FAQs

What Does a Typical Music Therapy Session Look Like?

1. In an initial music therapy session, we’ll discuss what your health or wellness
   goals are, and then I’ll ask about your favorite types of music, and what your
   experiences have been with music up to this point.
2. From here, our music experiences may be interactive, e.g. singing or musical
   instrument playing, writing a song together; may have receptive participation, e.g.
   music-accompanied mindfulness experience; or may be a mix of both, e.g.,
   listening to a song that’s meaningful to you and discussing the lyrics and its
   sound (lyric analysis).
3. During the session we may use live singing, and play guitar, piano, and/or rhythm instruments, e.g. xylophone, drums, shakers, or we may play recorded music by your favorite artists.
4. Our time together will conclude either based on the previously set session length
   or when we’ve made appropriate progress toward the goal. Sessions last
   anywhere from 30-90 minutes.
5. Following the session, I’ll document objective (measurable data) and subjective (qualitative) observations of the session, especially the clients’ responses to the experience, if and what progress was made toward the goal, and recommendations for the next session.

Do I need to have experience with playing a musical instrument or with group or solo singing to experience the benefits of music therapy?

No. Research shows that the human brain and body are wired to respond to music experiences. Music therapists study these neurological and physiological responses and how to use specific music experiences to reliably support a therapeutic experience.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment for any reason, please notify us at least 24 hours prior to your appointment time.  You may call, text, or email Stephanie to notify her of the cancellation.

Please note: You will still be responsible for paying your full session fee if your appointment has not been canceled at least one business day in advance.  If you are canceling a Monday appointment, please notify Stephanie on the Friday prior to your appointment when possible.

Central Virginia Music Therapy understands that flexibility with appointments is a necessity for those in specific situations, including but not limited to unpredictable medical and behavioral needs. Exceptions to the cancellation fee may be made on a case by case basis upon communication at the earliest time possible with the music therapist following an emergent circumstance.