autism, music, music lessons, music therapy, music therapy for autism, special needs

Music Therapy Options

IMG_5278 At Music Therapy Services of Portland, we recognize that your schedules are complex, your child is unique and your needs vary. We’ve modified our structure in order to provide you with more options.

1:1 Music Therapy Sessions: These  are typically 50 minutes long music therapy sessions held in our studio at least once per week. After an initial assessment, measurable goals and objectives catered to the challenges and strengths of your child will be created. Data and progress notes are taken after each session. The goals and objectives are typically updated and reviewed every twelve weeks. We strive to compliment other therapies and programs in which your child participates. Communication with the allied health professionals on your child’s team is an invaluable part of our process.

Group Music Therapy Sessions: These 45 minute groups are held every other week in our studio and are a great compliment to weekly 1:1 sessions. These groups provide your child with the opportunity to engage with other children in a safe, positive and structured space. Many of the songs and activities in these groups are introduced in 1:1 sessions so that your child is confident and excited about their role within the larger group setting.

Family Centered In-home Music Therapy Package: These sessions are typically a minimum of two hours within your home. By working with your child in their natural setting, we are able to address some of the challenges in their routine such as taking a bath, getting dressed, brushing their teeth or eating lunch. This package includes a follow up mp3 and video created for one of your child’s specific challenges. This song and video work best when learned by the entire family and will include the steps involved and language around a particular challenge in order to provide incentive and structure to help your child master this challenge.

Adapted Piano Lessons: Many children show a special interest in a particular instrument. If that instrument is piano, we provide individual piano lessons adapted to accommodate challenges and enhance strengths. These students are included in our bi-annual recitals and other musical events. We have seen many children flourish within this structure and are happy to assess whether or not your child is ready for this approach.

Our recommendation for families is typically 1:1 music therapy sessions and bi-monthly group music therapy sessions. If you need help NOW and can’t fit these sessions into your schedule, a family centered in-home music therapy package may be the best way to introduce music therapy into your child’s routine. If your budget simply cannot accommodate 1:1 or family centered in-home music therapy sessions, fitting them into one of our bi-monthly groups is a great first step.

Angie Kopshy

  Angie Kopshy, MM, MT-BC
Music Therapy Services of Portland

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