Music therapy is a discipline in which Certified Music Therapists (MTA's) use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being. Music therapists use music safely and ethically to address human needs within cognitave, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social, and spiritual domains. The Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT, 2020)

Who benefits from Music Therapy? 

Music Therapy is used with people of all ages and abilities. Here are some examples of medical conditions, living conditions, and goal areas that may lead someone to reach out for music therapy:

- Acquired or traumatic brain Injuries

- Autism and other pervasive development disabilities

- Emotional traumas

- Dementia/memory care

- Mental health challanges

- Pain control

- Parkinson's Disease or other neurodegenerative conditions

- Personal growth

- Physical disabilities

- Speech and language Impairments

- Teens at risk

- Visual impairments

Begin with an initial assessment session and from there, the music therapist develops a treatment plan tailored to the needs and goals of the client. Some examples are song-writing, musical improvisation, receptive listening, lyric analysis, and music-based discussions. 

Music therapy can take place 1-1 or in group settings.