The Use of Songs in Music Therapy With Cancer Patients and Their Families

Abstract

In a cancer setting, patients and their families often report feelings of physical and/or emotional pain. The use of songs in music therapy is effective in providing them with important means for support and tools for change. The verbal messages about people, places, feelings, events, and desires encourage resolution of issues and processing of grief. This article reviews some of the needs of cancer patients and their families and the goals and stages in music therapy. It then explores song choice themes and methods for achieving therapeutic goals. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the work. Cancer patients generally experience feelings of isolation, depression, tension, loss, grief, and pain. The coping mechanisms individuals use to deal with these emotions and changes are usually those called upon in their pasts and/or are those which temporarily reduce pain and tension. The types of, effects of, and treatments for cancer are numerous, as are the problems that ensue. The use of songs in music therapy with cancer patients and their families effectively provides important means for support and tools for change. Human contact and professional support can often assist in diminishing the suffering involved in cancer. There exists an inherent association between songs and human contact since lyrics represent melodic verbal communication. Thus, the use of songs in music therapy can have natu­ rally meaningful applications. Elements of song experiences--cognitive stimulation, the building of relationships, singing, and listening--can provide frameworks for tension release, integration, and pleasure. In order to most effectively use song material in music therapy, it is