Music Therapy
Music Therapy
Music therapy is a discipline in which credentialed professionals (MTA*) use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being. Music therapists use music safely and ethically to address human needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social, and spiritual domains.
*Music Therapist Accredited
Canadian Association of Music Therapists, June 2016
Sessions
Individual sessions
A typical session consists of playing instruments, singing, and moving to the music. A variety of instruments are put at the child's disposal, who is encouraged to explore at their leisure. New and preferred songs and nursery rhymes are used, as well as improvisation. Rhythm, melody, harmony and dynamics are all musical elements used during sessions.
Each intervention is tailored to the needs of the child. The child's immediate state during a session is also taken into account, allowing the session to be easily adapted to help with immediate needs (eg. a bad day at school, a bad night's sleep, just not feeling well, etc).
Goals and needs
An evaluation of the child's needs and the goals of the family is completed during the first 3 sessions, and an intervention plan is created. Here are a few examples of goals that can be worked on.
Increase gross and fine motor skills
Increase social interactions
Develop self-awareness
Encourage self-expression
Relaxation
Increase focus and attention span
Develop/increase communication (verbal and non verbal)
Clientele served
Individual sessions are offered to children of all ages and of every background.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Trisomy 21 (Down's Syndrom)
Developmental Delay (intellectual or physical)
Sensory Issues
Attachment issues
Behavioral issues
Anxiety
Emotional difficulties
Hearing deficits, deafness, cochlear implants
Pain management (those suffering from severe or chronic illnesses)