Learn how music therapy can help treat mental illness, health on Oct. 17

Erica Buchhammer, music therapist (Submitted photo)

“Music Therapy and Mental Health” is the topic for the Mental Health Ministry program to be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 17, at Grace Lutheran Church.

The presenter, certified music therapist Erica Buchhammer, will discuss and demonstrate with numerous musical instruments how music may be used in the treatment of individuals challenged by mental illness or other health issues.

In her synopsis about the presentation, Buchhammer describes music therapy as “a psychotherapeutic method that uses musical interaction as a means of communication and expression, with the goal of developing relationships and addressing issues where words alone may not suffice.”

A part of the presentation will be interactive, demonstrating the various categories of music activities used in the therapy from listening and responding to playing and composing to movement, recreation and relaxation, or combined with other expressive arts.

Buchhammer holds a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Georgia College and State University. She completed her clinical training for music therapy at Victoria Healthcare and Rehabilitation in California. She is board-certified MT-BC.

In wo15, Buchhammer established VOLume Music Therapy in Knoxville. She provides contracted music therapy services to geriatric populations in assisted living, retirement, and independent living facilities. VOLume Music Therapy operates on the basis that music motivates positive integrity within oneself, family and friends, caregivers and staff.

The Mental Health Ministry at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church seeks to provide encouragement, support, and solace to those individuals and families affected by mental illness, brain disorders and substance use, abuse and addiction, through community outreach and congregational programs.

The church is at 131 West Gettysburg Avenue in Oak Ridge.

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