Music
Therapy
They design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation. Music Therapy is the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals:
Evaluation
Intervention may focus upon:
​Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.
When to Refer
If one, or more, of the following occur:
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Would benefit from a multisensory approach to therapeutic (or educational or developmental) learning
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Demonstrate some responsiveness to sound (or music)
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Have limited mobility or cognitive capacity (Hanser lists these as two separate criteria)
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Would benefit from a non-invasive, non-confrontational approach to therapy (note this does not mention “safe”)
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May struggle engaging in other therapies (and perhaps might be more motivated by music)
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Find it difficulty to verbally communicate or express their thoughts, feelings, or ideas
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Find it difficult to get along with others
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Have limited self-awareness
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Are no longer benefiting from other therapeutic or treatment approaches (or when such approaches are contraindicated)