Music Therapy E-Book

Alfredo Zotti

• Herausgeber: Loving Healing Press
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Seitenzahl: 142

Beschreibung

Alfredo Zotti, a professional musician and bipolar survivor with a university degree in social anthropology and three years study of psychology, provides an introduction to music theory with specific case studies of applications for Alzheimer's, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, anxiety, depression and other issues. Working primarily as a peer support counselor, his person-centered methods are respectful of client's needs, abilities and responses to music therapy. Strategies explored include both active listening of recorded music as well as instruction in playing musical instruments. Using patience and listening skills, you can -- with Zotti's book -- begin your own journey of music therapy.

"I congratulate Alfredo on this terrific summary of the ways in which music therapy can serve a complementary role in the treatment of a range of psychological difficulties. Anyone who is interested in promoting his or her wellbeing, or the wellbeing of loved ones, will enjoy Music Therapy: An Introduction with Case Studies for Mental Illness Recovery."
--Paul Corcoran, psychologist, Moving Forward, NSW
"Alfredo Zotti's Music Therapy: An Introduction with Case Studies for Mental Illness Recovery shows that recovering through music can be an extremely powerful and wonderful journey of self-healing and positive discoveries. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to enhance their knowledge of music therapy and the influence of music on their health and, consequently, on their lives."
--Krystyna C. Laycraft, Ph.D, physicist, educator and artist
"Through his own experience of positive outcome by therapeutic use of music, Alfredo Zotti shares the supplemental, holistic method to improving mental health issues and dementia. Music Therapy: An Introduction with Case Studies for Mental Illness Recovery promises to assist in the recovery process and help sufferers regain a happier life."
-- Rie Matsuura

Leseprobe

Praise for Zotti’s Music Therapy

Art and music play a vital role in people’s lives; they offer a sense of reward and fulfillment. Alfredo is a living example of someone living with mental health issues who can be very productive and contribute to the good of the community. With his extensive knowledge and insight of mental illness, he has an empathetic approach and understanding to assist and improve these conditions. Through his own experience of positive outcome by therapeutic use of music, Alfredo Zotti shares the supplemental, holistic method to improving mental health issues and dementia. Music Therapy: An Introduction with Case Studies for Mental Illness Recovery promises to assist in the recovery process and help sufferers regain a happier life.

—Rie Matsuura, administrative assistant, The Kidman Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW

In my observation, authors with an expertise in a particular field tend to fall into one of two camps: talkers or doers, command HQ or frontline, head office or field. One camp tells you what you should be doing while the other rolls up their sleeves and helps you to achieve it. Music Therapy: An Introduction with Case Studies for Mental Illness Recovery was written by a man who is squarely in that second camp. Alfredo Zotti has helped hundreds—perhaps thousands—of people discover the healing benefits of music from the heart. At one extreme, there he is at his piano, patiently waiting for someone to learn or rediscover a tune that only they will ever hear. At the other extreme, there he is helping someone to face the world through public performance—and it is Zotti who lugs the heavy PA and stage equipment, supports the performer on stage, invites quality musicians to join the effort, designs the poster and CD covers, spends the hours in the studio and promotes it all through a vast network of music lovers. Alfredo Zotti knows his stuff, obviously, but it’s the selfless, hands-on support that creates the magic. Even more astounding, the only reward he seeks is the mental wellbeing of others.

—Paul Wilson, author of Instant Calm, The Little Book of Calm and others

Alfredo’s Music Therapy: An Introduction with Case Studies for Mental Illness Recovery can be seen as a significant tool in helping vulnerable people. This new book could be used as an insightful companion for music therapy practice. Supporting mental illness recovery by appointing a qualified music therapist is suggested throughout this book. In his humble and generous way, Alfredo shares his very successful approaches incorporating his deep knowledge of music and psychology whereby he continues to support but also embrace people with mental illness. Who doesn’t like to read about successful, innovative approaches like Alfredo has worked on? In his book, Alfredo demonstrates that music therapy has earned a rightful place in the journey of recovery from mental disorders.

—Helena Brunner, O.A.M., paralympian swimmer

Alfredo Zotti’s book, Music Therapy: An Introduction with Case Studies for Mental Illness Recovery, shows that recovery through music can be an extremely powerful and wonderful journey of self-healing and positive discoveries. Music reduces anxiety, promotes well-being, becomes a coping tool and gives sufferers an identity and a purpose to their lives. Alfredo encourages children with autism spectrum disorder to initiate their musical journey through discoveries and curiosity. Because of his sensitivity, intuition and empathy toward sufferers, as well his deep knowledge of music and psychology, Alfredo makes positive changes in people’s lives. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to enhance their knowledge of music therapy and the influence of music on their health and, consequently, on their lives.

—Krystyna C. Laycraft, Ph.D, physicist, educator, and artist

Music Therapy: An Introduction with Case Studies for Mental Illness Recovery

Copyright © 2020 by Alfredo Zotti. All Rights Reserved.

Learn more at www.AlfredoZotti.org

ISBN-13 978-1-61599-530-1 paperback

ISBN-13 978-1-61599-531-8 hardcover

ISBN-13 978-1-61599-532-5 eBook

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Zotti, Alfredo, 1958- author.

Title: Music therapy : an introduction with case studies for mental illness recovery / Alfredo Zotti.

Description: [1st.] | Ann Arbor : Loving Healing Press, 2020. | Includes bibliographical references and index. | Summary: “Provides an overview of some common mental illnesses including bipolar, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression and specific techniques to apply music therapy. Case studies include adults, children, and elders with music making as well as with passive listening. The author is himself a lifelong sufferer of bipolar disorder”-- Provided by publisher.

Identifiers: LCCN 2020036770 (print) | LCCN 2020036771 (ebook) | ISBN 9781615995301 (trade paperback) | ISBN 9781615995318 (hardback) | ISBN 9781615995325 (kindle edition) | ISBN 9781615995325 (epub)

Subjects: LCSH: Music therapy--Case studies. | Mentally ill--Care--Case studies.

Classification: LCC ML3920 .Z67 2020 (print) | LCC ML3920 (ebook) | DDC 615.8/5154--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020036770

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020036771

Published by

Loving Healing Press Inc

5145 Pontiac Trail

Ann Arbor MI 48105 USA

www.LHPress.com

[email protected]

Toll free: 888-761-6268 (USA/CAN)

Fax: [phone]

Contents

Foreword by Bob Rich, Ph.D.

Foreword by Paul Corcoran

Chapter 1 - An Introduction to Music Therapy

Problems that Music Therapists Face

Chapter 2 - How Can Music Help People with Alzheimer's?

Case study: George and Sandy’s Story

Chapter 3 - Defining Mental Illness

Chapter 4 - Bipolar Disorder and Music Therapy

Case Study: Mark / Bipolar I

Chapter 5 - Autism Spectrum Disorder and Music Therapy

How Does Music Help Children With Autism?

Chapter 6 - Schizophrenia and Music Therapy

Music Therapy for Schizophrenia and Psychosis

Case Study: Sandra’s Psychotic Episodes

Chapter 7 - Anxiety, Depression, and Music Therapy

Application of Music Therapy for Anxiety and Depression

Case Study: Judy Wright

Anxiety and Guided Relaxation Therapy

Chapter 8 - Conclusion

References

About the Author

Index

Also by Alfredo Zotti

Foreword by Bob Rich, Ph.D.

Music is the language of God

Ludwig van Beethoven

When I was a terribly depressed young man, I often felt I was an empty space inside a black steel box. Music was one of the tools that enabled me to keep going. I saved some money and bought a small stereo record player and a few records (vinyl in those days). The record player didn’t have headphones, but when I felt so far down that I couldn’t study—couldn’t do anything—I lay on my stomach on the floor, speakers next to my ears. So, I’d lie there, immersing myself in a Chopin piano solo, or Beethoven’s “Pathetique” (Piano Sonata No. 8) or the first movement of his 9th symphony (the Choral Symphony) and was lifted out of being miserable me, onto a higher plane of peace.

Running was another of my antidepressants, one I’d relied on since I was 11 years old. Once I found out about music, my 30 mile runs were to the rhythm of something like Dvořák’s 8th symphony, from beginning to end. Remember, no headphones or little, portable, electronic devices in those ancient days!

In 1976, Isaac Asimov wrote “Marching In,” a short story set in 2001, for High Fidelity magazine. Our hero is a trombonist and assists in a mental hospital by playing “When the Saints Go Marching In.” All right... sing it to yourself. Does the wonderful rhythm get your toes tapping? Does your breathing free up and follow that rhythm?

Here is a final example of the power of music for good. For the past 10 years (as of the time I am writing this), Australian musicians have made voluntary, pro bono recordings to aid children in hospitals and people in other stressful situations. The soothing tones… well… soothe. Calm replaces anxiety. Check it out at www.hush.org.au/hush-music.

In this excellent little book, Alfredo Zotti presents formal evidence for what I know from my own life, and from what I know from observation: music therapy works and is a powerful adjunct to other ways of relieving suffering.

Alfredo has no formal qualifications as a music therapist, or as a psychologist, but he excels in both roles, as well as in many others. He and I have never met, but have been friends and collaborators for over 20 years. He is a talented musician and artist and has written several inspiring books designed to help others.

If he put his many talents to selfish ends, he could be very wealthy. However, like me, he has long learned the lesson that money can cost more than it is worth. Therefore, much of his work is pro bono. All the profits from this book will go to support the Kidman Centre. If everyone was like Alfredo, we would have a survivable future and one worth surviving in.

How can he be so multi-talented? He is an example of the cliché, “If what you have is lemons, make lemonade.” He has lived with bipolar disorder for much of his life. His previous books, Got Bipolar? An Insider’s Guide to Managing Life Effectively (2018) and Alfredo’s Journey: An Artist’s Creative Life with Bipolar Disorder (2014), describe how he changed from a suicidal, homeless young man into a self-reliant, effective agent for social change. I invite you to be inspired by Alfredo, whatever your sources of suffering—turn them into good, for yourself and for others.

Alfredo’s challenge is bipolar disorder. He has learned to put his highs to good use, going at triple speed to paint, play and compose music, write and have a positive effect on his local community and beyond. One of his passions is opposing the stigma ignorant people throw at those with (so-called) mental disorders: depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, personality disorders, etc.

In this book, Alfredo has not set out to replace music therapists, because each person’s situation is unique, and a program of music therapy needs to be specifically designed, to some extent, through trial and error. All the same, here we have essential information that even experienced music therapists will find useful. My evidence for this is that a great many have consulted him.

If you suffer from a “mental disorder,” or are caring for someone who is, you shouldn’t use this as a self-help book, but will find it invaluable as a guide on what is available, how to apply it, what to expect from music therapy and how to cooperate with a music therapist.

As mentioned previously, during my bouts of depression, Chopin and Beethoven were among my main sources of solace. I used to blast the first movement of Beethoven’s 9th symphony, over and over (not the 4th). Very early in my book, From Depression to Contentment: A Self-Therapy Guide, I state, “Whatever depression tells you, do the opposite.” So, this is the advice to people who avoid music when feeling down. Meditative music, like Buddhist/Hindu chants, Gregorian chants and Hildegard de Bingham can be incredibly uplifting. Aerobic exercise is an instant antidepressant. Combine that with rhythmic music, and what do you get? “Oh when the saints / Come marching in.”

* * *

Robert Rich, Ph.D. has retired from five occupations so far, including providing psychotherapy for over a decade. One of his recent books is From Depression to Contentment: A Self-Therapy Guide. You will find lots of reading at his blog, Bobbing Around. https://bobrich18.wordpress.com

Foreword by Paul Corcoran

Alfredo has written a wonderful book on the topic of music therapy and its benefits for a range of emotional difficulties. As a talented musician and appreciator of music of various genres, Alfredo is very familiar with the therapeutic value of music in managing his own emotional state. As a sufferer of bipolar disorder, Alfredo has found great solace in the creation of music and appreciation for music.

All of us can appreciate the power of music to shift our emotional state. Consider your favourite movie moments and the impact of the musical score in bringing on powerful emotions. Many of these scenes simply would not be the same without the power of music behind them. In addition to the impact of music on our emotions, there is also the profound impact that music can have in re-igniting old memories and connections in the mind. Consider the last time that you heard a song that immediately took you back 10 or 20 years, with all the emotions connected to these experiences. As Alfredo highlights in his insightful book, Music Therapy: An Introduction with Case Studies for Mental Illness Recovery, a systematic intervention with the use of music can be effective in regulating a range of cognitive and emotional processes, producing therapeutic benefits of many kinds.

As a clinical psychologist, I often encourage my clients to have a song or a playlist that they can turn to when dealing with various challenging emotions. I am not a trained music therapist, and the use of music was never a part of my clinical training. However, time and time again in working with clients, I have seen that people will have discovered for themselves the use of music as a self-soothing activity, a means of motivating themselves and a way of improving mood, among many other functions, that music can serve. Music therapy brings a more structured and systematic means of harnessing the value of music in people’s emotional health, as Alfredo so effectively captures in this succinct and clear book on the topic.

I congratulate Alfredo on this terrific summary of the ways in which music therapy can serve a complementary role in the treatment of a range of psychological difficulties. Music Therapy: An Introduction with Case Studies for Mental Illness Recovery is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in promoting his or her wellbeing or the wellbeing of loved ones.

Paul Corcoran, psychologist

1

An Introduction to Music Therapy

In this book, I hope to illuminate the topic of music therapy as it is used in a practical, common sense and powerful way to help people who suffer with mental illness and other mental challenges. Unfortunately, governments here in Australia, as in many countries of the world, do not subsidize music therapy in terms of providing mental health insurance for those who cannot afford to pay for it. While this book does not aim to offer therapy that is specifically tailored to a person, it nevertheless offers some elements that can be used by the sufferer to alleviate symptoms. Given that we are all unique, there is always the need for a therapist to guide the sufferer.

Although I am not certified as a music therapist, practitioners of that profession often consult me, because I am a qualified pianist, composer and sound engineer and have recorded many CDs for a variety of artists. Since 1993, as a composer, I have been a member of the Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA) and the Australian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society Limited (AMCO). Recently, I completed my own jazz CD to raise funds for the Kidman Centre. It is particularly relevant that my wife and I also suffer with bipolar disorder, and I have collaborated with psychologists and psychiatrists on various issues. I have also written three books, including this one, on mental illness, and one on art therapy in collaboration with other writers. I have a university degree at honors level, majoring in sociology, anthropology and three years of psychology.

In the following chapters, we will discuss practical ways in which I have been able to help people, of all ages, with Alzheimer’s, autism, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Music therapy can be powerful, either in combination with medical interventions or as a sole therapy, where medical interventions fail, because not all people respond to medication. Over the years, I have developed my own unique methods of helping people and this has also been possible because of my tertiary studies in sociology, anthropology and psychology. When possible, the chapters are supported by research, and I indicate issues in which there is need of more research.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is defined by Bruscia (2014, p.12) as:

A systematic process of interventions wherein the therapist helps the client to promote health, using musical experiences, and the relationships that develop through them, as dynamic forces of change.

Alvin (1966, p 11) offers a somewhat deeper definition, although complementary to Bruscia’s:

Music therapy is the controlled use of music in the treatment, rehabilitation, education and training of adults and children suffering from physical, mental and emotional disorder. Since it is a function of music in which music is not an end in itself, its therapeutic value is not necessarily related to the kind of music used, nor to the standard of musical achievement. Its effect is primarily due to the influence of sound on man, of which music was born, and whose curative, harmful or negative value will become apparent… throughout history.

Koelsch (2009) proposed that five factors contribute to the effects of music therapy: modulation of attention, modulation of emotions, modulation of cognition, modulation of behaviors and modulation of communication. Koelsh (2009, pp. 26-27) writes: