Music Therapy in Motion, LLC

What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is an allied health profession that uses music as the therapeutic medium to address non-musical goals.  Desired behavioral, emotional, cognitive, social, communicative, sensory, and/or physical outcomes are attained through a variety of musical interventions such as singing, song writing, instrument manipulation, music listening, improvisation, and lyric analysis. 

Who Benefits from MT?

Music therapy can benefit individuals with needs in mental health, physical health, habilitation, rehabilitation, special education, self-emotional care, and personal development.

• Children with Special Needs (PDD, Autism, Developmental Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Speech/Language Disorders, Sensory Integration Deficits etc.)
• Adults with Disabilities (Developmental Delays, Injuries, Mental & Physical Health, Social/Communication Needs, etc.)
• Hospital Patients/ Hospice/Palliative Care
• Infants/Toddlers
• Individuals with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
• Persons with Post-Traumatic Experiences
• Juvenile Delinquency
• Elderly
• Individuals with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or who have experienced a Stroke.
• Families/Care givers of People with Disorders
• Individual Loss & Grievance

Typical Target Areas in MT

• Gross/Fine Motor Coordination & Control
• Socialization & Communication
• Expressive & Receptive Language
• Academic Concepts
• Emotional Expression & Creativity
• Self-esteem & Self-awareness
• Sensory Integration
• Relaxation & Stress Management
• Wellness & Quality of Life
• Familiarization of Environment & Inclusion
• Problem Solving & Impulse Control
• Pain Management & Coping Skills
• Attention Span & On Task Behavior
• Reminiscence & Short/Long Term Memory

What will a Music Therapist Do?

1. Conduct a clinical assessment by recording the client’s initial observations within a musical setting, regarding general developmental areas such as social, communication, motor, cognitive, and emotional skills.
2. Design therapeutic interventions that will target the specific need/s of the individual or group.
3. Provide ongoing support and gratification to the client/s, pertaining the targeted goals through positive musical experiences. 
4. Elicit ongoing documentation, treatment planning, and evaluation.

Who Provides Music Therapy?

A Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) is a qualified Music Therapy provider who has extensive background in music, assessment, evaluation, and therapeutic interventions.  A Board Certified Music Therapist has completed his/her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy, an internship of 1040 hours under the supervision of another MT-BC, and has taken the license test to obtain “MT-BC”, provided by the accredited Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).  An individual obtaining the credential MT-BC is obligated to accrue on-going training in the areas of Music Therapy.

Emily Wangen and the UND music therapy students work with the Grand Forks Public Schools Adult Transition program weekly. During these sessions the young adults engage in singing, dancing, playing instruments, and writing their own songs. The impact on our students is so positive.  We see them become more outgoing, expressive, and self-assured.
 
Joy, Krista and Keith - Transitions

For more information regarding music therapy please contact us at: 

1-218-791-0908.