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  • About Music Therapy
    • Questions About Music Therapy
    • Why Should I Try Music Therapy?
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    • Session Structure
    • Music Therapy Interventions
    • Role of the Music Therapist
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    • Melissa Spiess, M.M., MT-BC Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow
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Music Therapy and Mental Health

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is an evidence-based allied health service similar to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology that uses music as the therapeutic tool to address physical, cognitive, social, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and/or behavioral needs.

Why Should I Try Music Therapy?

  • Music is part of our every-day life and provides a non-threatening, fun, and reinforcing way to address needs in all domains (physical, cognitive, social, emotional, spiritual and behavioral).
  • Music structures communication, expression, and interaction allowing clients to develop relationships and address issues they may not be able to address using words alone.
  • Music therapists can empower clients with healthy coping mechanisms to control pain, discomfort, anger, frustration, stress, sadness, aggression, and/or anxiety.

What Are Some Music Therapy Interventions We May Use in Sessions?

  • Lyric Analysis
  • Songwriting
  • Drumming
  • Music Assisted Relaxation
  • Music Discussion/Education
  • Mood Vectoring
  • Iso Principle
  • Music and Movement
  • Song Selection/Dedication
  • Improvisation

What Are Some Things We Might Work on in Music Therapy?

Cognitive

  • Increase independence and decision-making skills
  • Improve reality testing and problem-solving skills
  • Improve concentration and attention span
  • Improve executive functioning/planning skills
  • Enhance awareness of self and environment
  • Improve expressive and receptive communication

Social

  • Increase verbal and non-verbal self-awareness and self-expression
  • Positive social interaction and improve social awareness
  • Improve group cohesiveness
  • Decrease isolation and improved sense of belonging
  • Increase ability to resolve conflicts leading to stronger family, peer, and work relationships

Emotional

  • Increase sense of control over and satisfaction with life
  • Support healthy feelings and thoughts
  • Positive changes in mood, affect, and/or emotional states
  • Increase awareness of personal feelings and therapeutic issues
  • Improve interest, self-image, self-esteem, and feelings of self-purpose
  • Increase motivation
  • Successful, safe, and appropriate emotional release
  • Improve coping mechanisms

Physical

  • Increase ability to relax the mind and body in healthy ways
  • Improve biochemical indicators of immune functioning and stress levels

How Do I Know if Someone is Qualified to Provide Music Therapy Services?

  • Qualified music therapists carry the credential MT-BC indicating that they have passed the national, independent certification board exam and have maintained awareness of current practice through continuing education or retesting. DO NOT work with anyone claiming to be a music therapist without the MT-BC designation.
  • To confirm MT-BC status go to: http://www.cbmt.org/certificant_search

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Music Therapy Resources

Board Certification

  • American Music Therapy Association
  • Certification Board for Music Therapy
  • Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy

Downloads

  • Music Therapy-Referral-Form
  • Music-Therapy-Referral-Candidates
  • MT for Parkinson’s Disease
  • MT for Stroke Rehabilitation
  • MT for Seniors
  • MT in Hospice & Palliative Care Trifold Brochure
  • MT for Autism
  • MT for Developmental Disabilities
  • MT for Children with Special Needs
  • MT & Mental Health
  • MT for Wellness
  • Legacy Gifts and Digital Services
  • Candidates for Music Therapy

Start Music Therapy

Whimsical music notes on a staff

How Do I Begin Music Therapy Services?

If you would like to find out more about how music therapy may help your loved one or to begin music therapy services, please contact:

Melissa Spiess, M.M., MT-BC
Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow
melissa@livingspirittherapy.com
651-363-3936

If you know you would like to initiate music therapy services please download, print, and complete the referral form.

Download Form

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All Living Spirit Therapy Services, LLC employees are credentialed through the Certification Board for Music Therapists.

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Contact Us

Melissa Spiess, M.M., MT-BC

Neurologic Music Therapist
melissa@livingspirittherapy.com
651-363-3936

Start Music Therapy

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