ABSTRACT
Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program (AMTA, 2011a). Music therapists meet with patients and clients to assess the specific need areas for interventions. Once need areas are identified, music therapists will determine individualized goals and objectives for meeting those goals. Documentation is completed after intervention sessions to monitor improvement or attainment of the goals. Termination of services is recommended when all goals are met or when improvement is not seen within the specified time frame for intervention. Music therapists use a variety of treatment interventions that incorporate preferred music and strategies that best fit the client’s interaction and learning style. The highly individualized treatment plans are one of the reasons music therapy can look so different to a person observing several different sessions. Music therapists are adept at assessing client responses in the moment and changing intervention techniques as patients’ responses change, always meeting clients where they are to provide the optimal therapeutic interaction between therapist and client.
