Music has a profound effect on human beings. It is a powerful medium which can alter our physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual state. Perhaps this is why music therapy is such an effective treatment for so many ailments. Music can help us sleep, distract us from pain, change our mood, calm our anxiety, release stress, stimulate our memories, help us to bond with others… the list goes on and on.
In music therapy, music is the medium the therapist uses to elicit positive responses to emotional, physical, social, cognitive and spiritual needs of individuals. Music is a desirable medium to use in therapy for most due to its familiar, non-threatening nature, and their own personal enjoyment of music. There is no set protocol for a music therapy session. Sessions are tailored individually for each person and group depending on their musical preferences and therapy goals. Musical ability is not required to benefit from music therapy.
Music therapy can be an effective treatment for:
– speech production/development
– motor development/rehabilitation
– developing appropriate coping skills
– depression and anxiety
– self expression
– stress management
– pain/nausea management
– addiction recovery
– stroke or brain injury
– social integration
– complimenting IEP goals
– hospice and palliative care
– grief and loss
Services Available:
Tele Therapy- At this current time all of our usual service have been placed on hold due to the COVID-19 concerns. We are happy to announce that we are now providing tele therapy services which are available to all of our current clients, and new alike! Contact us to see if tele therapy will work for you, and also check out our online music class options for young children.
Individual Therapy Sessions (Children and Adults)– Music therapy can be an effective treatment towards many therapy goals, resulting with many reasons for referrals (see list above for some examples). Before treatment begins, a music therapy assessment is completed to determine appropriateness for therapy. If therapy is warranted, goals and a treatment plan are determined and carried out during weekly sessions with the therapist.
Individual Consultations (Children and Adults) – Opposed to individual therapy, consultations are held once and designed to provide information regarding the use of music in one’s daily life to help promote wellness in daily activities or to complement other therapies. Consultations are provided for parents interested in incorporating music into their child’s daily routines to help with developmental milestones.
Groups for Children- Child therapy groups are designed to address social, cognitive, motor, communication and emotional goals within a musical setting. Goals are individualized for each participant and adaptations are made as needed to ensure successful participation of all in the group.
Groups for Adolescents and Adults– Group therapy can be effective for a variety of populations including substance rehabilitation, eating disorders, foster care, support groups, and many others. Group therapy is tailored towards benefiting all participants emotionally, physically and socially using specific musical interventions such as instrument playing, songwriting, analyzing song lyrics, relaxation experiences and creative arts to music.
Early Childhood Development Classes- Our childhood classes are designed for parents and their children to play and learn alongside each other all while engaging in musical play. Social, cognitive, speech and motor skills are addressed and parents learn how to use music at home to continue the learning on their own.
Music & Wellness Groups- Participants learn and practice various musical interventions designed to support balance of the body, mind and spirit. Interventions utilized include: guided imagery to music, relaxation exercises, toning, singing, journaling techniques and drumming.
Drumming Groups-Participants engage in a variety of drumming experiences using various hand drums provided by the therapist. Team building, emotional expression, physical release, social bonding and fun are all expected to occur within the drumming experience.
Support Groups- Music is so deeply connected to our emotions and bonds with others in our lives. Music therapy support groups provide further comfort and healing by using music in the process. Participants express themselves and connect with each other through experiences such as songwriting, singing, creative arts to music, analyzing song lyrics, and music making interventions such as group drumming.
Music & Wellness Workshops- Classes designed to engage the participant in various musical interventions to promote health and well-being in their daily lives. Workshops can be a short one time experience or several weeks of in-depth classes.
Location:
We understand that it is not always possible, or desirable, to leave one’s residence/facility for therapy. We proudly provide in-home services to the greater Springfield area and travel to facilities, though session price is subject to change if outside of Springfield city limits.
All individual sessions are held at TheraCare Outpatient Services, also located in Springfield.
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Contact us today to learn more about music therapy and if it might be the right therapy choice for you or your loved one.
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To learn more about the effects of music and how it can benefit health and well-being, check out the following articles from our archives:
8 Reasons Why You Should Sing Everyday
10 Ways a Music Therapist Aids in Cancer Treatment
Music Therapy and Alzheimer’s Disease
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