Music therapy
What is it?
The Canadian Association of Music Therapists defines music therapy as “a discipline in which Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being.
Music therapists use music safely and ethically to address human needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social, and spiritual domains.”
Who can receive services?
- Anyone who enjoys music and is open to using it in a therapeutic way to address their personal goals
- No musical experience or skill is required
- All ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles are welcome
What will I do in sessions?
Music therapy experiences can be passive (i.e., listening to music) or active, (i.e., client and therapist making music together).
It all depends on your specific goals, strengths, and interests.
Active experiences can include:
- Singing/breath work
- Writing songs
- Journaling with music
- Art and music
- Song discussion
- Music and movement
- Body percussion
- Improvisation
- Music and relaxation
What can be addressed in music therapy?
Music therapy can address goals in any of these domains:
- Sensorimotor skills
- Cognitive skills
- Communication/Speech and language skills
- Spirituality
- Social/emotional skills
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