Music therapy is used to promote health, enhance quality of life, and improve functioning in military personnel and first responders. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are two commonly treated conditions that we work to heal here at Athena Music & Wellness Therapy, Inc.
Numerous studies have been done to investigate
the relevance and effectiveness of using music therapy for U.S. military personnel and first responders. These studies have shown positive results in relieving PTSD, as well as reducing depressive symptoms and improving health-related quality of life.
Benefits of music therapy for veterans and first responders include
Increased emotional regulation
Decreased feelings of loneliness and isolations
Positive impacts on social interaction, communication skills, hope, and optimism
Increases in perceived enjoyment, happiness, enhanced quality of life and improved mental health
Feeling more relaxed, energized, and ease
History of Music Therapy and the Military
Music has been used for many years in the military to enhance quality of life. In the United States, musicians performed for injured soldiers during the American Civil War. Many years later, this tradition continued throughout World Wars I and II; music was used to build morale, entertain, and motivate soldiers.
During World War II, the military began to notice the consistent and positive effects of music for wounded and disabled veterans (American Music Therapy Association, 2014; Taylor, 1981) and began to investigate the usage of music as an applicational therapy.
In 1945, the military officially recognized music therapy in their reconditioning program, which marked the beginning of our modern music therapy profession.
At Athena, we are pleased to share that we have developed individual and group music therapy programs customized to support those who have protected and served our nation: military professionals and first responders. We are proud to partner with organizations that serve these communities and offer the many benefits of music therapy to work together providing wellness for the greater community.
