Music Therapy

Music Therapy is an important treatment for hospice patients and grieving families. Willamette Vital Health is unique in having three board-certified music therapists on staff to respond to patient and family needs.

What is Music Therapy?

It is a clinical and evidence-based healthcare practice that uses music to accomplish personalized goals. Professionally trained music therapists use counseling techniques to provide support both verbally and musically to patients and their families.

Learn more in the video below:

Join Music Patron Circle

For $5 per month or more, you can make a difference throughout the year for our hospice patients and families by becoming a Music Patron Circle member. As a member of this special group, you will receive a monthly update and musical postcard recorded by our music therapists. Your gift will offer monthly support to continue the expansion of our Music Therapy program, providing comfort to more hospice patients & their families.

Please contact Theresa Hart at donorservices@wvh.org or 503.588.3600 for more information.

CDs Available

These CDs are unique works of art performed by Willamette Vital Health music therapists. Songs include original works from the music therapists themselves, as well as songs written and co-written by hospice patients.

CDs are $15.00 and available to order online or by contacting staff Judith at 503.588.3600 or donorservices@wvh.org. They are also available for download at Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes.

How Music Therapy helps hospice patients and their families

Music affects the mind, body, and spirit in many ways. It can influence the natural rhythms of the body to regulate blood pressure and breathing. It can release the body’s natural painkillers, while reducing anxiety and restlessness. It helps us express ourselves both emotionally and spiritually and to find greater meaning in our lives. Music Therapy has been found to be effective in addressing the following issues in hospice and palliative care:

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    Pain and anxiety
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    Emotional and spiritual concerns
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    Supporting grieving families
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    Need for meaningful interaction between family members
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    Development of coping skills
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    Search for meaning and reviewing one’s life
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    Depression, fear, isolation, confusion, and loss of control
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    Quality of life
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    Facilitating a peaceful death

More information on music therapy and the training required to become a board-certified music therapist can be found at the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA, musictherapy.org).