What is music therapy?
Music Therapy is a 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.
It is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.
Music therapy also provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves in words. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings. For instance, it has been found to be helpful in promoting wellness, managing stress, alleviating pain, expressing feelings, enhancing memory, improving communication, and promoting physical rehabilitation.
After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, our qualified music therapist provides the indicated treatment including creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music. Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, the clients' abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives.
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1:1 PRIVATE SESSIONS
We offer 1 hour personalized sessions for individuals in our office in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and digitally anywhere through online sessions.
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GROUP LESSONS
We offer group sessions for schools, homeschools, health facilities, and nursing homes in Tulsa, Oklahoma or anywhere online
CAN MUSIC THERAPY BENEFIT CHILDREN?
Music therapy offers numerous benefits for children, addressing various aspects of their development and well-being. Key ways music therapy can help children:
Emotional Expression and Processing: Music therapy provides a safe and creative outlet for children to express and understand their emotions. It's particularly beneficial for those who may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally.
Social Skills Development: Participating in music therapy sessions can enhance social interaction skills. Group sessions encourage cooperation, turn-taking, and listening to others, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Cognitive Development: Engaging in musical activities can improve cognitive functions like attention, memory, and executive function. Music therapy often involves activities that require following directions, recalling songs or sequences, and problem-solving, which are beneficial for cognitive growth.
Motor Skills Development: Playing instruments or engaging in movement activities in music therapy can help with gross and fine motor skills. It's particularly useful for children with developmental delays or physical disabilities.
Speech and Language Improvement: For children with speech and language delays or disorders, music therapy can be an effective tool. Music's rhythm and repetitive structure can aid in language acquisition and fluency, as well as vocalization.
Emotional Regulation: Music therapy helps children with self-regulation skills. It can teach them how to identify and manage their emotions effectively, which is especially beneficial for children with behavioral or emotional disorders.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Music has natural therapeutic qualities that can reduce stress and anxiety. For children who experience these feelings, music therapy offers a comforting and calming environment.
Enhanced Self-esteem and Confidence: Participating in music therapy can give children a sense of achievement and pride, especially when they learn new skills or create something unique, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.
Improved Academic Skills: Certain aspects of music therapy, such as rhythm and pattern recognition, can also support academic skills, including mathematics and reading.
Therapeutic for Children with Special Needs: For children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, and other special needs, music therapy can be particularly impactful. It provides them with structured and engaging ways to interact and learn.
In summary, music therapy is a versatile and effective approach to support children’s development across emotional, social, cognitive, physical, and language domains. Its adaptability to individual needs makes it a valuable tool for children with a wide range of backgrounds and challenges.
