with their post and get the chance for personal communication to strengthen your candidacy. Cons Now, let’s discuss how LinkedIn is not helping you. Everything has a good and a bad side and does the process of Job application on LinkedIn. So, you should be looking forward to what not to do! 1. No Customization Since the job application process is generic, you have little chance for customization. These include offering a cover letter or portfolio which caters separately to the company & job role. Therefore, all you can do is send them your resume and wait! Only once they have replied can you send these customized items to strengthen your candidacy. 2. Not a Great Platform for Specialist or Management Post LinkedIn is good for fresher positions that don’t require much scrutiny. Whether it is about your experience or your resume. However, a customized portfolio, and cover letter are important when it comes to senior management job roles. LinkedIn is not where recruiters are looking to fill higher management job roles. Dos & Don’ts to How to Reach out to a Recruiter on LinkedIn For someone looking for a job and who wants to do the LinkedIn job well, here are some of the Dos and Don’ts you should be aware of. Dos – LinkedIn Job Seeking Here is what you should be doing when seeking a job over LinkedIn. Especially when you want to make a good impression for recruiters. #Do Create a Good Resume If a resume is your only means to impress on the first step, create a very good resume. In fact, write a general cover letter template and attach the same to your resume. However, do not forget to change the organization’s name & the necessary edits to make it look customized. Having that personalized message attached to your resume can help your case more. #Do Reach out to the Recruiter Be careful when you do so because it is not that simple. First, check whether the recruiter has requested candidates not to reach out. Yes, they are likely to get a lot of messages every day. Second, send them a connection request with a good opening message. Do not talk about your job here. Third, do not give vague messages. For example, “I applied for the job”. Try to be specific in your approach. For example, “Hi! I am (Y/N), and I applied for your recent opening for the job of (job name). I believe I am well qualified for the job (give 2 to 3 qualifications). Can we connect & talk about the position? #Do Update your Profile Start by updating your profile picture and background photo. If needed, get a professional photo. Then, update your job role or what you do underneath your profile picture. In fact, use the keywords that the recruiters are searching for when hiring. Your information about us should also be informative & compelling. So that any recruiter visiting should know what you do. Lastly, your qualifications & how you will make them credible. These include all the past jobs, degrees, and skill certifications you have done. You should also try your best to remain active on your LinkedIn. Add a few posts from time to time and interact with others. Don’ts - LinkedIn Job Seeking When seeking a job on LinkedIn or asking how to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn, here are things you shouldn’t do. #Don’t Irritate the Recruiters Personal messing will be one of the suggestions If you are looking through how to contact a recruiter on LinkedIn. However, irritating them will do you no good if you are looking for a job in a particular company they are recruiting for, or you have applied for a job. In fact, it can derail your chances of getting that job even if you are qualified for it. Stop asking about the job opening once or twice a day. If they have rejected your resume, an automated mail will reach you. So, be patient and look through other job openings. #Don’t Treat Them like Career Counsellors Let’s get one thing clear: recruiters get paid to get candidates for a particular job role. No, they are not career counselors. So, stop asking them questions like - “Can you help me find a job?” “These are my qualifications. Which job role am I most suited for?” “Can you help me write my resume?” If you are trying to build a good connection with your recruiters, then this activity could pose detrimental. The recruiters will immediately put off these questions. #Don’t Ask Just About the Job If you have already applied for the job and reached out to the recruiter, then talking directly about the job posting is unprofessional. Plus, the recruiter needs to get more messages & mails regarding the job offer. Therefore, your message will also be lost in that crowd of texts. This is why you should always curate a customized message when sending a connection request or your very first text. Here is what to message a recruiter on LinkedIn: Begin with a normal note of greeting. Then, talk about the job offer a little. You then move to talking about you as a candidate. Since this is your first impression, try to make the most of it. But do not copy-paste your entire cover letter, rather try to explain in a few words why you could be right for the post. Talk about your conceptual skills, and how it can help you get the job done better than others. Interacting with LinkedIn Recruiters Before understanding how to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn, it is better to learn the tips and tricks of getting noticed by recruiters. How do you send requests with the right message, what comment should you post, and how do you professionally tag someone on LinkedIn ? Day 1-2: Profile Optimization Ensure your profile is complete: professional headline, photo, summary, experience. Use relevant keywords in your headline and summary. Highlight key skills and industry-related endorsements. Day 3-5: Network Building Connect with professionals in your industry. Engage with your connections’ posts (like, comment, share). Follow key companies and recruiters in your field. Day 6-10: Content Engagement & Creation Comment on industry-relevant posts with insightful thoughts. Share articles or posts that align with your expertise. Post a short, value-driven update or tip related to your field. Day 11-15: Strategic Outreach Identify and follow recruiters for your target companies. Engage with their posts before sending a personalized connection request. once connected Send a brief, professional message, focusing on mutual interests or industry insights. Day 16+: Consistency Stay active by posting weekly. Keep engaging with relevant content and building relationships. Final Note When reaching out to the recruiter on LinkedIn, here are a few things to remember! Be authentic and patient. Recruiters notice consistent, value-driven engagement and well-crafted profiles over time. Keep refining your approach based on what resonates with your network. & No matter what you do, refrain from irritating the recruiters for no reason! Read Also: Mastering LinkedIn Etiquette: A Guide To Tagging Connections Effectively Here’s How To Block Someone On LinkedIn
READ MOREDetailsPopular
Technologies For Creating A Startup Idea
20 Feb 2023
How to Download Facebook Videos on Android?
07 Feb 2019
7 Rules of Effective Ecommerce Web Design
28 Jan 2021
