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 demonsrate the work.