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Healing Power of Music
on the role music therapy can play in healing . She hopes to make the referral process a nurse-driven protocol eventually . According to Elise , the nurses are with their patients around the clock and see their ever-changing needs .
One recent experience involved a patient who was minimally responsive and difficult to arouse . Because Elise was unable to visit with the patient about her relationship to music or her music preferences , Elise contacted the patient ’ s son to get some background . Elise began their first session by introducing rhythm entrained to the patient ’ s breath . By the time the session was over , the patient began responding by eventually opening her eyes and signing with Elise .
Most patients receive two to three sessions , and specific interventions are employed to assist with patients ’ most pressing needs . During their time together , Elise teaches patients how to use music when they return home to help with anxiety or pain . Whether it is through music for relaxation , guided imagery ,
Whether it is through music for relaxation , guided imagery or progressive muscle relaxation , Elise empowers patients to determine the direction of their session .
or progressive muscle relaxation , Elise empowers patients to determine the direction of their session .
Most of Elise ’ s clinical and internship hours were completed in the medical setting , and it is here where she feels she is making the most significant impact . Elise also employs music therapy with patients and their families facing end-of-life , bringing comfort and peace as they leave this earth .
Music therapy can also be very effective for babies admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit . One particular approach to using music therapy with infants is entrainment , the synchronization of organisms to a rhythm . When a baby is crying or agitated , their respiratory and heart rates rise . A music therapist can use an instrument or the voice to match the pace of the baby ’ s breathing and then slow down the tempo . Eventually , the infant will reach homeostasis , and their vitals will normalize .
Elise has worked with parents of NICU babies with a technique called Song of Kin . This practice starts by identifying a piece of music that is meaningful to the parents and then transforming it into a lullaby . The parents can then introduce the lullaby to the infant during “ kangaroo time ,” helping the parents to bond with their baby . Elise hopes to bring a program that incorporates recordings of a baby ’ s heartbeat with music for NICU parents .
For more information on the Arts in Medicine program , please contact Amy Adkins at Amy . Adkins @ BSWHealth . org or call 817.922.7707 .
Meet Elise Hawkes , Music Therapist at Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth
Elise is a board-certified music therapist and a Neurologic Music Therapist . She says she is both a consumer of music and a performer of music . “ Music is a part of all of us .”
What instruments do you play ? In my role as therapist , I play the guitar , piano and sing . As a performer , I grew up playing the French horn in band , marching band and more recently in a community band . I still enjoy playing as a hobby . The French horn just isn ’ t the right sound for the patients in the hospital setting . Covid was such a tough time , not only for myself as a consumer of music , but also as a performer , not getting to play .
What is your favorite type of music ? That ' s a tough one . Growing up , I would listen to Paul Simon with my dad and groups like ABBA with my mom . Although I go through phases , I really enjoy listening to indie folk music . That ' s probably my go-to when I ' m at home and just chilling out ; it ’ s just something kind of slower and pleasant to listen to .
Who is your favorite artist ? This is always changing , but recently I ’ ve been listening to Phoebe Bridgers and Iron & Wine ( recently saw the latter live in concert in Dallas ).
As a new Fort Worth resident , where do you enjoy hearing live music ? I enjoy seeing the Fort Worth Symphony and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra .
What holiday performances are on your list to visit this year ? Cirque De Soleil ’ s ‘ Twas the Night Before Christmas
Elise Hawkes , MT-BC
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / FALL 2022