Musical Therapy
Music has many benefits backed up by science, from boosting our minds and moods to helping to relieve pain and increase memory recall. This can be especially helpful for those living with kidney disease.
Music Therapy
“I think music in itself is healing,” said American Musician, Billy Joel. “It is an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music”.
Music has the ability to bring us joy and comfort, motivate us and help us relax. It has so many benefits that science has backed up. From boosting our minds and our moods to helping to relieve pain and increase memory recall. And for kidney patients, studies have been undertaken that showed how music could positively impact the quality of life and wellbeing.
In this section, music therapist, Janelle Miller, will talk about the benefits of music therapy and share a few of her favourite songs in the Music Corner. She will also be offering a special guided music session right here at the Kidney Wellness Hub. More information is included below.
Assisted Music Relaxation - An Upcoming Music Therapy Event
Don’t miss the guided music session, Assisted Music Relaxation. The Kidney Wellness Hub is pleased to offer kidney patients and caregivers an Assisted Music Relaxation session with Janelle Miller. Music-assisted therapy is a music therapy technique that uses live music and spoken instruction to promote deep relaxation. This one-hour zoom session will aim to decrease anxiety, increase mind-body awareness and increase comfort and general wellbeing. No previous meditation or musical experience is required, just the love of music and the desire to relax! Registration details coming soon.
The Music Corner
Over time we will build a Kidney Wellness Hub playlist of songs to help bring you joy, a sense of calm and inner peace. This can be your place to come and escape the world or your worries for a few minutes. Have a listen, maybe with that morning coffee or during your dialysis session, or even as you wind down the day. Anytime is good for music, as long as it works for you. “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” Plato
Janelle’s Playlist
To start us off, Music Therapist, Janelle Miller shares a few of her favourite songs. She notes that "since music is so personal and holds strong memories and associations, there are not specific songs that work for everyone in specific situations. However, these are a few of my personal favourites”
“The River” by Coco Love Alcorn
“Close Your Eyes” by James Taylor
“Heaven When We’re Home” by The Wailin’ Jennys
“This is Not Forever” by Kate Miller-Heidke
“Gold” by Emily Anderson
“Rise Up” by Andra Day
“Fight Song” by Rachel Platten
On-Demand Music Therapy Videos
Benefits of Music Therapy
Music therapist Janelle shares her insights on the many benefits of music therapy.
(7 Minutes)
Janelle practices a humanistic, strengths-based, and client-led approach to music therapy in which she aims to create an inclusive, safe space for clients to be their authentic selves.
Music Therapy Instructor
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Janelle is a graduate of the Bachelor of Music Therapy program at Capilano University. She completed her internship at BC Children’s Hospital and is now the owner of Free to Be Music Therapy in Vancouver, BC.
Janelle grew up in a musical family and dedicated most of her time in Jr. High and High School to musical theatre and band. She completed her Music Diploma at Selkirk College and worked in early intervention services for children with developmental disorders. This work eventually led her to the field of Music Therapy.
Janelle practices a humanistic, strengths-based, and client-led approach to music therapy in which she aims to create an inclusive, safe space for clients to be their authentic selves. Janelle believes that each person is inherently valuable, and she seeks to gain a holistic view of every client. Janelle’s clinical experience includes long-term care, adult acute psychiatric disorders, adolescent mental health and eating disorders, intellectual and developmental disorders, and pediatrics. We are delighted to have Janelle share some of the benefits of music through the Kidney Wellness Hub.