|
February 2006
 Music... Therapy! Part 2
Mrs. Donna - North Canton
For thousands of years, music has been documented as an instrument of healing. Though music may once have been thought to have only an emotional or spiritual effect, we now know that the brain processes music in both of its hemispheres, so its effects are also physical.
Music therapy is a well-established health profession, and WeJoySing is proud to offer services which bring about positive and unique outcomes. Music therapists graduate with a college degree in their field, then must also complete an internship at a site approved by the American Music Therapy Association, followed by a certification exam. Those who pass the exam carry the credentials MT-BC.
WeJoySing’s on-staff therapist, Jenny Bunnell, MT-BC, as well as Karen Vogt, MT-BC, discuss the benefits WeJoySing provides to families in the greater Columbus area through Music Therapy services.
WeJoySing: What is the goal of music therapy?
Jenny: We try to address physical, emotional, social, behavioral, sensory-motor, and cognitive needs through music and musical activities/interventions.
WJS: Why specifically music as therapy?
Karen: It has an element that no other therapies have... MUSIC! Music that is hand-selected by the therapist can be highly motivating for people of all ages, especially children.
Jenny: Music is a powerful and non-threatening medium. Music...[creates] an ideal therapeutic environment. Though similar goals can be addressed by other types of therapy, music makes the process of working toward these goals more JOYFUL.
Karen: Some parents who have had their kids in typical therapies have seen their children make some progress [but for one reason or another stopped pursuing therapy]. Parents who then chose music therapy have found that their children respond to the music because it is playful and not simply routine...
WJS: What benefit do you see to using the HeartStrings curriculum in your therapy sessions?
Jenny: Though therapy sessions are adapted individually, (we don’t always use WeJoySing curriculum songs) the HeartStrings classes make use of several techniques supported by music therapy— repetition, simple, easy-to-sing songs, matching vocabulary with actions, and a focus on motor skills (fine and gross) as well as socialization. These techniques are very successful in the therapy setting.
Karen: The HeartStrings songs are wonderful because they are traditional folk songs with simple words, melodies and rhythms which make them easily adaptable for children with special needs.
Jenny: In some cases, WeJoySing’s parent-child HeartStrings classes can be used as an alternative to individual therapy, especially in cases of slightly delayed speech or motor skills. Though HeartStrings classes are not intended to replace individual therapy, they certainly complement therapy activities and often make them easier for parents to do at home.
If you or someone you love is interested in WeJoySing’s music therapy services or in HeartStrings as an enhancement to therapy, please contact our office at (614) 868-0107, or outside the Columbus area, call toll free: 1-877-299-8138.
A Note From Mrs. Jo
WeJoySing is honored to be a part of the successful development of all children, and especially blessed to enable joyful progress in the lives of little ones with special needs.
WeJoySing thanks Jenny Bunnell, MT-BC as well as Karen Vogt, MT-BC for their expertise and input into this article. WeJoySing client information is used by permission.
|
