Music therapy has many benefits, which studies have confirmed for several years now. One of the latest, a summary of which was published in the journal American College of surgeons, highlights the benefit of music therapy for patients following an operation. The study indicates in particular a reduction in the sensation of pain, anxiety and even heart rate.
For Patrick Berthelon, Director of the Burgundy Music Therapy Workshop (AMB), it is however not the music that provides long-term treatment, but rather the therapist who, through his listening and approach, uses music and sound as a means of reestablishing the link with individuals. It is not enough, he emphasizes, to be a musician to consider oneself a music therapist. This profession requires specialized training provided by three centers recognized by the French Federation of Music Therapists. This course includes knowledge on various aspects, such as the role of sound in human development, psychology, the psychological structuring of individuals, as well as communication and socialization.
The music therapist job description, amended in 2010 by the French Society of Music Therapy (SFM), specifies the missions and activities of professionals, the possible approaches, the types of audiences as well as the working and training conditions. This definition aims to regulate the profession and guarantee the skills necessary to practice music therapy effectively. The SFM also imposes a code of ethics on all practitioners to whom it grants approval.
Whether children, the elderly, patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), neurodegenerative diseases, a multidisciplinary approach exists for each clinical case and it is essential. “We have a doctor, a music therapist and a psychologist behind each case, which allows us to discuss the clinical evolution of the patient and the benefits of music therapy” assures Patrick Berthelon. Because, he continues, “the intrinsic link between music and human development is established”.
During a conference in June 2017, Patrick Berthelon suggested listening to an intrauterine recording to illustrate the way in which human beings develop and evolve rhythmically from the beginning and throughout their life. The unborn baby hears the sounds and rhythm coming from his mother’s body, her breathing, her heartbeat which can sometimes speed up and affect his own rhythm. He also perceives the music of her voice when she speaks or sings, the rhythm of her steps, as well as all the sounds that come from outside.
The intrauterine sound environment, reinforced by the supply of cortisol, allows the child to develop physio and psycho-sound functionalities which will be essential to his adaptation to his environment as well as to the development of his communication skills. This rhythm and musicality will accompany him throughout his existence and can represent, if necessary, a tool during music therapy. The professional can reconnect the patient to their archaic memories through sound, games and music.
