About Us
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Resounding Healing and the music therapy services we offer. If you have a question that is not addressed on this page we invite you to contact us for more information at 406-439-2019 / 850-778-2132 or email us at [email protected].
What is Music Therapy?
Simply put, music therapy is the use of “evidence-based musical interventions” administered by a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) to accomplish non-musical goals. Perhaps you use music to influence your mood when you work out, go to sleep, or engage in other activities. If so, then you are using it for a purpose! Music therapists use music to teach, counsel, move to, encourage social interaction and communication, improve cognitive function, for psychosocial purposes, and to improve quality of life. Research in the field is ongoing and the music therapists at Resounding Healing, Inc. stay abreast of the latest findings through professional journals, associations, continuing education, and conferences.
See Musictherapy.org – Official website of the American Music Therapy Association for more information.
What is a “musical intervention?”
A “musical intervention” is a term for a music therapy activity that uses music as a means to accomplish a non-musical goal such as pain management, regulation of respiration, relaxation, speech therapy objectives through singing, music making, music listening, etc.
Where does a music therapy session take place?
Resounding Healing team members currently service the Wakulla County School district in Wakulla County, Florida. Montana clients are served locally by team members in the Lewis and Clark County area. (Travel fees may apply for home or facility visits.) Private clients outside of these areas are served nationally via online music therapy sessions.
Why does music therapy work? It sounds more like entertainment than therapy.
Music therapy techniques work because music is not processed in only one area of the brain, but rather, many areas of the brain “get involved.” All of this cross-talk in the brain helps to build neurological connections that help to improve movement, speech, and cognitive tasks. Music can also serve as a contingency and be a great motivator.
We often use music to teach social skills to clients with autism. A music therapist might even help you work through a traumatic experience by using your voice musically, improvising on instruments, or by using specific music psychotherapy techniques.
What takes place during a typical music therapy session?
Each treatment plan is designed with the client’s goals, abilities, and musical preferences in mind which will be reflected in the personalized music activities. A large variety of instruments and evidence-based techniques are available to the music therapist and client.
What does “MT-BC” mean?
Music therapist, board-certified. A qualified music therapist will have the minimum of a bachelor’s degree in music therapy awarded by an accredited university. In addition, the therapist will have completed a six month internship at an approved site. Only then will that person be able to sit for the national board exam. Upon passing the exam the credentials MT-BC are bestowed. 100 hours of continuing education over a 5 year cycle are required to maintain the MT-BC designation, or the individual is required to retake the certification exam. See musictherapy.org Recertification
All music therapists at Resounding Healing hold MT-BC credentials.
I know other musicians who claim to do “music therapy” but don’t have the “MT-BC” credentials. Why should I choose someone who is board-certified?
When a board-certified music therapist designs your music therapy program you can be assured that they have AMTA approved instruction in evidence-based music therapy techniques, psychology, anatomy & physiology, various instruments and voice. If they can’t pass the certification exam at the end of their education and internship they should not call themselves a “music therapist.”
Do I have to know how to sing or play an instrument?
No! Your only requirement is an enjoyment of music and a willingness to participate in the process.
How do I know music therapy will help me or my family member?
A: After an initial assessment the music therapist can give you an idea of what sort of treatment plan they will propose to meet your goals. A qualified therapist will be familiar with effective techniques for a variety of conditions. At Resounding Healing treatment plans are evaluated on regular basis so that any necessary revisions can be made to the plan. If the client or ordering doctor and therapist agree that all goals have been met the client will then be discharged.
I am concerned about my privacy. Will details of my music therapy sessions, or those of my family members, be shared with others?
Board-certified music therapists (MT-BCs) are bound by the same HIPAA rules as medical doctors and mental health professionals. Resounding Healing, Inc. Music Therapy will provide you with written information regarding the use of your private information (similar to what your physician provides) before you receive services from us. You can find detailed information regarding the HIPAA rules at the US Dept. of Health and Human Services website. http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/summary/
What if the music therapist and I have different musical tastes?
At Resounding Healing, music therapy is all about YOU, so we work with “client-preferred music” since the musical element of the therapy is what gives it distinction and, often times, preference over other potential interventions or therapies.
How is music therapy used in counseling?
We might write song lyrics to communicate, drum to express emotion, or sing to facilitate emotional healing, to name just a few possibilities.
Can healthy individuals benefit from music therapy?
Yes! Music therapy techniques can offer stress reduction and relaxation techniques for anyone. It can be a wonderful self-care therapy for care-givers or therapists of any discipline.
If you have a question about Resounding Healing, Inc. or our music therapy services that was not answered here, please call us at 406-439-2019 / 850-778-2132 or email us at [email protected].