Michelle has practiced music therapy as a board-certified music therapist since 2009. She has served children, teens, and adults with a focus on providing trauma-informed therapy. Michelle believes that music creates ways for people to be heard and seen, so that they can receive empathy and compassion, even if they are unable to talk about their experience. Her therapeutic approach emphasizes the client’s interests and strengths while providing a safe space to explore challenges and work towards their goals.
Michelle recognizes the growing need for mental health services in the Fredericksburg, VA area. Michelle currently serves individuals with mental health needs, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma recovery. She is also skilled and experienced with those who have mental health needs that are co-occurring with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Having served public schools, mental health facilities, group homes, adult day programs, outpatient clinics, and in client's homes, Michelle has extensive experience working with individuals and families to support emotional regulation, communication, relationships, socialization, functional physical needs, and spiritual health. Michelle also has specialized training and experience working with survivors of trauma, using music-based interventions and relational attunement to help clients develop nervous system regulation and build resilience for living life more fully engaged and present.
As a clinical supervisor, Michelle has worked with student trainees and professional music therapists. Michelle provides competency-based supervision within an approach that acknowledges strengths, values, and preferences while supporting the individual needs of the supervisee. Michelle is active in service to the profession of Music Therapy, having served on the Virginia State Task Force for Occupational Regulation and on the Advisory Board on Music Therapy at the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
Musically, Michelle was trained in classical percussion with an emphasis on mallet instruments, such as marimba and xylophone. In addition to a variety of percussion instruments, she utilizes guitar, piano, and voice in music therapy sessions. She also incorporates movement and visual arts into sessions to support client interests and self-expression. Michelle enjoys bringing her love for music and the arts to help others.
Education:
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, 2008
Master of Science in Music Therapy, Radford University in Radford, VA, 2014
Music therapists with the MT-BC credential have received a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent coursework in music therapy from a college or university that is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Some music therapists have a master's degree or doctoral degree in music therapy or a related field. All music therapists must complete 1,200 hours of supervised clinical training through practicum and internship placements before taking the board certification exam.
Undergraduate Level Education & Training
Music courses - music theory, ear training, history, analysis, composition, conducting, technology, and playing musical instruments and singing
Clinical courses - psychology, behavioral assessment, research methods, and human development
Music therapy courses - history of music therapy, approaches to music therapy for specific client groups, assessment and treatment planning, using music skills to address client goals and objectives
Field placement (practicum) in a variety of settings
Graduate Level Education and Training (specific coursework varies and may include):
Advanced methods of music therapy and integration of theories into the therapeutic process (music-centered psychotherapy is one example)
Counseling theories and techniques
Administration and program development in healthcare, education, and other settings
Clinical supervision
Research thesis or clinical research
Advanced music analysis and applications of musical skill
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