Music therapy is the evidence based use of music and its elements to address individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship.
Music therapy can focus on a variety of needs including:
Cognitive goals such as memory, orientation, and attention
Communication goals such as improving speech and language, breath support, and self-expression
Physical goals such as fine and gross motor movement, relaxation, and reducing pain
Emotional and Spiritual goals such as reminiscence, processing emotions, and connecting to loved ones
Music therapists have completed a bachelors or masters in music therapy, a 1400 hour clinical internship, and the certification exam through the Certification Board of Music Therapists. After certification, continuing education and recertification are required including conferences, workshops, presentations, and more. Music therapy is a clinical evidence based practice using music interventions to support non-musical therapeutic goals.
I specialize in providing music therapy services for older adults, in memory care, hospice care, and neurologic rehabilitation in group and individual settings. Some common diagnoses and symptoms music therapy can support include:
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Parkinson’s
TBI
Stroke
Aphasia
Acute or chronic pain
Depression and anxiety
End of life support
Click the following links to learn more about music therapy research:
American Music Therapy Association