Music Therapy

Music Therapy (MT) is an evidence-based practice that uses music as a medium to accomplish therapeutic goals in a clinical setting. Those individualized goals may address issues of cognition, academic concepts, motor functioning, emotional & spiritual needs, or socialization. The interweaving relationship between the individual(s), the music, and the credentialed professional, establish a success-oriented therapeutic relationship. MT interventions are used to assess, develop, and maintain individualized goals. Interventions involve the process of active music listening, creating, sharing, developing and working through challenges. Research continues to dig deeper into the evidence that supports its value in our world today. (American Music Therapy Association, Certification Board for Music Therapists)

Music Therapy may be provided in an individual or group setting. People of all ages and abilities benefit from MT treatment (Children, Adolescents, Adults & Elderly).

Music Therapists provide treatment in the following settings:

    Music is the heart of the therapeutic relationship that develops between client and therapist, as social interactions meet with moving emotions found in musical improvisations and performance, the individual is able to creatively express and release emotions through sound.
  • Healthcare – Medical Hospitals, Treatment Centers, Psychiatric Hospitals, Hospice Programs, Nursing Homes, Home Visit, Family Therapy, Rehab Centers
  • Educational Settings – Public & Private Schools, Special Education, Early Childhood Centers
  • Community Centers – Mental Health Centers, Drug & Alcohol Programs, Senior Centers, Day Care Treatment Centers, Correctional Facilities, Wellness Centers, Family Therapy, Residential Facilities, Private Practice
  • Private Practice
  • Home Based Therapy

Music Therapy Interventions

MT Interventions are based on the client needs and use composition, singing, moving, and listening to music to assess, address, and evaluate progress. The interventions may be designed:

  • to Promote Wellness – Motivation for participation in Geriatric Care
  • to Manage Stress
  • to Alleviate Pain – for individuals with Acute and Chronic Pain
  • to address Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health Needs – Outlet to Express Feelings and Avenue for Communication, and Foundation for Emotional Support, and as space for spiritual needs and exploration
  • to address Cognitive Skills – Enhance Memory, & for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease
  • to address Social Functioning – Improve Communication Abilities
  • to address Physical Health & Motor Functions – Promote Physical Rehabilitation, Facilitate Movement, & for individuals with Physical Disabilities
  • to address Academic Goals – for individuals with Developmental & Learning Disabilities
  • to address Sensory Needs – for individuals on the Autism Spectrum
  • for individuals with Brain Injuries, Substance Abuse Problems, Aging Related Conditions
  • and THAT’S NOT ALL!…

Most MT interventions address multiple goals at the same time.

What an intervention involves:

    Music therapists work within a variety of styles and modalities, and adapt the use of music for the individual or group of clients they are working with. Interventions are designed to promote health and healing, and progress towards individualized growth.
  • Improvisation
  • Receptive Music Listening
  • Song Writing
  • Lyric Discussion and Analysis
  • Music & Imagery (Bonny Method - GIM)
  • Music Performance
  • Learning through Music
  • Drumming
  • Expressive Movement/Dance