Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) Practice Exam

In a cardiac rehabilitation program, to best support patients in generalizing stress management, what should a music therapist do after an exercise session?

1. Provide a songwriting experience

2. Guide a music-assisted relaxation

3. Lead a drum circle

4. Teach keyboard skills

The correct answer is: Guide a music-assisted relaxation

In a cardiac rehabilitation program, guiding a music-assisted relaxation session after an exercise session is highly supportive for patients in generalizing stress management techniques. This approach directly addresses the need for relaxation and can help patients transition from physical exertion to a more relaxed state. Music-assisted relaxation involves using music to create an atmosphere that promotes calmness and reduces stress. This can help patients become more aware of their body, breathing, and emotional state post-exercise, reinforcing a sense of well-being. The process can aid in lowering heart rate and blood pressure, ultimately fostering relaxation and aiding recovery after physical activity. In contrast, while songwriting, leading a drum circle, or teaching keyboard skills can be valuable in their own right, they may not provide the immediate calming and stress-relief benefits that music-assisted relaxation offers. Songwriting might enhance self-expression but may not be as effective in addressing immediate post-exercise stress. A drum circle might be engaging and promote social interaction but can also be stimulating rather than calming. Teaching keyboard skills could serve an educational purpose but might not directly relate to stress management or relaxation needs. Therefore, guiding a music-assisted relaxation session is the most effective choice for supporting patients in generalizing their stress management skills within the context of cardiac rehabilitation.