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"Music Therapy is the 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.

Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. After assessing the strengths and needs of each client, the qualified music therapist provides the indicated treatment including creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music. Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients' abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives. 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 many areas such as: overall physical rehabilitation and facilitating movement, increasing people's motivation to become engaged in their treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and providing an outlet for expression of feelings".

(American Music Therapy Association)

Click HERE for more information about topics like:

• What is Music Therapy?
  • Definition and Quotes about Music Therapy
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Music Therapy with Specific Populations
  • Learning about Music Therapy
  • Personal Stories
  • History of Music Therapy
  • Music Therapy Around the World and on the Web
  • Music Therapy in the Media
• Who are Music Therapists?
  • Find a Music Therapist
  • Professional Requirements for Music Therapists
  • AMTA Standards of Practice
  • AMTA Code of Ethics
  • AMTA Professional Competencies

Music Lessons and Music Therapy, Special Needs, Autism, Speech Delay, Glendale

The music therapy process is comprised into six stages:

1. First Session
2. Assessment
3. Treatment Plan 
4. Treatment Implementation
5. Treatment Evaluation
6. Treatment Termination

Stage1. First Session 

The first session is a time for beginning the process of gaining trust and rapport, while observing and taking notes about client's responses to the setting, the therapist, the music and or other presented stimuli. The music therapist attempts to establish certain conditions which would maximize the opportunity to develop a close working relationship with the client. 

The objectives for what ought to be accomplished during the first session include:

• Developing Rapport
• Gathering Information
• Observing
• Further defining the problem and goal
• Outlining responsibilities of client and therapist

Stage 2. Assessment

A general assessment will be conducted by way of systematic observation in order to determine the client's strengths, areas of need, and functional level. 

Criteria to consider:

• Communication Skills
• Cognitive Skills
• Sensory Processing
• Motor Skills
• Psycho-social and Emotional Skills
• Musical Skills

Stage 3. Treatment Plan

The treatment plan is the process of developing a hierarchy, or a series of objectives and target behaviors, that will carry out the goal of therapy. The treatment plan will outline how the client is expected to progress throughout the course of therapy sessions.

The treatment plan may include:

• A review of the assessment report
• A hierarchy of objectives and target behaviors 
• A brief description of music therapy strategies
• A design: case study, experimental group, or individual therapy

Stage 4. Treatment Implementation

Includes:

• Contracting
• Session Planning
• Describing client's progress
• Reviewing the therapeutic relationship
• Revising procedures

Stage 5. Treatment Evaluation and Documentation

In this stage, the therapist attempts to define if music therapy has been successful in reaching the goals set forth in the treatment plan.

This evaluation will determine the degree of success or failure of therapy to reach outlined therapeutic goals.

Stage 6. Treatment Termination

Music therapist determines termination when client has attained all goals, fails to benefit from service, can no longer be scheduled, or is discharged.

This stage includes:

• Treatment summary of the client's progress
• A Date for the last session 
• A plan for phasing out sessions, if feasible
• Recognition of client's feelings regarding termination
• A focus on the client's future, including recommendation for other services and plans for reassessment or follow-up.

Music Lessons and Music Therapy, Special Needs, Autism, Speech Delay, Glendale

"CBMT is a member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. Our Music Therapist-Board Certification (MT-BC) program has been fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies since 1986. As the only certifying board for music therapy, we are committed to rigorous competency testing. Our accreditation ensures our unconditional compliance with stringent testing and measurement standards."

(Certification Board for Music Therapists)

For more information or for Music Therapy Board Certification verification please click:

CBMT Certified Music Therapist Search 

Music Lessons and Music Therapy, Special Needs, Autism, Speech Delay, Glendale

"AMTA's purpose is the progressive development of the therapeutic use of music in rehabilitation, special education, and community settings. Predecessors, unified in 1998, included the National Association for Music Therapy founded in 1950 and the American Association for Music Therapy founded in 1971. AMTA is committed to the advancement of education, training, professional standards, credentials, and research in support of the music therapy profession".

(American Music Therapy Association)

To learn more click: American Music Therapy Association 

Music Lessons and Music Therapy, Special Needs, Autism, Speech Delay, Glendale