Art and Music Therapy
- DOI:
- 10.1093/med/9780199363315.003.0064
The first part of this chapter describes the main principles of the art therapy method, and where and how art therapy has been offered to adult cancer patients. The literature reports some specific benefits from the use of art therapy with adult cancer patients, especially with respect to reducing distress and discovering new ways of coping with fatigue, uncertainty, and loss. Evidence-based research is scarce and it should be encouraged. The second part of this chapter describes the role of music therapy in oncology and current trends in clinical practice. Music therapy has been found to treat a wide range of physical, psychosocial, and emotional issues related to diagnoses of cancer. The literature reports specific benefits from the use of music therapy with individuals living with cancer and their families, especially in reducing adverse symptoms, enhancing comfort and personal well-being, and improving coping skills.