Words by Alana Mitchelson Brown Paper Parcel Photography Music therapy is an expanding profession that blends therapeutic health methods with musical artistry and technique. Monash Health paediatric music therapist Liz McLean says music therapy is growing in popularity and that health organisations are generally beginning to understand the true importance of “the arts” in health. “There is more acknowledgement that while we obviously need to treat physical issues, we need to also consider they’re so closely tied with other elements of one’s wellbeing that also need to be targeted,” McLean says. “I think Melbourne has a really innovative and passionate group of music therapists who are keen for music therapy to grow as a profession and they’re doing some really interesting work.” McLean describes music therapy as a research-based profession that utilises the properties and structure of music to help support people’s health and wellbeing. Music therapists complete assessments based on the psychological, developmental, physical, emotional or spiritual needs of patients and their families. Music therapy can involve carefully manipulating rhythms and sounds to reduce heart rate, respiration rate and anxiety related physical symptoms. They work with clients across the lifespan dealing with a range of health problems. It might … Continue reading THIS WONDERFUL THING CALLED MUSIC