For more than ten years The
Harp
Therapy Journal has been dedicated to furthering
education, research,
communication and awareness in the emerging field of harp therapy.
Editor Sarajane Williams conceived the journal as a vehicle for harp
therapists, harpists, music therapists, physicians, nurses,
researchers, psychologists, physicists, educators and harp music lovers
to share ideas and information on the subject.
Harp therapy is a general term used to
describe the continuum of types of therapies in which the harp is used.
On the passive end of the continuum, harp practitioners may work or
volunteer in an institutional or clinical setting and play harp music
for clients or patients who are passive recipients of the beneficial
effects of the music (i.e. relaxation). A harpist working in an
emergency room waiting area or in a neonatal care unit might represent
the passive end of the continuum.
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Further along the continuum,
harpists
who are licensed or trained in other therapeutic disciplines use the
harp in their practices to elicit specific cognitive or behavioral
changes. For example physicians, psychologists, music therapists or
nurses might use the harp music as a treatment modality (i.e. for
emotional catharsis) or in conjunction with another therapy such as
vibroacoustic therapy, biofeedback/relaxation training, or in a
rehabilitative setting.
At the active end of the continuum,
individuals learn to play the harp to: ease their pain and overcome
physical, mental and emotional challenges; create a sense of community
in a group setting; and provide physical rehabilitation.
Investigations about the specific
effects of harp music on the human body are just beginning and are
described in The Harp Therapy Journal.
The unique timbre of the
instrument provides a very soothing and relaxing effect. The harp has a
rich archetypal heritage in western culture as an instrument of healing
- it is the instrument of angels, gods and kings.
The annual subscription price for The
Harp Therapy Journal is $18.00
for the U.S., Canada & Mexico, and $28.00 for all
other countries. Mailing charges are included. Issues are mailed four
times per year. (Please contact
us before placing your international
order.) |