One of the behavioral treatments used successfully with persons diagnosed with special needs is Music Therapy. Music Therapy is the skillful use of music as a therapeutic tool to restore, maintain and improve mental, physical and emotional health. Music Therapy is much more than a pleasant music interlude or entertainment. The non-verbal, creative and affective nature of music facilitates contact, self-expression, communication and growth. Music Therapy can be used to facilitate physical wellness, encourage positive social interactions, improve interpersonal relationships, nurture appropriate emotional expression, and increase self-awareness. Music Therapy is not overly concerned with the “correctness” of music or how the music is played, but instead is focused on the growth potential achieved through music. According to Dr. Clive Robbins, “Almost all children respond to music. Music is an open-sesame, and if you can use it carefully and appropriately, you can reach into that child’s potential for development.” The Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Clinic uses music therapy to help 100 handicapped children learn and to relate and communicate with others.

www.kresa.org