Frequently Asked Questions
F.A.Q.

What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is the skillful use of music, led or supported by a certified music therapist, to address musical and non-musical goals. This can be done in a variety of ways. No prior music experience is needed to participate in or benefit from music therapy. Client and music therapist work collaboratively in the therapeutic relationship, in which the music therapist provides professional, safe, and ethical support.
“Music Therapy is the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Music has nonverbal, creative, structural, and emotional qualities. These are used in the therapeutic relationship to facilitate contact, self-awareness, learning, self-expression, communication, and personal development.”
Canadian Association for Music Therapy
Why Music Therapy?
Music therapy can address issues in the areas of communication, emotional/psychological well-being, physical and spiritual health, and cognitive and social functioning. Music Therapy is an effective treatment method for children and adults of all ages regardless of musical background or type of disability or impairment. It is client centered and goal oriented. Everything has meaning and purpose!
Who Benefits from Music Therapy?
Music therapy is Beneficial for individuals dealing with:
- Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disabilities
- Developmental Delays
- Emotional Trauma and Abuse
- Learning Disabilities
- Dementia
- Grief
- Mental Health Concerns
- Pain Control
- Palliative Care
- Physical Disabilities
- Psychiatric Illnesses
- Speech and Language Impairments
- Visual and Hearing Impairments
What are the benefits of Music Therapy?
Music Therapy provides a creative and meaningful way to address a variety needs including:
- Skill development
- Emotional expression and resolution
- Emotional and Behavioural regulation
- Personal affirmation, connectedness, expression and comfort
- Relaxation/stress reduction
- Structured exercise and movement
- Enhanced relationships and social skills
- Reinforced learning
- Auditory and sensory stimulation
- Improved focus and attention
- Encouragement for communication and self-expression
- Development of positive self-image
Why use Music?
- It captivates and maintains attention as it stimulates and utilizes many parts of the brain.
- It is easily adapted to suit individual needs and can be reflective of a person’s abilities.It structures time in a way that we can understand.
- It provides a meaningful, enjoyable context for repetition and practice.
- It provides a social context. It sets up a safe, structured setting for verbal and nonverbal communication.
- It can be an effective memory aid.
- It supports and encourages movement.
- It is tied into many of our memories and emotions.
- It provides nonverbal, immediate feedback.
- It is success oriented. People of all ability levels can participate.
What is involved in the Music Therapy process?
Music Therapy starts with an assessment period of 4 to 6 weeks when the therapist gathers relevant information regarding strengths, goals, interests, and suitability. This also gives each individual and/or their caregiver a chance to become familiar with the therapist, and to evaluate whether it is a good fit for them.
Once the assessment is completed and goals are established, an individualized treatment plan is put into place to address those goals. Goals and progress are continuously assessed and evaluated. Changes are made as needed with input and collaboration from the individual and/or their caregiver.
Once goals are achieved new goals can be established or services can be reduced or discontinued, depending on the needs of the individuals.
What services are offered?
We offer small group, family, or individual sessions with individualized goals. We work in group home settings, school classrooms, Long Term Care and Retirement Facilities, Day Programs, and in client’s homes.
We encourage both active and passive involvement in activities such as Singing, Playing instruments, Creative and rhythmic movement, Improvisation, Composition, and Listening.
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Tel: 519-591-5575
Email: [email protected]
SERVING WATERLOO REGION
Music therapy for seniors, long-term care, kids and special needs individuals and groups to improve quality of life, connection, expression, and well-being.