What is music therapy?

Music therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses. Music therapy interventions can be designed to:

• promote wellness
• manage stress
• alleviate pain
• express feelings
• enhance memory
• improve communication
• promote physical rehabilitation

Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare and educational settings.

Music therapy is a powerful and non-threatening medium, which makes unique outcomes possible. The music therapist utilizes a variety of music experiences in an intentional and developmentally appropriate manner to effect changes in behavior and facilitate development of skills. Music therapy treatment addresses non-musical goals, therefore, no musical ability is needed in order for the client to benefit from music therapy.

Who can benefit from music therapy?

Music therapists work with a variety of populations, from infants to the elderly, disabled and well. For more information on how music therapy benefits specific populations, please visit the American Music Therapy Association website at www.musictherapy.org.

Amy L. Tibert, MT-BC specializes in providing music therapy services to children and young adults with special needs including autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, intellectual disability, speech and language delay, Williams Syndrome, and other developmental disabilities.

What does the music therapist do?

The music therapist:

• assesses emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses
• designs music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, movement, and learning through music
• participates in interdisciplinary treatment planning when appropriate and provides ongoing evaluation and follow up
• creates a musical and familiar environment that encourages positive interpersonal interaction and allows clients freedom to explore and express themselves

Amy L. Tibert, MT-BC is a board certified music therapist and is a vendor with the California Regional Centers.

For more information about music therapy services, please contact Amy at (818) 469-6308.

(information adapted from the American Music Therapy Association)

The following information is being provided in compliance with AB1402 requirements:
Department of Developmental Services – http://www.dds.ca.gov/complaints (916) 654-1987