Relaxation and Decompression

By Barbara Erby

“Nobody acknowledges the musical features that are inherent in the process of reasoning, in the logical progression of thought.” ~Murray Sidman

I can truly see why people turn to music as a form of therapy. I, over the years, have learned to play several different instruments and still have others that will be a future focus.

My mother often said, that you could tell my mood by the instrument that I would play. When I was angry, I would play the Piano. When sad, I would play the Saxophone. When I was happy, I would play the Clarinet. Each instrument provided a different way of soothing my nerves and calming me… a way for me to think.

Unless you already know the name, you might think that the quote listed above is from some musical composer. In this, you would be mistaken. Dr. Sidman is a prominent behavior scientist and the quote is from an article that was published in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior in 2007.

While not everyone is drawn to music, there needs to be some method and form of release for both yourself and your child. It is important that you both have a way to decompress from the learning and work week. Our children spend time in school and various types of therapy on a daily basis. While we do these things in an effort to increase their independence, it is also important to find things that your child enjoys to increase their quality of life.

Barbara Erby is an Education & Behavioral Consultant with Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC. Barbara received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bowie State University in 1999 and a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology and an emphasis in Developmental Psychology from Capella University in 2004. Ms. Erby has worked with a variety of students in the school, home, and community environments as a Direct Care Worker, Family Trainer, and an Education & Behavioral Consultant.