​​​​​
Music Therapy
is the clinical and evidence-based use of music, by a board-certified music therapist, to achieve individualized therapeutic goals.
​
These goals support a wide range of health domains, including emotional, social, communication, motor, and cognitive.
​
This evidence-based approach includes techniques such as listening to, reflecting on, and creating music under the guidance of a board-certified music therapist.
Regardless of musical background, people of all ages, from infancy to end of life, may find music therapy to be a suitable fit for their therapeutic needs.
​
​
There are an estimated 57.4 million people living with dementia around the world and this number continues to grow.
Common goals we address in music therapy and dementia care include increased quality of life, increased social interaction, increase emotional expression, and increased memory recall, among others. If you know of someone experiencing dementia, at any stage, please reach out. We are connected with a vast network of dementia support teams across the state of Montana and can help you find necessary resources.
We provide music therapy for people in hospice care who are in facilities, hospitals, as well as at home. Music therapy is a source of comfort and expression which is inclusive of patients as well as their caregivers. Goals are established with caregivers, patients and family members and might address pain management, anxiety, shortness of breath, life review, spiritual support, legacy projects and bereavement.
Music therapy can support a variety of behavioral health conditions. Music is often a source of intrinsic motivation for children and adolescents to engage in therapy. As a multi-modal means of expression, music is accessible both verbally and non-verbally. Music therapy can foster social skills, communication skills emotional regulation, healthy coping skills and self-reflection.
Music therapy focuses on enhancing social, communicative, motor/sensory, emotional, and academic/cognitive functioning, or music skills in individuals with ASD. Our services are based on each client’s individual abilities, noting preferences, needs, the family’s values, beliefs, and priorities. We work in partnership with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
Music therapy with veterans integrates a broad range of evidence-based clinical music interventions to facilitate whole health creative arts treatment aimed at recovery, rehabilitation, and social wellbeing.
Please view this fact sheet produced by the American Music Therapy Association for more detailed information on music therapy with service members and veterans.
About
Helena Music Therapy offers the expertise of Emily Sweeney, a Board-Certified Music Therapist who completed her Music and Psychology degree at Concordia College in Minnesota and her Music Therapy degree at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in Indiana.
​
Emily has clinical music therapy experience in a variety of settings, including facilities, hospitals, in-home care, and private practice, offering both group and individual music therapy sessions. Emily works with people who have dementia, those in palliative and hospice care, veterans, children and adults with autism (ASD), babies in NICU, and children and adults addressing mental health concerns.
​
Emily offers Music-assisted Relaxation Classes and Meditations in collaboration with Gentle Healing Center, designed to decrease stress and support physical and mental well-being. These are open to the public and no experience is required.
For information on Emily's music teaching studio, please visit birdsongmusic.org.
​
Emily is passionate about using music to create supportive and therapeutic environments that foster connection and promote healing and improve quality of life. Contact Helena Music Therapy today to see if music therapy can help you.