The therapeutic effects of harp music have been researched and well documented. Studies have demonstrated a beneficial relationship of harp music upon physiological responses such as blood pressure, heart rate and respiration. Studies have shown that the heart rate decreases and oxygenation levels increase when harp music is played.
Additionally, research has substantiated beneficial effects on perceived levels of pain, anxiety and mood. Harp music can provide an atmosphere of comfort, warmth and safety. Those trained and certified in the delivery of harp music in clinical settings, as an adjunctive modality in overall health and well-being, do so with the goal of supporting the listener's emotional, psychological, spiritual, or physiological well-being.
Cynthy Johnson is a Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioner; a graduate of the International Harp Therapy Program, an accredited program by the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians. She provides therapeutic music in a continuum of clinical settings:
♪ At the bedside of those in palliative care in hospitals
♪ At the bedside of those in ICU and CICU
♪ At the bedside of those under Hospice Care
♪ Individually for people where a Snoezelen Room is available and of benefit
♪ In Group settings, in continuing life-care communities, for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease
♪ In Group settings, in continuing life-care communities, for residents in Healthcare or Comfort care settings
♪ For Individuals, in continuing life-care communities, in Rehab
♪ For Individuals, at their home, to augment Hospice Care or Recovery and Respite Care Programs
♪For Individuals, in Group Homes, to augment services under the direction of a Music Therapist
In Hospitals, the sounds of the harp can comfort a patient who might be experiencing anxiety. Additionally, harp music helps provide a warm environment permitting the patient to relax rather than focusing on the continual sound of medical equipment or monitors.
Hospices often utilize soothing harp music as part of the overall plan of palliative care for the patient. Harp music often assist patients and their families in finding solace from stress and pain, while providing support to both the patients and their caregivers, and can often elicit feelings of deep inner peace.
Residents in Continuing Life Care Communities can benefit from harp music as well. When targeted harp music is played for residents with varying stages of dementia or Alzheimer 's disease, often these residents are able to access memory through songs from their past. Substantial research has documented the extraordinary effects of harp music on those that suffer from Alzheimer's disease.
As a Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioner (CTHP), Cynthy is accomplished in appropriate harp repertoire and improvisation, and has the knowledge and experience of a wide range of study including interpersonal skills, and special training to meet the needs of recipients in both acute and long term care facilities. She is committed to fostering trust, insuring confidentiality, respectfulness and sensitivity.
Cynthy Johnson provides both Continuing Life Care Communities as well as individuals, in and around the greater Richmond area, with services as a Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioner, including in-service presentations and workshops.