Music has the capacity to stimulate memories, modify mood, assist with pain management, address fears, express feelings, calm and relax.  Music Therapy is available to help you and your family as you cope with a life-threatening illness.

Music Therapy includes:

• Relaxation techniques - combined with guided visualization to assist with anxiety, pain management, nausea, insomnia, fear, shortness of breath and restlessness.
• Music listening - music can stimulate memories that support the very normal need to life review in the last stage of life.  Song lyrics can reflect and give insight to feelings and thoughts that you may be having difficulty understanding and articulating.
• Song writing - with help from the Music Therapist, song writing is one way of creatively processing the many thoughts, feelings and insights that are anticipated when faced with a serious illness.  Songs can be created as legacy gifts for family members.
• Instrumental improvization - the spontaneous playing of musical instruments is another means of expressing and communicating your experience.
• Singing and making music - favourite songs may be played by the music therapist with lyric content that helps you to transcend and connect to belief systems that assist in coping.  For example, singing hymns or spiritual songs.
• The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music - this music-centered exploration of consciousness offers an opportunity to integrate mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of well-being during the last stage of life.  This can include assisting with matters of resolution, with maintaining hope and meaning, and with the grieving process.
• Family sessions - sessions with your family or a group of friends can be arranged to help young children cope when a parent is seriously ill, or to help bridge family relations.
• Memorial services and funerals - the Music Therapist may be involved in planning or providing music for these services.

The Music Therapist is able to see you in the location of your choice, including your home, in the hospital, and at Regina Wascana Grace Hospice.  To see the Music Therapist contact your Palliative Care Coordinator.