What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is an evidence-based practice led by credentialed music therapists (MT-BC). It uses music intentionally to support emotional, cognitive, social, and physical development. Sessions are personalized to each client’s strengths, goals, and needs, helping individuals express themselves, build skills, and achieve meaningful objectives.
Examples of Music Therapy Goals
- Improving emotional regulation
- Increasing attention and focus
- Strengthening communication skills (verbal or nonverbal)
- Enhancing social interaction and cooperative play
- Building motor skills (fine, gross, bilateral coordination)
- Improving self-esteem and confidence
- Developing coping skills and stress management
- Supporting academic-related skills (memory, sequencing, following directions)
- Strengthening executive functioning
- Encouraging creativity and self-expression
- Enhancing relaxation and reducing anxiety
- Supporting behavioral goals
- Fostering independence and daily living skills
Who Can Benefit from Music Therapy?
Music therapy is for everyone. Whether you want to explore creativity, express yourself, learn music skills, or support overall well-being, sessions are designed to meet you where you are.
It can be especially supportive for:
- Children, teens, adults, and older adults seeking growth through music
- Individuals with developmental or learning differences (e.g., autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities)
- People navigating emotional or behavioral challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, coping difficulties)
- Clients with speech, language, or communication needs
- Those experiencing cognitive or memory changes, including dementia or mild cognitive impairment
- Anyone hoping to strengthen motor skills or coordination through rhythm and movement-based activities
What Does a Session Look Like?
Each music therapy session is engaging, interactive, and tailored to the client’s goals. Sessions may look like:
Singing and vocal expression
Playing instruments, improvisation, and songwriting
Movement to music and rhythm-based activities
Listening and music-based reflection
Musical storytelling and games
The therapist guides activities to support emotional expression, social interaction, communication, cognitive skills, motor development, and musical learning. Sessions are flexible, allowing the therapist to adjust activities based on mood, energy, and responses.