Music Therapy

GOALS

- Increase Communication

- Increase Social Interaction

- Increase Self-Expression

- Improve Fine/Gross Motor Skills

- Increase On-Task Behavior

- Improve Coping Skills

- Improve Mood

- Improve Academic skills

- Reduce Stress

- Enhance Memory

- Increase Self-Awareness

- Improve Self-Image

- Promote Wellness

- Decrease Pain Perception

- Increase Relaxation for Sleep

- and More!

MUSIC-BASED ACTIVITIES

We use a variety of music activities to help you achieve your specific goals. No musical experience is needed to participate in music therapy. We use the music that you like best, whether it's country, pop, rock, or another genre. Some examples of types of music-based activities include music listening, movement to music, songwriting,  and singing/playing music.

We can use music to help retrain your nervous system and provide a sense of safety and relaxation. Relaxing music can help your body calm quickly and effectively, as research has shown it can decrease heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels (stress hormone).

EXAMPLES

A music therapist uses a clean up song with the lyrics "pick up the toys and put them in the bag" to help a client working on following two-step directions. 

A music therapist sings a client's favorite song, gradually slowing down the speed and volume, to promote relaxation in client showing agitation or distress. 

A music therapist sings a song that has a special meaning to a client with Alzheimer's to enhance memory and prompt discussion. 

A music therapist sings a "count by five" song to help a child learn to count by fives.

A music therapist connects with a child using fun, engaging songs and helps the child express their emotions through fill-in-the-blank songwriting. 

A music therapist helps a client rewrite a favorite song, making the lyrics their own self-expression about their personal life experience.

A music therapist helps a person learn calming techniques (practicing deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, etc. ) while listening to relaxing music.