“The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul, create the symphony of life.” –B.K.S. Iyengar
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is defined by the American Music Therapy Association as 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. A marriage of both art and science, music therapy can address needs on multiple levels, including cognitive, emotional, physical, spiritual* or a combination of these. Music therapy has many branches and specialties, including practitioners in medical, psychological, wellness, neurological, educational, and holistic contexts.
*I define the term spiritual here as subtle and often invisible energy that exerts a powerful influence on our daily lives and experiences. However, some people may prefer to use other terms to describe a similar phenomenon, such as nature or nature intelligences, the universe, God, the quantum field, the collective unconscious, the ancestors, etc.
Do I need to be a musician to benefit?
No. My work is founded upon the principle that everyone has innate creative abilities. The only requirement to benefit is an appreciation and enjoyment of music, and a willingness to explore. In Western society, we have designated musical creativity or musical understanding to only a few people who seem to have natural ability or “talent.” But true musical engagement is like the proverb, “If you can talk, you can sing. If you can walk, you can dance.” Creativity is a human need. When we ignore it, we suffer.
Who do you serve?
I currently have openings for moderate to high functioning children and adults who are invested in improving their lives, motivated to change, who are open to new ideas, and love music in any form.
What conditions do you treat?
While I have experience successfully working with a variety of psychological diagnoses and conditions, rather than listing them separately here, I have found it more helpful to describe my focus on helping you overcome obstacles and assist you in achieving balance and fulfillment in your life. Please click here to see a more detailed list of the issues I have treated.
Do you play music?
Sometimes. Each session or workshop is designed to engage participants in the process of either listening or creating music in some form, including composing, recreating, receiving, or creating music with a specific intention in order to help you achieve your goals. See below for a more complete list of interventions. Each activity is designed in collaboration with each person and group based both on evidence based research on music therapy as well as aesthetics.
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