Music therapy offered at AQPA since 2023

In 2023, music therapy was added to AQPA programming as part of a pilot project. The result of an exceptional partnership with the National Institute of Music Therapy (INMT), this activity allowed our customers to appreciate the benefits of music in a new form. 

Music therapy: a therapeutic use of music

“Listening to music feels good, but unlike recreational use, there is an intervention plan here structured around therapeutic objectives,” explains Suzanne Caron, president of the INMT. “The challenge of the music therapist is to identify how he or she can come into contact with the participants, particularly through the choice of a musical repertoire and instruments that will lead them to become actively involved and express themselves, by taking into account the musical interests, needs and cognitive and motor abilities of each person.

In this context, music aims to meet the psychological, physical, emotional and social needs of the participants. Two blocks of sessions – plus videoconference sessions for caregivers – were offered during the AQPA fall and winter sessions:

• A group in dyads aimed at people with primary progressive aphasia and their loved ones.
• Another group in dyads aimed at people with aphasia following a stroke and their loved ones.
• A third group aimed at caregivers of people with all types of aphasia, offered online on Zoom.

Favor non-verbal communication

How does a session go? For on-site sessions at the Institute, after breathing exercises, vocal warm-ups and stretching, the music therapist offers a choice of songs. These are chosen according to a specific theme and lead to an exchange between participants. Activities with instruments, such as djembes and other percussion, are also offered. Non-verbal communication is then favored over verbal communication. “Our goal is to show caregivers new ways to get in touch with their loved ones without using the spoken voice,” explains Sophie Pinard, music therapist at the INMT. To achieve this objective, building confidence among participants is essential: “We explain to them that there is no wrong way to play instruments. Over the course of the sessions, they gain confidence in their abilities, and also in the group, then realize that they can create a bond through music and gestures.

A collaboration between two areas of expertise

During the dyad sessions, the music therapist collaborates with a speech therapist. Objective of this collaboration: determine the best way to establish a dynamic relationship with participants. “We are constantly thinking about means of communication that will encourage the participation of people living with aphasia, explains Claire Janssens, speech therapist at SAPPA. We then transmit these communication strategies informally to caregivers and those receiving care.” For her, this dynamic promotes a framework conducive to the development of participants: “The sessions reveal to people with aphasia their skills in their own eyes, but also in those of their caregivers. A greater bond then develops between them over the course of the sessions.”

A sharing space 

In the second part of the session, the participants are divided into two groups. The caregivers continue with the music therapist: “At that time, we carry out activities targeted at their experiences. For example, we listen to music while thinking about a theme. Then participants can share their fears, their successes, their emotions. We offer them a safe space to talk and connect with people who are going through the same things as them. Participants can also compose songs that highlight their experiences, with the help of the music therapist. This allows them to externalize and share what they are experiencing., Sophie Pinard explains to us. 

People with aphasia meet with the speech therapist for activities during which music continues to play an important role. The opportunity, according to Claire Janssens, to enrich group dynamics: “At the beginning, it was mostly me who brought about the interactions, then as the sessions went on, that was no longer the case at all. People develop a bond with each other. This allows them to see that they are entirely capable of having this type of relationship.”

This pilot project was a success since music therapy was brought back to AQPA for the spring session. Is this the beginning of a beautiful story between AQPA and music therapy? We hope!

Testimonials from people participating in music therapy sessions: 

Suzanne, caregiver: The people on the team are extremely compassionate. They have talent and great enthusiasm. During the sessions, the music transports us into the present moment. It's very nice. This brings us to a point where we feel good. It's comforting to know that there are people who recognize that we need help. These sessions met a need. My son loves music. I feel that the sessions made him happy and were comforting for him. It made me feel good to see that it helped my boy, and to do an activity together.

Sheila, caregiver: It was a very nice experience. My mother started playing the piano again following music therapy sessions. So I saw that music therapy had helped her. She had lost a lot of self-confidence because of her stroke. When I saw that she was playing the piano again at home, it was a nice surprise for me.

Suzanna, caregiver: It's a wonderful idea, and it's really interesting to learn to play instruments. Music is something strong, which remains engraved in our memory. This brings up happiness, especially during moments of singing. These sessions met a need because they allowed my loved one to play the piano again. When we returned home, after the first session, she opened her electric piano again and played. Communicating with other caregivers is important because it is difficult to help people with aphasia. It feels good to talk to each other and support each other.

Yolande, caregiver: The environment of INMT is very beautiful. We are surrounded by light, this helps enormously to feel good. The variety of activities offered is wonderful. When my mother came, she was always delighted. She participated a lot during the sessions. We were also given advice to apply outside of sessions which worked very well. For example, we looked up song lyrics together on the internet, and then read the lyrics together. It also allowed me to meet wonderful people, particularly among the caregivers, with whom we were able to support and advise each other.

Germaine, caregiver: I didn't think I would be able to share so much, and then you realize you're not alone. The music therapist had a lot of empathy and helped us express ourselves. Sharing my feelings was very beneficial. My husband, who loves music, the guitar and songs, also really enjoyed music therapy. He was very comfortable during the sessions, and could, for example, sing. It was a magical experience for him.

Claudius: Music therapy gives moments of happiness and joy of living. It's an extraordinary experience. The staff manages to establish both a friendly and professional relationship with the patients, and this helps us interact more easily with the group. I also found that song lyrics came more easily to people with aphasia than normal speech. I find this wonderful, it's as if there was a door open to the pre-aphasia.

 

To find out more about our activities:

• Would you like to know more about our workshops for caregivers? Click here
• Would you like to consult our calendar for caregivers? here.
• Would you like to know more about our workshops for people with aphasia? Click here
• Would you like to consult our calendar for people with aphasia? here.
• Would you like to register for our workshops for people with aphasia? here.
• Do you want to know more about aphasia? here.