By: Lizzy Davis, MT Intern Life can throw us curve balls that require us to think on our feet to adapt to the situation. We often call that adaptation to present challenges “flexibility,” a term frequently used in the field of music therapy. This past month, I have been thinking about this term often, especially given the rapid changes of the holiday season. Flexibility is required of music therapists in the profession, as sessions don’t always go as planned, and many factors can impact the success of a music therapy session. Situations can change in an instant, but it is up to us to figure out how to move forward and adapt to best fit the current situation. Not only are music therapists constantly using that muscle of flexibility to best fit session needs, but it is a quality that we can encourage and work on with our clients. However, being flexible is easier said than done. Therefore, it can be useful to create a ‘toolbox’ of strategies that can help us to better adapt and use that muscle when difficult situations arise. Here are strategies to strengthen that ‘muscle’ of flexibility to help you and your clients feel better prepared when challenges arise. 1. Practicing mindfulness: Mindfulness requires one to be fully present in the current moment. Using mindfulness techniques such as guided breathing, meditation, or body scanning is a great practice for the brain to be aware of the present moment, which can help people feel more grounded in the current moment when difficult situations arise. Mindfulness strategies can also be used in the music therapy session with clients who are working on increasing their flexibility. An example of a mindfulness technique could be putting on relaxing instrumental music, and focusing on the rhythm of your breathing for 5 minutes. If the mind wanders, just release those thoughts and come back to the breath. 2. Mental Contrasting This technique involves thinking about a potential goal you would like to achieve, and then thinking of what it would look like to achieve that goal. Once that is done, then you think of potential barriers that might arise that make reaching that goal more difficult. Brainstorming those barriers can allow the brain to come up with potential solutions to those challenges, and can increase one’s confidence in achieving that goal. For example, if I took the goal of “Decreasing stress,” I would visualize or think about what it would feel or look like to decrease that stress, and ways to achieve that. Then I would think of potential challenges that might arise like increased responsibilities in the workplace, or unexpected financial obstacles. I can then brainstorm how I would respond to those obstacles to best address those problems while also reaching my goal of decreasing stress. 3. Problem-solving games or hypothetical scenarios Engaging in problem solving games strengthens the brain to come up with solutions to various problems in a fun way. Puzzles or problem solving games require adaptability and quick thinking, but are low-stake scenarios that make it more approachable to accomplish. Hypothetical scenarios games like “what would you do?” are fun ways to practice brainstorming, and can even be played with friends. Games and hypothetical scenarios can be used in the music therapy space as well to encourage flexible thinking within clients. Being flexible can be easier said than done, but it is a skill that can be strengthened over time and practiced within the music therapy session. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or feedback about our blog related to flexibility!
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PMTProviding music therapy services for early childhood to older adults, music instruction and enrichment plus continuing music therapy education in Greater Charlotte Area of the Carolinas. Archives
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