our services
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is an interpersonal process in which the therapist uses music and all of its facets – physical, emotional, mental, social, cultural, aesthetic and spiritual to help people improve or maintain their health. We make music together in a safe and motivating environment. Through this process, strengths that may go unseen are revealed and our therapists help our clients understand these strengths. Music is used to connect with clients, reveal possibilities and make their lives better.
Therapist Qualifications
Music therapists are highly trained professionals who have completed a four-year degree in music therapy or an equivalent program, followed by a 6-9 month AMTA-approved internship. They must also pass the Board Certification Exam in Music Therapy to earn the credential MT-BC (Music Therapist–Board Certified). To maintain this credential, music therapists engage in ongoing continuing education, ensuring they stay current with the latest research and practices.
Many music therapists pursue advanced education, such as master’s degrees or specialized training in music therapy or related fields, further enhancing their skills and expertise. This rigorous preparation equips them to support clients effectively in specialized situations.
In Connecticut, we have advocated and achieved licensure for music therapists. This protects consumers by ensuring that all individuals providing this essential service are board-certified and qualified to practice.
Everyone on the CTMTS team is Board Certified via the Certification Board for Music Therapists and Licensed through the State of Connecticut Department of Health (add hyperlinks).
Who do we help
Our music therapy private practice provides services for individuals and groups with developmental and mental health needs, spanning all ages—from babies to children to older adults. We offer sessions both in our clinic and at onsite locations, focusing on fostering growth, communication, and emotional well-being through music.
Where
In our Watertown Clinic, Onsite or through Telehealth.
Our Process
Music is inherently structured and it provides ample opportunities for open-ended, independent, interactive, creative, and successful participation. Because of this, music therapy is used to help individuals of all ages and abilities to work on communication skills, fine and gross motor coordination, sensory processing, cognitive/academic skills, self-help skills, social skills and emotional wellbeing. Each individual is assessed by the music therapist to determine specific areas of need and goals and objectives. Musical experiences (i.e. learning songs, songwriting, instrument playing, creative movement, etc.) are then co-created to specifically address each of these areas of need with a focus on the musical styles, songs and experiences that they prefer. No previous musical training or skill is necessary to participate in music therapy. The client is always central to the music, experiences and pacing of the sessions.
Dive deeper
Individual Services
We provide in-home or in-clinic services to individuals with a wide range of needs. Whether you are looking for services for your child or loved one, or for yourself, we can support people with a wide range of needs, for example, autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, NVLD, sensory impairment, and more.
Wellness and Mental Health
Music therapy can be an effective opportunity to reduce your stress, develop coping strategies and process difficult emotions and experiences. In-office or telehealth sessions are available to support you.
School-Based Services
School-Based Services
We offer individual and group services to learners in public and private schools, PreK-12 and beyond. We can support students through educational enrichment, IEP-based services, Extended School Year (ESY) programs. We offer educational consultation as well as assessments, including the SEMTAP.
Day Programs and Group Homes
We provide onsite music therapy to adults who participate in day programs, or in their residences. Our clients enjoy the benefits of creative, social opportunities to connect with their peers, as well as supporting both leisure, communication, cognitive and motor skills.
Music Therapy For Older Adults
We provide onsite music therapy to adults who participate in day programs, or in their residences. Our clients enjoy the benefits of creative, social opportunities to connect with their peers, as well as supporting both leisure, communication, cognitive and motor skills.
Guided Imagery and Music
Based in the Bonny Method of GIM and it’s adaptations, music is used as a resource and co-therapist to support clients to connect with and travel on their inner-journeys of growth, healing and integration.
Gender-Affirming Voicework (GAV)
Liberatory Music Therapy Model of Gender Affirming Voicework (LMT-GAV) is a model of voicework situated in the music therapy scope of practice that supports individuals in developing more euphoric voice habits in both spoken voice and singing
Consultations
Existing programs can enhance their offerings by including music. We can meet with schools, teachers, parents, therapists and leaders and provide music strategies that will be the best fit for your new or existing program.
In-service Training
Your staff will benefit from our presentations tailored to the needs of your group. Whether the topic is of the power of music, specific inclusion strategies in the music education environment, or team building experiences, everyone will walk away with information that they can immediately apply in their work.
Guest Lectures and Keynotes
Our CEO, Jennifer Sokira, is a dynamic speaker and captivating storyteller, ready to bring energy and insight to your next conference or event. With expertise in trauma, trauma-informed care, leadership, music therapy small business, and ethics, Jennifer delivers thought-provoking presentations tailored to inspire and empower diverse audiences.
Continued Education
Through our sister company, EnlightenCE, we offer in-person and self-study courses available upon request. EnlightenCE also provides a comprehensive certificate program in trauma-informed music therapy.
