MUSIC THERAPY

Music Therapy is an evidence- based, clinical, and allied healthcare profession that uses music based experiences to address individualized non-music goals within a therapeutic relationship. In other words, a therapist clinically trained to use music in therapy sessions. Music therapists are credentialed therapists.

 

In the state of Oregon, music therapists are required to hold an active healthcare provider license approved by the Oregon Health Authority. Music therapists complete an approved music therapy program that includes music (theory, history, performance), psychology, biology, music therapy theory, and 1200 clinical hours including practicums and a music therapy internship. The music therapist must pass the national board exam to earn the MT-BC credential and must be board certified in order to apply for a state license if available by the state.

 

Music Therapy uses music to address non-music goals pertaining to psychological, emotional, cognitive, communicative, sensorimotor, physical, spiritual, pain management, and social needs. Each individual is assessed to determine strengths and needs. A qualified music therapist uses the assessment information, in collaboration with the individual, to create a treatment plan.

 

Music Therapists work across the life span from prenatal to end of life. Sound Wellness Music Therapy specializes in supporting adults and elders in hospice, hospitals, behavioral health settings, palliative care, long-term and short term care facilities, assisted living, adult care homes, and their homes. We may be able to support clients in other populations on a case by case basis or refer you to another music therapist.

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HOW CAN SOUND WELLNESS MUSIC THERAPY HELP YOU THRIVE?

 

Quality of Life

Music Therapy can provide a safe space to engage with others in an individual or group session through music.                

 

Who Benefits from Music Therapy?​​​

Community members needing support with:​​

• Alzheimer's Disease and various Dementias​

• Chronic Illness, Pain, and Injuries

• Behavioral Health (Depression, Anxiety, Mental Health, Emotional Health, Spiritual)

• Social Isolation and Loneliness

• Communication

• Life Enrichment and Quality of Life​​​

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Support Your Interdisciplinary Team

Emotions and behaviors related to pain management and other health factors can impact activities of daily living. Music Therapy can support your team and residents by addressing psychosocial, emotional,  physical, cognitive, spiritual, and a myriad of other benefits. Music Therapy can also provide procedural support to team members, such as distraction, engagement, and relaxation.​

 

How is Music Used in a Music Therapy Session?

The music therapist is trained to clinically use songwriting, lyric analysis, singing, toning, movement with music, music making, entrainment, relaxation through music, instrument playing, and other music experiences to help the client reach non-musical goals.

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Board-Certified and Oregon Licensed Music Therapist   

Music Therapy is provided by a board-certified music therapist who is also a licensed health care provider in the state of Oregon. The music therapist is trained to provide patient assessment, treatment planning, treatment, documentation, and discharge. Jessica uses voice, guitar, flute, percussion, and other instruments in music therapy sessions.

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WHAT ARE NON-MUSIC GOALS?

Here are some examples of non-music goals. This is not an exhaustive list.

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Cognitive Skills

• Increase attention span/ attention to task

• Improve communication

• Increase alertness

• Increase receptive and expressive language skills

• Increase reality orientation

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Psychological/ Emotional

• Increase and improve emotional expression

• Elevate mood

• Reduce agitation, trauma, apprehension, and fear of illness or injury

• Enhance awareness of self and environment

• Increase healthy behaviors

• Foster creativity and accomplishment

• Promote spiritual exploration

• Improve and develop coping skills

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Physical Health/ Sensorimotor

• Decrease feelings of pain

• Distraction from pain and discomfort, management of pain, stimulation of neurochemicals as natural pain killers

• Increase relaxation and stress reduction

• Improve body awareness and spatial awareness

• Improve perceptual motor skills

• Increase or maintaining movement and flexibility

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Social Interaction

• Increase involvement and participation

• Increase peer interaction

• Increase eye contact

• Increase response to verbal and nonverbal cues

• Foster a sense of belonging

• Maintain and strengthen interpersonal relationships

• Decrease social isolation and withdrawal

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Communication 

• Improve and promote effective use of non-verbal expression of emotions

• Increase voice volume and quality

• Improve expressive language (i.e., ability to communicate thoughts/feelings)

• Improve receptive language (i.e., ability to understand)

• Improve speech and verbal communication

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​WHERE ARE SESSIONS LOCATED?

Sessions are usually provided off site in client homes, nursing facilities, long-term care facilities, adult care homes, hospitals, other off site locations, and virtually. Contact us for more details.

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DO I HAVE TO BE A MUSICIAN TO SEEK MUSIC THERAPY SERVICES?

Not at all! We use music to address non-musical goals. Clients are not required to know how to play an instrument or read music. If you like music you may benefit from music therapy. A session might include listening to music, creating music with instruments and our voices, lyric analysis, writing a song, music assisted relaxation, legacy projects, and many other experiences. Talk therapy may also be incorporated depending on your needs. Each session (individual or group) are guided by each individual's needs and treatment plan.

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