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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is music therapy?
Music therapy is the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. The definition recognizes that music has non-verbal, creative, structural and emotional qualities. These elements are used to develop a therapeutic relationship that improves interaction, self-awareness, learning, self-expression, communication and personal growth and development outcomes.
Q. What do music therapists do?
A certified music therapist (MTA) assesses a client’s level of functioning, designs a treatment plan of music sessions for individuals and groups based on pre-determined treatment goals using musical improvisation, music listening, song writing, lyric analysis, music and imagery, music performance and self-reflection through music making. Once goal areas are met, a client begins a new phase of treatment addressing different goal areas or is discharged from service.
Q. Who can benefit from music therapy?
Research shows that children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer's disease and other aging related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, and acute and chronic pain can benefit from music therapy treatment. For more information about music therapy, please visit the Canadian Association for Music Therapy at www.musictherapy.ca
Q. Do music therapists teach musical skills?
Music therapy treatment does not aim to increase a client’s musical skill. Music therapy addresses non-musical goals using musical mediums as a method of treatment. Adapted music lessons would be most suitable if looking to improve musical skill set.
Q. Do you need to have previous music training or experience to benefit from music therapy?
No. Recent scientific studies show that the human brain is hard-wired for music perception, especially the rhythmic element of music. Just as the musical score in a movie can guide your emotions, rhythm can change the way you move without you being consciously aware of it! It is the job of the music therapist to translate your therapeutic goals into musical experiences that you can participate in and enjoy.
Q. What actually happens in a music therapy session?
Most music therapy sessions consist of several directed activities involving music. Activity levels can range from deep relaxation to highly active rhythmic exercise. Musical participation may be as simple as humming along to a song presented by the therapist or as actively creative as song-writing and recording musical performances.
The specific musical activities presented in a music therapy session are determined by the goals for the session, the musical preferences of the client, and any challenges presented by a client's diagnosis. The music therapist will meet the client at his or her level of ability to participate and move forward to reach the goals and objectives outlined in a unique, individualized music therapy treatment plan.
Q. I already go to a physical, occupational or speech therapist. Will music therapy conflict with this therapy or be a duplication of service?
No, music therapy treatment provides multiple opportunities to retrain the brain. In any training program, repetition is essential. Besides having a powerful and immediate effect on areas of the brain that control key functions, music is a pleasurable and non-threatening experience for most people. The directed use of music supports and enhances functional therapeutic exercises and increases motivation and outcomes with other treatment plans.
Q. Do I need a referral from a doctor to obtain music therapy services?
No. A screening and/or assessment session by the music therapist will need to be completed before services begin. You can self-refer or have one of your allied health professionals refer to our services. Some insurance companies will, however, require a doctor’s referral to be eligible for benefits.
Q. Will MCP cover the cost of Music Therapy sessions?
No, private music therapy provided by RWMT is not covered by MCP.
Q. Can I use insurance benefits to cover the cost of therapy?
Insurance plans vary with their coverage options. It is best to contact your insurance provider to determine your level of coverage, and if you qualify for naturopath insurance benefit coverage. RWMT does not offer direct billing.
Q. What are your hours of operation?
RWMT holds sessions Monday - Saturday. Appointments are available both during the day and in the early evenings. Please contact us if you have any scheduling questions.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
RWMT requires 24 hours’ notice for a cancellation. Missed appointments or appointments cancelled on the same day will be charged for the full amount of the session. Our cancellation policies are clearly outlined at the time of registration.
Q. Where do sessions take place?
RWMT has 2 studio locations available in St. John’s.
We also travel to private homes and facilities; such as daycares, schools, long term care homes and other mutually agreed upon locations.
Q. How do I know if a person would benefit from Music Therapy?
If you have been recommended by a referral source to seek music therapy treatment or are interested in learning more about our approach or specific service, please contact us and we would be happy to help.
Q. Is there a waitlist for service?
There is currently a waitlist for service, however this is largely dependent on client availability.