Progress in music therapy

Sometimes changes happen quickly in music therapy.  People are often astounded at the first time people make a strong connection during a session.  Sometimes changes happen over time of working with people.

While working with a child with sensory processing disorder in Meridian, I see small improvements in focus and connection every week.  This week I did something with him that I had not done for a few months and I was astounded at the difference.  Sometimes when we see just the small improvements it is important to realize that the collective change is amazing.

Music Therapy with someone with autism in Boise

It is great seeing the progress of people when doing music therapy.  I have been working with a young man with autism.  In the beginning I could get him to focus on me for a little bit, and he did sing one to two words when prompted.  Now, he comes in, asks for specific instruments, and initiates singing specific songs.  We can plan in rhythm together, and perhaps my favorite thing is to see his smiles and see how excited he is to come to the sessions.  His mother has also commented on how she has noticed that he is communicating and interacting more in general.  I love being a music therapist.

Music Therapy and Dementia in Eagle, Idaho

It is exciting to meet people for the first time and see there reaction to the music therapy.  I recently started working with a man in the later stages of dementia.  He could verbalize one to two word phrases and they were all out of context.  In short he had a disconnection with people and the world around him.  But because music therapy is awesome (I'm pretty sure there is research that proves it is awesome), as soon as the music began his face lit up and he sang with me for the entire session.  The music made a connection with him, and he was able to make meaningful connection with his wife through the music as well.