About the Therapist

ABOUT THE THERAPIST

Melissa Hirokawa is the founder and owner of Living Spirit Therapy Services, LLC. She received her music therapy equivalency degree and Master of Music in Music Therapy from Western Michigan University. Melissa is a Fellow in the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapists and has also received advanced training in hospice music therapy and work with the elderly. Melissa has provided music therapy services throughout training and professional work with a wide variety of clientele including patients/clients in hospice, adult and pediatric hematology/oncology, eating disorders programs, adolescent psychiatry, all levels of special education, long-term care, and adult day care. She has also treated individuals with sensory impairments, mental disorders, cerebral palsy, fibromyalgia, dementia, and stroke. Melissa has provided eight years of direct care for people with special needs, received several awards and scholarships during her training, and has presented locally and nationally on music therapy. Topics of presentations include music therapy in treatment of: patients and families in hospice and palliative care, the holistic needs of the elderly, fibromyalgia, stroke, intergenerational programming, Parkinson’s, and fall prevention among others. Her practice focuses on the elderly, those with medical needs and issues, hospice, adult wellness, and intergenerational programming.

Click Here for Melissa’s Masters Thesis: A Survey of Financial Aspects, Staffing, and Service Trends of Music Therapy in Hospice Programs