Music therapy is a relationship based therapeutic practice that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. Trained music therapists employ various musical elements like rhythm, melody, harmony, and lyrics to create interventions tailored to a person’s specific needs.

Benefits of music therapy include:

1. Emotional Regulation: Music can help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and depression by provoking emotional responses and promoting relaxation.
2. Improved Mental Health: It’s been shown to enhance mood, increase self-esteem, and assist in expressing emotions that might be difficult to verbalize.
3. Enhanced Cognitive Function: Music can stimulate cognitive processes like memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. It’s often used in rehabilitation for individuals with neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s or traumatic brain injuries.
4. Physical Rehabilitation: Rhythmic auditory stimulation through music can aid in motor skills development, coordination, and movement for people with physical disabilities.
5. Social Interaction: Group music-making encourages socialization, teamwork, and communication skills, fostering connections among individuals.
6. Pain Management: Music has the potential to alleviate pain by diverting attention from discomfort and promoting relaxation.
7. Stress Reduction: Music can reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation responses, helping individuals manage stress.
8. Enhanced Quality of Life: Overall, music therapy contributes to an improved quality of life by addressing various aspects of a person’s well-being.

The purpose of music therapy can vary based on the specific goals of the individual or group participating in the therapy sessions. Its adaptability makes it a valuable tool in various settings including home, schools, healthcare facilities, and community centers.

Music Therapy is a client centered service where each client receives a personalized and specific Music Therapy assessment and treatment plan that has been reviewed with the individual and focuses on the client’s needs. Music therapists work alongside clients to create goals that best fit the needs and desired outcomes of each client.

Music Therapy services are provided for a number of populations, primarily focusing on those who are involved with the Medicaid Waiver system. Music Therapy clients are typically associated with either the Family Support Waiver (FSW) or the Community Integration and Habilitation waiver (CIH). Common diagnoses served include those with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and a number of other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Music Therapy goals aim to re-frame, maintain, or improve each client’s personal independence as well as functional skills used in their daily lives in order for the individual to live the best quality of life they are able to.

Music Therapy sessions are tailored to the client’s needs. These sessions can be 1 on 1 sessions with therapist and client, or sessions can be held with groups including other clients and therapists. Music Therapy sessions can vary in duration, but are typically 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the client’s Music Therapy budget, provided by their specific Waiver. Sessions can be held at client’s residence, in the community, or at our office location in Fort Wayne, indoors and outdoors, and in mornings or evenings, all centered around client needs and preferences.

Music Therapy is a great service for children and adults as the service’s flexibility allows it to be tailored to the unique needs and preferences of various populations, making it accessible and beneficial for a wide range of individuals across different contexts and settings. Music therapy is adapted to cater to the needs of populations with specific challenges, including autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorders, learning disabilities, and more. Individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities often benefit from music therapy to improve motor skills, communication, social interaction, and emotional well-being.

The beauty of music is that it transcends language and connects us in a way other art forms don’t.

For any further questions regarding TBH Music Therapy, please contact Jenna Fuchs-Sobieck, MT-BC (Director of Music Therapy) at (260) 702-9160.