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S P O N S O R E D R E P O R T "Music therapists are uniquely posi- tioned to respond to grief and loss," says an employee from the WISH Drop-in Centre So- ciety. Supported by Music Heals Charitable Foundation, WISH works with women who are involved in Vancouver's street-based sex trade. "Counseling skills, training and expe- rience allow us to walk with participants as they experience any stage of grief. Music can be strategically applied to help participants remember, feel the emotions associated with the loss, and find hope for moving forward." THE MEDICINE IS IN THE MUSIC According to the American Music Therapy Association, music heals because it is inher- ently accessible and inclusive. "Practice and research demonstrate the power of music therapy to help individuals develop coping strategies, understand and express feelings of anxiety and helplessness, support feelings of self-confidence and security, and provide a safe or neutral environment for relaxation," the association says. Research in British Journal of Psychiatry suggests that individuals undergoing music therapy along with standard treatments for depression improve more than people who only receive standard therapy. "[Through music therapy] I have been able to deal with trauma and to grieve the loss of family and close friends that have passed on," says a client at Heartwood Centre for Women, a facility that provides mental health support for women with integrated substance abuse and is funded through Music Heals. "I've been able to talk and express myself through the music I requested to share and hear the thoughts and feelings that others share with me." "I have songs that my parents would always play when I was younger, or songs that had special memories tied to them," says Lily, a client at Lumara Grief & Bereavement Society, which, with help from Music Heals, provides grief and bereavement services for families. "I find music is a really great way to connect with people—especially people that aren't here anymore—because of the memories tied to them." Due to its rhythmic and repetitive nature, music engages the neocortex of the brain, which calms and reduces impulsivity, assisting in rehabilitation from substance misuse and generational trauma. Shirley, a resident at Phoenix Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society, says she has been using drugs and alcohol for 47 of her 60 years and battling addiction for the past two decades. "I've never in my whole life felt peace in my heart, but I am starting to feel that now, with music therapy," she says. A 2015 study compared the effects of music therapy used among people with cancer with and without a therapist present. Even though listening to music produced positive results for both groups, 77% of patients preferred music therapy sessions to just listening to music on their own. "I am so grateful to BC Cancer for providing a regular opportunity for safe, supported self-care and relaxation," says Wendy, a cancer patient and music therapy participant at BC Cancer, funded through Music Heals. "I find that the music really touches a place deep inside and allows me to relax fully in a way that other practices don't do as well. With all the emotional challenges related to cancer diagnosis and treatment, this calming of the nervous system is invaluable." MUSIC HEALS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Music Heals Charitable Foundation is a registered charity based in Vancouver raising awareness and funding for music therapy programs in communities throughout British Columbia. Founded by music lovers, the team at Music Heals believes in the healing power of music and is committed to providing funding for music therapy in physical and mental health practices. Since 2012, the foundation has provided over $4 million in funds to increase access to music therapy for over 80 facilities totalling over 50,000 hours of music therapy programming sup- porting children's hospitals, senior centres, palliative and hospice care, rehabilitation centres, public and alternative schools, and more.