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Certification in Music Therapy Psychology

Certification in Music Psychology (endorsed by Malaysian Association of Psychotherapy (MAP) and Psychotherapy Chapter of Malaysia Society for Complementary Medicine) leading towards practitioner membership and licensure of MAP

What is included in the Music Therapy Course:

  • Lecture
  • Tutorial
  • Group Clinical Supervision
  • Case review and assessment

Fees and Course Structure

Course Cost  RM 4,800 (Students are required to buy various recommended text books)
Course Time  3 Months
Prerequisite At least a Credit in SPM English or two years working experience at a related industry
Group Size  Group limited to 8 participants maximum only to optimize group dynamics

Introduction

This 4th level advance course follows from the 3rd level Music Therapy course. It goes into greater depth the basic ideas introduced in the music therapy course of the different application of music in human behaviours, cognition and emotions, from buying behaviour, relationship and work performances.

This is an essential course for any professional wanting to learn how utilise this powerful resource of music to influence others and change behaviour.

Training Topics

Certification in Music Therapy

1. Music and Behaviours: sports performances; consumer behavior

Music Psychology is a branch of psychology that refers to psychoanalytic approaches to therapy and research that take the unconscious into account. It is particularly relevant to music therapy as the fundamental principle of music therapy is tapping into the unconscious through the use of music.

2. Music and Emotions: films and television

It is usually defined as "the redirection of feelings and desires and especially of those unconsciously retained from childhood toward a new object." This is particularly relevant in the field of music therapy as one key area that is often tackled using music therapy is unhealthy transference of negative emotions.

3. Music and Thinking: work performances; sales outcome

It is often defined as a redirection the therapist’s feelings towards the client and this is a common problem that all therapists are susceptible to, therefore it is important that music therapists understand how to deal with it effectively.

4. Energetic Music to poduce energetic emotions and behaviour and their applications

It is cited to be when patients either directly or indirectly oppose changing their behavior or refuse to discuss, remember, or think about presumably clinically relevant experiences. Again, a common problem faced by all therapists and a key one for music therapists to masters especially due to the strong tie of music therapy with the emotions of the client.

5. Romantic Music to produce romantic emotions and behaviour and their applications

In music therapy is a ‘defense mechanism’ used by clients to psychologically ‘regress’ to a younger age to avoid dealing with current ‘adult’ issues. A common problem faced by music therapists and in this course we will show you how to use the principles of music therapy to overcome this and help your clients grow.

6. Peaceful music to produce peaceful emotions and behaviour and their applications

Depression in child means sad or flat affect, moody irritability, eating and sleep disorder. There has been much evidence to suggest the efficacy of music therapy in treating depression. This course will explore the methods, techniques and forms of music therapy that are commonly used in treating the so-called “common cold” of psychological disorders.

7. History of Music Therapy

In any discipline, it is important for students to have a basic understanding of the history and growth of the subject and the same applies in music therapy. But, don’t worry we won’t bore you with the nitty gritty details, we’ll just equip with the basics to get you going.

8. Forms of music therapy

Music therapy is an ancient form of therapy that has its roots in Ancient Egypt and since then has flourished greatly and evolved into many modern forms. Together, we will explore this growth and evolution to its modern form as it is now.

9. Chaotic Music to produce chaotic emotions and behaviour and their applications

Over the years, many have tried to develop an effective and useful music therapy programme, but few have been successful. This is because few have been trained in the proper methods and techniques used in developing a music therapy programme, which is what this course will equip its students with.

10. Nolstagic Music to produce nolstagic emotions and behaviour and their applications

Music therapy is not only useful in the treatment of those with psychological issues, but it is also useful in assessing these disorders from the start. Come learn how music can be used as a subtle yet effective tool in helping therapists assess various psychological disorders

11. How to tailor and create your own music to produce your required emotions and behaviours for yourself and others and their applications

12. How to neutralise different music and their impact on emotions, behaviours and their applications

13. Case studies

This is often a common issue that leaves individuals and families in tethers often with little help to be found, but new advances in music therapy are beginning to show how music can be used to treat those with children with special needs. Students will be immersed in the techniques and methodologies used to treat this disorder in this course

Course Layout

We use the mastery system of education. Besides lecturing, this course provides clinical experience such as: research, case study, group clinical supervision & presentation. Assessment includes case study oral and written presentations, group participation, research paper and assignments.

The topics mentioned above are taught within 3 months. During this period, students will also be given clinical case assignments and presentations to do.

Our course is structured as 2 intensive workshop with three group clinical supervision & oral / written case presentation for the assessment. Fulfilling the attendance and passing the criteria given will lead to towards the licensed practitioner membership of Adult Psychology and Therapy Division of Malaysia Association of Psychotherapy.

Equipment & venue

Below are the equipments used:

  • Chairs & table
  • Course book
  • Figurines
  • SandTray
  • Symbols
  • Cds and Music
  • White board
  • Notes/ books

Venue: International Psychology Centre, Kuala Lumpur

Teaching Faculty

The course will be facilitated by IPC team of psychologists and music therapists headed by the course director.

Course Director

Dr. Edward Chan FAMPsy, FMCBTA

B.Sc.(Hons.)(Psy), MSc. (Learning)(Lancaster), D.Phil.(Psy)

Cert (Master Trainer), Cert (Sandplay Therapy), Grad. Cert (Expressive Therapy)

CSAC(Hawaii, International Certification & Reciprocacy Consortium)(Reg. No. M906-98)

Principal Consultant Psychologist, Music Therapist & Certified Master Trainer

Dr. Chan has a 15 years clinical experience as a psychologist, music and family therapist in Malaysia, Asia and Europe.

Dr. Edward Chan gained his degree in psychology from Middlesex University, UK., his Masters degree in Learning from the University of Lancaster, UK., and his Doctorate in Psychology from the Intercultural Open University , the Netherlands. Dr. Chan spent 3 years at the Dept. of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford and the Open University, UK to conduct the research for his doctorate work. Dr. Edward received further postgraduate training on numerous psychotherapy discipline from leading psychologists and psychotherapists in the world.

Dr. Chan was trained by Patrick Jansen Sandplay therapy & Symbol Work who pioneered Dona Kalff’s work on Sandplay Therapy in Australia based on her collaboration with Carl Jung and Emma Jung at the Jung Institute in Zurich. He also received training from Mark Pearson in Expressive Therapy for Children & Adolescent from the Institute of Expressive Therapy, Australia. Dr. Chan was trained by Professor Linda Homeyer, licensed play therapist and past president of the Play Therapy Association of USA in Play Therapy, Play Therapy Supervision and Filial Therapy. Dr Chan was also trained in clinical supervision in couple and family Therapy by Aldo Gurgone, licensed clinical Psychologist and Director of William Street Therapy centre, Australia.

Dr. Chan has also published widely, including in the academic proceedings in the various international and national conferences he has been invited to speak, including, Current Research & Practices on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in Asia; the critically acclaimed parenting book, Are You Man Enough To Be a Father; couple psychology book, Love Is Never Enough, Pleasurable Commitment Rules; and Dancing with Crocodiles. His professional views on music, couple and adult psychology is also regularly sought and featured in national newspaper (including the parenting, women and appointment sections of the New Straits Time, the Education Section of the Star, Oriental Daily and professional and popular journals including: Malaysian Medical Tribune, Junior Statesman, Today's Parents, Better Parents, Mama Moden, Malaysian Women Weekly, Females, Marie Claire, Nona, Jelita, Malaysian Business, CIMA, Health & Beauty. He is also a well-known radio and television personality on psychological, relationship and family issues.

Dr. Chan is a fellow of the Malaysian Association of Psychotherapy; a fellow of the Malaysian Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Association; a practitioner member of the division of Adult Psychotherapy; the division of Couple and Marital Therapy; and the division of Child Therapy of the Malaysian Association of Psychotherapy, and a practitioner member of the Malaysian of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Association.