What is Music Therapy

Music therapy is the use of music to achieve individualized goals and objectives. Music therapy focuses on building a relationship between a board certified music therapist and the client. Our practice emphasizes the importance of supporting independence and personal autonomy.

“Music therapy is the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals: promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation.” - American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

Who is a Qualified Music Therapist

A music therapist completes a 4-6 year degree in music therapy, a 6-12 month AMTA (musictherapy.org) approved internship, and then needs to pass a board certification (cbmt.org) exam. Music therapists also complete recertification every 5 years.

Who Could Benefit From Music Therapy

Someone who…

• is responsive to sound or music

• has difficulty communicating or expressing thoughts, feelings, or ideas

• has difficulty spending time with others

• wants to increase self awareness

• utilizes other therapies and wants additional support (possible co-treatment options)

• has tried other therapies and has not found them to be successful

• wants to try a non-invasive treatment option

• has goals they would like to achieve

• is an auditory leaner

• wants to be successful and try something new

Treatment Process

Assessment, Treatment Plan, Treatment Implementation, Documentation of Progress, Evaluation (ongoing), Termination (when necessary)