Music therapy is the use of music-based interventions, by a board-certified music therapist, to work toward non-musical, clinical goals. Music therapy techniques and efficacy are backed by research, neuroscience, and clinical evidence. Music therapists frequently work in interdisciplinary teams including speech pathologists, behavioral specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, art therapists, and recreational therapists.
I like to say- if a person would benefit from any other type of therapy- it is likely they’ll benefit from music therapy as well. Music therapists work with neurodivergent children and adults including those diagnosed with ASD, learning disabilities, genetic disabilities, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Music therapy is also beneficial for children and adults with medical needs including cancer, COPD, post-stroke, TBI, or neurodegenerative diseases.
There is no single formula to a music therapy session. Music therapy may look completely different depending on the client’s needs, attention span, and preferences. Sessions may include singing, moving to music, songwriting, lyric analysis, instrument playing, music-based discussions, or improvising. Sessions are constantly adapting based on the client’s needs and wants in that moment in order to provide the most effective and personalized experience.
Music therapy is unique to other therapies because it covers goals across 5 domains. Communicative, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical/motor. Goals might include improving speech quality, expanding sentences, improving reading/writing, or strengthening executive function skills such as memory, attention, and impulse control. Other goals might include expanding the range of motion, strengthening fine motor skills, emotional expression, coping skills, and emotion regulation.
Gladly Music is currently offering music therapy for all populations in your home and virtually. I can also provide services within your facility such as schools and hospitals. Please contact me to learn more or to schedule your first session!
