music therapy

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is the use of music (in any form) to support a person’s therapeutic journey in the context of a therapeutic relationship. You do not have to be a musician to benefit from music therapy. Actually, part of my role is making the music, in whatever form it takes, accessible and helpful for you.

Some of my specialties include songwriting, improvisation (vocal and instrumental), song recreations, Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), and music listening with lyric discussion.

Music Therapy for Grief and/or Trauma

First and foremost, I am so sorry for your loss and/or your trauma. Second, I am so grateful you are considering me as a partner in your journey with grief and/or trauma.

Together we will navigate, with fierce compassion, honesty, and integrity, this journey that was never asked for, deserved, or wanted.

As a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC), I offer a unique approach to therapy using a combination of music therapy, Compassionate Bereavement Care-Yoga (CBC-Y), art, writing, and conversation. I operate from a person-centered and humanistic lens. This means I believe that, deep down, you know what you need and I am here to partner with you on your journey. I will not try to fix, disempower, change, or shame you. I will offer compassion, support, space, listening, reflection, and options for you to explore in our time together from a foundation of mutual respect, honesty, and dignity.

Why music therapy?

When we go through devastating, life altering moments in our lives, most times there are no words that do it justice. Music and other creative arts give us different avenues to express what feels inexpressible but must be expressed. It helps us move the energy wrapped up in our tragedies, look at it from different perspectives, give us some space, and give it a form without the need for language.

What is Compassionate Bereavement Care-Yoga (CBC-Y)?

CBC-Y combines the most up-to-date research on traumatic bereavement care with yoga. Grief and trauma effect us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Yoga can be used to help us with all of these challenges, and can become an important part of your toolbox on your therapeutic journey. No, you do not have to be “flexible” or “athletic” to benefit from yoga. We will collaborate to find the yoga experiences, if any, that are right for you. Some practices we may use include breath work, movement/poses, meditations, and/or chanting.

Do I have to do art and stuff?

Of course not. Those types of experiences are possible options for us to explore but are not required. Again, this is your journey, not mine. The choice to try or not try something will always be yours. I am here to serve you and your needs.

Cost & session options:

• Individual: Available remotely via zoom or in-person at the studio. Because I have a national board-certification in music therapy, I am able to work remotely in most states.*
  Fee: $135 per 1hr. session.**

• Bereavement Support Groups: Available remotely via zoom or in-person at the studio. A great option for those looking to make community connections and/or make therapy more affordable. Group sessions will be closed (the same members) and run for 6 weeks at a time. There will be no less than 4 participants and no more than 8.
  Fee: $30 per 1hr. Session

Available remotely via zoom or in-person at the studio. A great option for those looking to make community connections and/or make therapy more affordable.

• Yoga for Grief Class: A yoga class designed to help support you in your grief. We will combine gentle flows with some breath work, meditation and chanting. To honor our loved ones who have passed, there will be an alter set up for pictures and/or objects representing them.
  Fee: $15 per 75min class

* Due to separate state licensure requirements, I cannot work with individuals living in the following states: CT, GA, IL, MD, NJ, NV, ND, NY, OH, OK, RI, UT, VA, WA

** I do not accept insurance. Please inquire for sliding scale options.