How is music therapy different from talk therapy?
My background is a master’s in Music Psychotherapy - we are trained in talk therapy techniques, but music is used to express things that clients have trouble finding words for. We may talk about what you’re going through, but process it through playing music or rewriting lyrics.
How is music therapy different from music lessons or performance?
The goal of music therapy is not to learn a specific instrument or practice for a public performance. Music therapists work with clients towards nonmusical, clinical goals. Music therapists follow the standards of clinical practice as set by the AMTA.
Do you accept insurance?
Music therapy is sometimes reimbursable by insurance, and it is worth asking your company and sending them our credentials and NPI number. At this time, we do not directly bill insurance. And music therapy is not covered by Mainecare, though we've been trying to change that via the task force.
What is the Maine Music Therapy Task Force?
We started the task force to educate and advocate for the field of music therapy at the state level.
Also read more on the CBMT page (www.cbmt.org) about board-certification. A key reason to advocate for state recognition of music therapy and eventually require a license is to make sure you're getting the best client care possible! Educating communities about music therapy and its benefits includes information on our scope of practice and history of this profession. This will increase access to funding sources for services and thus increase access to services for clients.
Can I observe a music therapy session?
I'm always happy to hear from students who are interested in music therapy but I am unable to accommodate observers. I work with sensitive client populations in settings that are not conducive to visitors or observation.