Sunshine Music Therapy Services

What is Music Therapy?

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Music therapy is an established, researched-based health profession that is similar to Occupational, Speech, and Behavioral therapies, but the methods of achieving client goals in each profession differ. Music therapy uses music activities such as singing and writing songs, playing musical instruments, movement and dancing, listening to music, group discussion and creative activities such as plassing and turn-taking games to address physical, emotional, cognitive, communication, and social needs. Music therapy is appropriate for all ages and abilities. No musical experience is required.

Music therapy emphasizes:
• Cognition and Academic Concepts
• Self-help / Independence Skills
• Fine and Gross Motor Skills
• Socialization
• Peer Relations and Cooperation
• Following Directions
• Increased Attention Span
• Spontaneous and Affective Speech and Language and Communication Development
• Sensory-Motor and Dramatic Play
• Enhancement of Creativity, Musicality, and Appropriate Emotional Expression
• Relaxation and Copying Techniques
• Appropriate Behavior Modification

What do Music Therapists Do?

Music therapists are trained at the bachlors level, and are certified after the completion of a national board exam (obtaining the credentials “MT-BC”). They work in conjunction with the client’s interdisciplinary team or other health experts in a variety of settings including psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitative facilities, medical hospitals, outpatient clinics, day care treatment centers, agencies serving developmentally disabled persons, community mental health centers, drug and alcohol programs, senior centers, nursing homes, hospice programs, correctional facilities, halfway houses, schools, and private practice.

Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses. All clients receive an assessment by the music therapist to determine whether music therapy will be beneficial for the patient. If the assessment shows that music therapy would benefit the client, then the treatment planning will begin. If music therapy would not benefit the client, then they will be recommended for other professional services. They then conduct treatment planning and documentation, implement group and individual music therapy sessions based on the clients needs, evaluate progress and make recommendations to other team members and family regarding progress.

Why choose Music Therapy?

Music Therapy may address several needs simultaneously in a positive and exciting medium. It provides learning and motivation that promotes success! Furthermore, music therapy can greatly enhance the quality of life of your child, parent, or family. Music provides a predictable, time-oriented and reality-oriented structure while offering opportunities for participation at one’s own level of functioning and ability. Not only may music activities be opportunities for a client to “shine,” but they may as well be used to reinforce nonmusical goals. Most people, especially children, enjoy music – therefore, music therapy can be the therapy that reinforces all other therapies!