Integrative Music Therapy for Adults
Let music and creative exploration show you the way
Music has seen you through it all. Like a best friend, it understands you and helps you feel seen.
Music Therapy is a body-mind approach to healing that utilizes similar concepts to those used in other leading approaches to trauma healing. The basic idea is that, by helping you enter a slightly altered state of mind, you will be more capable of processing distressing experiences and traumatic life events. This is because you won’t necessarily be re-living the experiences, as you might with talk therapy, but observing them from a distance. When engaging in music, you are not only tuning into your felt sense, but also a more resourced part of your brain that allows you to reflect on moments with empathy and reduced criticism. Imagine saying processing your trauma feels… fun. Can you imagine? Probably a little difficult to believe right now. But it can happen! This is exactly the type of feedback music therapy clients share all the time!
“Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.”
-Maya Angelou
How is Music Therapy different from Music Listening?
To start, music is inherently therapeutic. When you listen to or participate in music, there is always the potential for a healing experience to occur. This includes attending live shows, singing along to your favorite band, writing a song, playing an instrument, singing in a choir, and much more. Music is the language of our emotional being and it connects our thinking brain with our embodied experiences. This is quite possibly why music plays such a central role in native healing traditions, social justice movements, faith based, and community oriented spaces. When we engage in music, we are given the opportunity to connect with ourselves and others in the present, past, and future.
Music Therapy harnesses these natural healing elements to support your processing. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on the phases of your life and relationships through the narrative of your favorite songs, artists, and musical experiences. We’ll create space for you to use music, movement, and other forms of creative expression to explore your emotions and find deeper understanding of your embodied responses. Singing, song writing, and active music making create opportunities for you to confront internally held criticism, build confidence, and find your authentic voice.
Music Therapy can help you…
Dismantle mental barriers
Develop awareness & control of your body’s stress responses
Release shame, guilt, and grief connected to distressing experiences
Build confidence & trust in yourself
Learn what it actually feels like to be at peace and restful in your body
Find your voice through challenge and conflict
… and so much more!
Frequently Asked Questions about Integrative Music Therapy
Will Music Therapy still be as effective online as in-person?
Yes! Although there are some limitations and adjustments we make to accommodate sharing music in the virtual space, there are still many ways to share and participate in music and other creative formats. Alison has been offering virtual music therapy services since 2019 and has multiple work arounds for making the music space fun and rewarding.
Do I need to have experience playing an instrument or singing to receive music therapy?
Nope! Music Therapy is all about the process and not at all about the product (although sometimes the product can be very meaningful to people too). There is no previous experience required and no expectation that you bring your own instruments or have competence in any areas of music. Just come with an open heart and desire to get curious about your internal world.
What are some things to consider before I start?
If interested in virtual appointments, it is worth considering the type of space you have to meet with Alison from. Since music travels differently than just talking, you may want to consider finding a space that feels confidential and secure where you won’t be worrying about the sound traveling. For example, your car or office at work are probably not the most appropriate setting for a Music Therapy session. That being said, there could be exceptions to this. Alison may also suggest interventions that include movement or art making, so definitely consider having supplies available for drawing & art making. You might find it nice to buy a special art book to keep your therapy creations in. You may also like to have space to move.
How much does Music Therapy cost?
Self-pay rates are $255 for your first appointment, which includes the initial assessment. Regular 50-55 minute appointments after that cost $235 per session. Alison does accept Aetna insurance through a platform called Alma. Music Therapy only services are not available if paying with insurance. Your Tempo Healing is considered an Out-Of-Network provider and services do qualify for PPO/OON benefits through your insurance. What this would mean is paying out-of-pocket for services up front and then applying for reimbursement through your health insurance benefits. You can call your insurance company directly to find out more about this and/or use this free benefits checker from Mentaya to get an idea of what you could expect for reimbursement: mentaya.co/b/YNsqafrN1npqaHFkDYig. Alison is happy to provide a list of helpful questions you can ask your provider to get a better idea of what to expect when you use OON benefits to cover your healthcare costs.
Music Therapy helps you tune back into the loving parts of yourself that have always been there and feel whole again.
Serving the greater College Park area, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and individuals across Maryland & Pennsylvania.
Hyattsville, Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Potomac, Olney, Columbia, Greenbelt, Bowie, Beltsville, Annapolis, Severna Park, Towson, Pikesville, Perry Hall, Catonsville, Ellicott City.
