What to Expect from Your First Music Therapy Session
Music therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses music to support mental, emotional, and physical health. It is not simply about listening to music for enjoyment—trained music therapists use specific techniques to achieve individualized goals. These goals can range from improving mood and reducing stress to enhancing cognitive abilities and supporting physical rehabilitation.
Interest in music therapy has grown as research highlights its ability to engage multiple areas of the brain at once. For patients of all ages, music therapy can provide a unique combination of emotional support, skill development, and motivation. This makes it a versatile tool for children, adults, and older adults facing a variety of challenges.
Finding the right music therapist is essential for getting the most out of therapy. Factors like the therapist’s experience, credentials, session format, and environment all influence how effective treatment can be. This guide will explain:
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals. These goals vary widely depending on the patient’s needs, age, and condition, ranging from managing anxiety to improving cognitive function or social skills.
Sessions can be conducted individually or in groups. Individual sessions focus on the patient’s specific goals and challenges, while group sessions encourage social interaction and emotional expression. They can take place in hospitals, clinics, private practices, nursing homes, schools, or even the patient’s home. Regardless of the setting, the goal is consistent: using music in a structured, therapeutic way to improve quality of life. Its adaptability makes music therapy accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
What to expect from music therapy
To know how to find a music therapist, it is imperative to first understand what you should look for and how a session should look. Sessions are designed to be approachable and tailored to the individual. A therapist typically begins by talking with the patient to understand their mood, current challenges, and personal goals. This conversation helps create a session plan and allows the patient to feel comfortable before engaging in music-based activities.
After the introduction, the therapist may use singing, playing instruments, or movement to facilitate engagement. For some patients, active participation is encouraged, such as tapping rhythms, clapping, or dancing. Others may focus on listening exercises or song discussion to process emotions and reflect on experiences.
Many therapists also integrate practical techniques that patients can use outside of sessions. This could include rhythmic breathing, guided listening, or songwriting exercises. These tools provide strategies to manage stress, process emotions, or improve focus in daily life. Sessions can vary in length, frequency, and structure depending on the patient’s needs. Some individuals may attend weekly sessions, while others might have sessions more or less frequently. The therapist continually assesses progress and adjusts activities to align with evolving goals.
How to find a music therapist?
Finding the right music therapist is an important step in ensuring that therapy is effective and meets your specific needs. The process involves checking credentials, understanding your goals, evaluating settings, asking key questions, and assessing personal fit. Each step helps ensure that your therapy is safe, tailored, and productive.
Check credentials
The first step is to verify the therapist’s credentials. Board-certified music therapists (MT-BC) have completed formal education, clinical training, and a certification exam. Membership in professional organizations is another indicator of expertise and professionalism. Checking credentials ensures that the therapist has a standardized level of training and experience. It also provides reassurance that they adhere to ethical guidelines and evidence-based practices. Some therapists may list their qualifications on their websites or through online directories, making it easier to verify their certification.
Identify your goals and needs
Before choosing a therapist, clarify your personal objectives. Consider your age, medical or mental health conditions, and what you hope to achieve from therapy. For example, a child with developmental challenges may benefit from social skills development, while an adult managing anxiety may focus on emotional regulation. Knowing your goals helps narrow the search for therapists with relevant experience. Some specialize in pediatric care, others in adult mental health, neurological rehabilitation, or memory care for older adults. Selecting a therapist whose expertise aligns with your needs increases the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Ask key questions
Before committing, it is helpful to consult with potential therapists. Asking questions ensures that the therapist’s approach aligns with your needs and expectations. Some important questions include:
Tips for a successful music therapy experience
Maximizing the benefits of music therapy requires more than just showing up. Active participation, clear communication, and consistent effort are essential for making meaningful progress. While the therapist provides guidance and expertise, your engagement directly influences how much you gain from each session. The following strategies can help ensure your therapy is productive and effective.
Communicate Openly
Effective music therapy begins with open dialogue. Share your goals, preferences, and any discomforts with your therapist. This includes not only what you hope to achieve but also your feelings during sessions. If a particular activity feels overwhelming, confusing, or uncomfortable, it’s important to let your therapist know. Providing honest feedback allows the therapist to adapt exercises to your needs. For example, if a rhythm exercise causes frustration, they may adjust the pace or offer a different instrument. Communicating clearly also helps therapists understand your progress and identify areas that require more focus. The more transparent you are, the more tailored and effective the therapy becomes.
Be willing to try different activities
Music therapy sessions often involve a variety of activities. These can include singing, instrument playing, movement exercises, or creative tasks like songwriting. While some activities may feel unfamiliar or outside your comfort zone, they are designed to stimulate different areas of the brain and encourage personal growth. Trying new exercises can help develop skills you didn’t realize you had. For children, this might involve learning a new rhythm or participating in group musical games. For adults, it could mean experimenting with lyric analysis or using music to process emotions. By approaching each activity with curiosity and willingness, you increase the likelihood of achieving meaningful therapeutic outcomes.
Track your progress
Keeping track of your experiences between sessions is a valuable tool. Journaling changes in mood, cognition, or behavior can help both you and your therapist monitor progress over time. Even small improvements, such as feeling less anxious after a session or recalling a memory more easily, are worth noting. Regularly reviewing these notes allows you to see patterns, identify triggers, and recognize which techniques are most effective. This information helps the therapist adjust the therapy plan, ensuring that future sessions continue to meet your evolving needs. Tracking progress also reinforces your commitment, providing tangible evidence of growth and improvement.
Commit to Consistency and Engagement
Finally, consistency and engagement are key. Each session builds on the last, allowing you to develop coping strategies, emotional awareness, and new skills over time. Approaching music therapy with intention and active participation ensures that the experience is meaningful, lasting, and adaptable to your personal goals. By following these strategies, you can maximize the benefits of music therapy and create lasting positive changes in your life.
So—What can music therapy do for me, and how to identify it?
Music therapy offers a unique and evidence-based approach to improving emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. Its versatility allows it to benefit people of all ages, from children developing social and communication skills to adults managing stress, anxiety, or chronic conditions, and seniors seeking support with memory or quality of life. Finding the right music therapist is essential to experiencing these benefits. Understanding what music therapy entails, the different settings available, and how sessions are structured helps individuals make informed choices. By carefully considering credentials, goals, session format, and personal fit, patients can ensure they select a therapist who aligns with their needs.
