Music therapy
Music is part of the human experience. Here at Children’s Health℠, our board-certified music therapists have been trained to utilize this universal connector as a therapeutic tool. With even our youngest infants, predictable music is used to help regulate their physiological markers. Music therapy sessions provide toddlers opportunities for control in a medical environment where choices are limited. For children with exceptionalities, music meets them at their level by providing a unique means for self-expression that does not require words. Music therapists empower our teenage and young adult patients through music-based projects to help them tell their stories. Across service lines, music therapists work with the whole family unit to promote everyone’s wellbeing at the bedside.
With music as their therapeutic medium, music therapists companion patients and families along their journey at Children’s Health℠.
Music Therapy Goals and Interventions
Music therapy is the clinical and 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 (American Music Therapy Association).
A music therapy session may address any of the following goals and more:
Pain management
Coping skills and emotional support
Opportunities for autonomy and self-expression
Facilitate motor/cognition/speech goals
Enhanced relaxation
Family bonding
Positive sensory stimulation
Music therapy interventions are personalized to each patient. They may include:
Live bedside music
Interactive music-making
Songwriting and music creation
Multimedia projects
Movement to music
Music-assisted relaxation
…and more!
Music Therapy Training
Board-certified music therapists complete an accredited bachelor’s degree or higher in music therapy. As part of their training, they complete 1,200 clinical hours in a variety of settings across the lifespan. They are then eligible to take the national board certification exam. Children’s Health℠ has a robust training program for both practicum students and interns.
