Setting:
Medical
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Populations Served:
Hospitalized Children & Adults
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Format:
Group and Individual Sessions
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Lifesong is a music therapy program designed to be implemented in medical settings, and to address the needs of children and adults with a wide range of needs related to hospitalization. The Lifesong program focuses on caring for the “whole patient” by addressing needs in physical, emotional, psychological, cognitive, and spiritual realms associated with illness and hospitalization. The music therapy treatment in Lifesong always focuses on the immediate needs of the patient. The music therapists may have one session with a patient to assist with pain management or to help reduce stress, or offer ongoing treatment to a patient in long-term care. The Lifesong music therapist is scheduled to be available for individual sessions on specific units of the medical facility, based on referrals a medical professional on the unit, and to offer group session within the units on a weekly basis.
Through the Lifesong program, music is introduced as a medium that is non-threatening and familiar in a setting that can seem threatening and unfamiliar. During medical procedures that can be invasive, music therapy can be a non-invasive option to assist in preparation for, or during these procedures. The Lifesong music therapist can be a valuable member of the medical team to build rapport with the patients, provide a more positive experience for the patient and their family, help promote wellness, assist in meeting specific needs of the patients, enhancing the quality of life for individuals who are in hospitalization.
| to reduce the perception of pain |
to increase communication |
| to reduce stress |
to build rapport with the treatment team |
| to increase relaxation |
to provide comfort |
| to reduce blood pressure |
to provide spiritual support |
| to reduce heart rate |
to increase normalization |
| to regulate breathing patterns |
to increase self-esteem |
| to assist in physical rehabilitation |
to address emotional needs |
| to facilitate reminiscence |
to increase social interaction |
| to increase reality orientation |
to increase quality of life |
| Songwriting |
Lyric Analysis of Songs |
Music for Reminiscence |
| Music for Relaxation |
Rhythm Interventions |
Music and Imagery |
| Music Listening |
Music and Movement |
Singing Familiar Music |
Lifesong Legacy Projects: This intervention is for children or adults with a terminal illness. The Lifesong music therapist assists the patient in creating the music and lyrics for a song to dedicate to their loved ones when they are gone. The song can be about the patient themselves, a loved one, or any other subject that would be meaningful to the patient. Lifesong Legacy Projects may also include photos, recorded spoken messages, or other music chosen by the patient. These projects allow the patient to create, control, and contribute, when in many areas of their life they have no control. Lifesong Legacy Projects can be a valuable gift for patients and their families, and assist in coping with issues related to end-of-life care.
Lifesong Philosophy: The term “Lifesong” also embodies the idea everyone has a song, and wants to be heard. It also refers to the way music reaches people, no matter what age, stage of life, or what illness they are dealing with. Everyone relates to music in their life in some way, and music therapy allows that music to play a role in their healing, whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual. The title also relates to the interventions we do, helping them write a song about their life, to sing songs that were important to them throughout their life, and using music to meet the needs they have in their life, and ultimately help them experience wellness and increased quality of life.
Lifesong can also be implemented in Rehabilitation Centers, Nursing Homes, and other health care facilities.
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