Services Offered by Creative Music Therapy Studio

Services offered by Creative Music Therapy Studio:

Creative Music Therapy Studio (CMTS) is a community based, free-standing music therapy program located in the Flatiron district of mid-town Manhattan

The mission of CMTS is the enhancement of opportunities for human development through the provision of music therapy services of the highest quality. As such, we are dedicated to the health and well being of children and adults of all functioning levels. We also seek to inform the community at large, and health professionals working and living within the community, of the nature, benefits and availability of this marvelous intervention.

Individual and Group Music Therapy Sessions. We provide individual and group music therapy sessions at our midtown studio space. We receive referrals from agencies, case managers, professionals in related fields as well as parents. The process starts with an intake which assesses a clients area of musical and functional abilities as well as challenges. Following this, clients are placed and attend weekly sessions.

Individual Sessions: We see both adults and children for individual music therapy. Typically, sessions have two therapists, one of whom remains at the piano to maintain the continuity of the music, while the other works directly with the client, engaging and facilitating his or her active music making. When it is clinically appropriate, one music therapist may work individually with a client. This is most often the case with clients who are higher functioning adults. Individual sessions are 30 minutes in length.

Group Sessions: Clients are carefully placed in groups based on their developmental and functioning level. The individual needs of each client, as well as the overall objectives of the group, are taken into consideration. We create groups that both challenge and enhance potential while addressing areas of deficit. Group size ranges from 2-6 clients, are run by two therapists and are 30-45 minutes in length.

Children’s Music Groups. Our Children’s Music Program seeks to broaden and enhance child development through exposure to the many developmental possibilities that musical activity presents. Among the areas where development may be enhanced through music are these: language, socialization, impulse control, expression of feelings, creativity, flexibility and spontaneity, motor coordination.

Music Therapy Outreach Programs. We have developed two community outreach programs, one serving children with emotional needs, the other serving children with visual impairments and those who are typically developing. CMTS sends therapists to these settings to work with children in both individual and group sessions. The therapist also coordinates efforts with clinical staff and administrators directing music therapy work toward the general goals of the setting as well as the individuals clients. Clinical issues such as treatment planning and group composition are determined by music therapy assessment in collaboration with on-site professionals. Sessions are carefully documented and clinical results are shared with the appropriate staff.

In-service presentations. In keeping with its mission, CMTS has made itself available to community institutions to provide clinical and informational presentations about music therapy. These presentations are geared towards the needs and interests of the particular settings involved. They may include general information, specific case material, video or audio taped examples, current research and/or experiential sessions. Our therapists have extensive experience and have presented to various audiences around the world.

Individualized consultation. We offer consultations to organizations that are considering the addition of music therapy to their existing programming. We consult with clinicians and administrators about the specific goals of the setting and how music therapy can be focused to enhance overall programming. Our therapists have experience in the following areas: Autism ~ Mental retardation ~ Physical handicaps ~ Mental illness ~ Chronic or life threatening illness ~ Emotional disturbances ~ Language delay ~ PDD ~ Geriatrics ~ Personal growth ~ Bereavement ~ Visual impairment.

Information. We provide information to individuals and professionals about the benefits of music therapy in general and the efficacy of music therapy with particular populations, conditions and syndromes. We have access to an extensive network of resources and are able to refer interested parties to literature for anecdotal and research material.