Music Therapist
Music Therapy is the clinical, and evidence-based, use of music to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. The music therapist is a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. (American Music Therapy Association definition, 2005). Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses.
The therapist designs music sessions to fit the needs of the child and may incorporate music improvisation and expression as well as receptive listening and performance in order to to stimulate new ways of learning and growing through rhythm, vocalizations, and body awareness exercises -- all in the reciprocal, relational exchange between therapist and child.