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Do I need musical talent to benefit from music therapy?
No. You do not need prior musical experience. Music therapists are musicians who are trained extensively in how to use music to help clients with their individualized therapy goals. Many music psychotherapy experiences involve listening and discussing your responses to the music to help you gain awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. You may have opportunities to sing, play musical instruments, move to music, or even write songs, but in ways that are successful for you, even if you’ve never played a musical instrument.
Can parents or caregivers participate in the session?
Absolutely. For children, teens, or adults who benefit from extra support, parent and caregiver involvement is often encouraged. Music therapy provides a meaningful space for shared bonding, practicing communication cues, and learning musical co-regulation tools you can use at home. However, if you believe your loved one needs an opportunity for 1:1 time with the therapist, this is encouraged and their privacy is maintained to the greatest extent possible. The level of involvement is determined through the intake and assessment process.
Can music therapy trigger emotional distress or sensory overload?
Yes. Because music is a powerful medium that engages the brain and body, music therapists are specifically trained to monitor for sensory overload, emotional triggers, and signs of physical distress. Using a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming framework, I accommodate individual needs by adjusting volume, rhythm, tempo, and instrument selection in real time to ensure comfort and safety.
Can you do an evaluation to diagnose my mental health condition?
No. Music therapists do not test for or diagnose mental or medical conditions. Our training is specialized as a treatment using evidence-based music therapy techniques. If you believe you have an undiagnosed mental health condition, it is recommended that you see a provider licensed to evaluate and diagnose.
Will you coordinate with my other healthcare providers?
Yes. With your signed consent, I am happy to collaborate with primary talk therapists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists (OT), speech-language pathologists (SLP), and other healthcare providers.
More about music therapy:
Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT)
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