Heritage Harp Center - Harp Therapy


		Home Harp Therapy

What is palliative therapy?
Palliative therapy of any type is "comfort care"; it is intended to relieve symptoms but is not expected to be a cure. Depending on individual circumstances, palliative therapy may be given in combination with other treatments intended to cure the disease, or alone when a cure is not possible. The main purpose of palliative therapy is to improve the patient’s comfort and quality of life.
What is harp therapy?
The role of music in the promotion of health and welfare is widely recognized throughout the western world today. Harp therapy, a type of palliative therapy, uses practical skill and expertise with improvisation techniques to impact the harmonization of body and brain rhythms. It is used for pain relief, and stress reduction, and can stimulate the limbic system, increase physical energy and consciousness levels. It is not a performance or a concert, but simply a bedside service which is meant to be unobtrusive. It is meant to augment medical care, not replace it; but statistically, live music almost always lessens anxiety and helps patients relax.

Why is it a Good Idea?

Where is it used?

reduces blood pressure
accelerates physical healing
stimulates memories
relieves anxiety and stress
encourages mental imaging
provides a way to release emotions
facilitates the transition from life to death
helps to express feelings
augments pain management
creates an opportunity for verbal communication
aids mental focus
opens the way for grieving
serves as a distraction from pain or grief
furnishes companionship
eases the delivery process of the birthing mother
supplies time for contemplation

At the bedside of patients in Hospitals, Hospices or Home settings
Anxiety and pain relief for pre- and post-operative patients
In small groups as a relaxation aid
In the delivery room with birthing mothers
As a stimulation or relaxation method for dementia patients
For individuals with developmental delays or mental health issues
At end of life transition

What is a Certified Music Practitioner [CMP]?

A CMP is a person trained by the Music for Healing and Transition Program (MHTP) in utilizing Therapeutic Music in hospitals and other institutional settings and in homecare or hospice settings to help relieve stress, pain and anxiety to help promote a healing atmosphere for patients and caregivers alike.

A Music Practitioner is not a Music Therapist. I do not actively involve the Patients in the playing of music nor do I instruct them. My work involves playing music directly to, and for the benefit of, the patient. As a CMP I adhere to the following Code of Ethics:

	I will conduct live therapeutic music sessions consistent with the process and curriculum as developed and taught by the Music for Healing & Transition Program, Inc.
	I will perform my work as a Certified Music Practitioner with integrity, always keeping the interest of the patient I am serving as my priority.
	I will obtain the patient’s and/or family/caregiver’s permission for a therapeutic music session or obtain permission from facility staff members.
	I will respect the patient’s rights and dignity, providing therapeutic music based upon each patient’s unique needs and with respect for individual patient differences.
	I will keep my interactions with people non-exploitive and will not discriminate against any patient based-on their nationality, race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, or status.
	I will work harmoniously with nurses, physicians, and other members of the patient’s healthcare team and staff in those facilities where I serve.
	I will hold all information shared during a therapeutic music session as confidential and uphold all HIPAA requirements. I will refrain from incorporating other healing modalities into my therapeutic music sessions unless I have the qualifications to do so and unless I have the patient’s and/or the family’s/caregiver’s permission.
	I will refrain from proselytizing my religious beliefs through choice of music or speech during a therapeutic music session.
	I will refrain from discussing my personal problems or issues with those seeking my professional services.
	I will strengthen my abilities as a Certified Music Practitioner through continuing practice, education, and mentoring from my peers.
	I will be supportive of fellow Music Practitioners™.
	I will not infringe upon the intellectual property of MHTP™ and will not inappropriately use any copy-written materials from the MHTP™ curriculum, nor will I teach MHTP™ copy written materials to others.