I’m brett wallick, mmt, mt-bc
Certified Music Therapist from Seattle, USA
Online Musical Activities for Older Adults, Based on Principles of Music Therapy
Music Therapy: What is it? And how does a session work?
Music therapy is an evidence-based treatment modality supported by a substantial body of research. For older adults, the research shows that live, patient-preferred music is best, so the starting point for session #1 is always the clients’ favorite songs and artists. That’s where our therapist/client relationship begins, and we see where we go from there: Perhaps sharing memories of youth, songwriting, lyric analysis, more songs, etc.
Does it sound like something your parent would enjoy, now? Try it out for free! What are your parents’/grandparents’/your favorite songs?
Who is Music Therapy For? What are the benefits/results?
Almost everyone can benefit from music Music Therapy, and Music Therapists exist around the world working with various populations.
My focus is working with older adults. Why? In brief, I think they really benefit from Music Therapy using the music they loved throughout their lives. Benefits may include:
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- Pain Management
- Helping process emotions and explore feelings
- Decrease in depression or anxiety
- Help create purpose and meaning
- Support sleep health
- Overall better mental/physical/spiritual health and quality of life
Why Use Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is fun. It is a clinically relevant and effective treatment modality with lasting, impactful positive change in clients’ lives. Music therapy is non-threatening and engaging, especially when clients seek answers and ways to process their experiences.
Caregivers and family members can join the sessions if desired, in-person, or via Zoom.
Is Music Therapy evidence-based?
wewe Yes. Music therapy treatments are grounded in peer-reviewed and evidence-based research. The process involves ongoing assessment of clinical needs and progress toward established individual goals. Though most music therapy is not standardized, it follows clinical and systematic processes. This allows for maximum individualized care.
But honestly: Do you really need convincing that Music Therapy and music is healthy and give positive measurable results? We’ve all experienced it – music can transform our mood, our health – and the ever-growing evidence base guides the approaches we Music Therapists use for best results.
How does a virtual Music Therapy session differ from an in-person session?
While doing MT sessions virtually is different than being in the same room with a client, but they are still beneficial as long certain adjustments are made. There could be technical challenges (e.g., audio delay, weak internet signal). But on the positive side, the ease of access (requiring only an internet connection and a media device with Zoom installed) and the Music Therapist having access to all their instruments and audio/video and music tools in their workspace, as well as the ability to do sessions with almost anyone anywhere in the world gives opportunities for exponentially more potential clients to find comfort using virtual Music Therapy. Another great benefit of Music Therapy via Zoom: Family members can join the sessions, if desired!
What does the 'MMT, MT-BC' after your name signify?
MT-BC means the Music Therapist is board certified. Only those with the MT-BC credential may practice music therapy and can call themselves Music Therapists in the United States. This credential means that the therapist has at least a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy, has completed at least 1,200 hours of supervised clinical work, and has passed the board certification exam.
MMT signifies I have a Masters in Music Therapy (University of Barcelona, 2017).
Is listening to recorded music considered Music Therapy?
No. Listening to music alone can effect positive change, too, though it is different than music therapy. Music Therapists are trained and highly skilled in creating live music with clinical intention for and with clients and their individualized goals. Recorded music, however, can play an important supporting role, and I utilize it as needed in my own sessions.
About Me
Hi, I’m Brett. I grew up in suburban Seattle USA, and have lived in a total of 5 different countries since adulthood. I currently live in a small village in Spain just outside Barcelona.
Music has always been an important part of my life. Even from before I had any inkling of trying to learn an instrument, I knew I just loved to listen to it. I learned piano (at 5 years old), then drums/percussion (10 years old), then guitar (16 years old) and played drums professionally throughout my adult life.
I discovered Music Therapy while living in Barcelona, Spain, and received my Masters in Music Therapy in 2017, and passed the USA board certification exam shortly thereafter.
Contact me for a free consultation and find out how music and Music Therapy can help your loved one(s).