Getting Started
Music therapy begins with an assessment period, during which we will experiment with different musical styles and ways of experiencing music. This allows us to work together in determining the client’s music preferences and therapeutic needs so that we can determine goals for our therapy sessions.
The Music Therapy Process
The music therapy process looks very different from person to person. The specific
music experiences included in each session will be determined based on the client’s needs and interests in general, as well as the circumstances on a given day. In any case, most of the time in music therapy sessions will be spent engaging in music. As music therapy progresses, there will be many opportunities to evaluate the process and change the experiences provided according to the client’s changing needs or concerns. Please talk with the therapist about any questions or concerns you have about the client or the music therapy process.
Risks and Benefits
The client’s music therapy experience will be designed with his/her health and healing as the principal aim. For that reason alone, the client will never be intentionally harmed or distressed; however, the process of therapy may include moments of increased personal awareness, insights, or general growth that bring forth difficult emotions such as sadness, anger or frustration.
Music therapy does not put participants at physical risk other than those did not encounter in daily life, nor does it involve specific side effects such as those commonly found in medications.
Research has provided evidence to support the idea that music therapy can improve the lives of individuals in both large and small ways. Because each individual is unique, however, specific outcomes cannot be promised. Music therapy clients and their caregivers do report common outcomes such as improved mood, relaxation, strengthened sense of identity, improved social and communication skills, sense of accomplishment, and sense of “being heard.”
Client’s Rights
A client in music therapy has a number of rights, as does the responsible party caring for the client. These rights will be honored during your time with Sounds capping Source. These include the right to safety, dignity, treatment, self-determination, respect, participation in treatment decisions, and viewing the client’s therapy record. You have the right to end music therapy at any time.
Confidentiality
Information about the client comes from a variety of sources, including what happens in music therapy sessions and what information and records you choose to share with us. This information will not be shared with anyone else unless one of the following circumstances applies:
- You, the client, or someone else is in danger, or someone is involved in abuse/neglect/exploitation of a minor or elder.
- The therapist is required by court, administrative order, or subpoena to
reveal information.
- You sign a form granting permission to release information to a specific
party.
I have been advised of all the potential risks, consequences and benefits of the music therapy sessions. My music therapist has discussed with me the information provided above. I have had an opportunity to ask questions about this information and all of my questions have been answered. I understand the written information provided above.
