Music Therapy

What is Music Therapy?

The American Music Therapy Association defines music therapy as the clinical and evidence-based use of musical interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.

Music therapy utilizes music to work on the strengths and needs of an individual through musical interventions; such as songwriting, lyric analysis, instrument playing, music-facilitated movement, music-assisted relaxation, drumming, and many more. The overall goal is to transfer the client’s skills and abilities through music into everyday life.

Who can participate in music therapy?

Anyone!  But some of the specific populations include but are not limited to:

• Person’s living with developmental disabilities
• Emotional trauma and PTSD
• Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease
• Autism
• Special education and early childhood
• Person’s living in correctional and forensic settings
• Cerebral palsy or other physical disabilities
• Person’s living with Parkinson’s disease
• Person’s living with psychiatric disorders
• Cancer and other hospice/medical patients

Evidence-Based Practice of Music Therapy:

Research has proven that music therapy…

• Has the ability to influence our heart rate, respiration, and heart function
• Has the potential to block painful stimuli
• Encourages non-verbal communication and expression
• Provides an outlet for anxiety and stress reduction
• Works in a variety of populations from pre-birth to end of life

Music therapy addresses:

CAMMES Model

• Communication skills
• Academic/Cognitive skills
• Motor skills
• Musical skills
• Emotional skills
• Social skills

Call today to schedule an appointment at 440-572-9000