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 definition, 2005)
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.
Yes! The American Music Therapy Association promotes a vast amount of research exploring the benefits of music as therapy through publication of the Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy Perspectives and other sources. Other publications include the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy and Voices.
Anyone! Music therapy can benefit as early as newborn and as late as end-of-life. Furthermore, music therapy can benefit those who are diagnosed or undiagnosed, seeking a better quality of life.
A misconception about music therapy is that the client or patient has to have some particular music ability to benefit from music therapy -- they do not.
Another misconception is that there is one particular style of music that is more therapeutic than all the rest -- this is not the case. All styles of music can be useful in affecting change in a client or patient's life. The individual's preferences, circumstances and need for treatment, and the client or patient's goals help to determine the types of music a music therapist may use.
Music therapists must attend one of the approved college music therapy curricula, including an internship. Then, be eligible to sit for the national examination offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Music therapists who successfully complete the independently administered examination hold the music therapist-board certified credential (MT-BC).
At this time, Blossoming Wellness and Music is unable to provide documentation for insurance reimbursement.