What is Music Therapy?
As defined by the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is “...an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.” Music therapy is administered by trained professionals who have been educated at an approved music therapy program and nationally certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapy (CBMT). Music therapists possess musical, clinical, therapeutic, and professional skills.
What We Do
At Music Works Northwest, we take pride in addressing the needs of a wide variety of individuals including children, adolescents, adults and elderly with autism, Parkinson’s, Downs Syndrome, developmental delays, and other special needs. Sessions are individualized and catered to each client’s needs. Some common interventions we use are:
- Movement to Music: physical organization, orientation, and expression
- Singing/Vocalizing: expressive communication, vocal inflections
- Instrument Playing: fine and gross motor skills, structured and free-playing opportunities
- Songwriting: self-expression, communication, problem solving, teamwork
The Music Therapy Session
The first 1-2 sessions serve as an assessment period. The client is observed and engaged in musical interventions to measure existing skills and needs. Specific musical preferences and/or sensitivities are also taken into consideration. With the guidance and input of the client or client’s parent or caretaker, the therapist develops appropriate, personalized goals to work toward throughout each music therapy session. Both individual and social group sessions are offered at Music Works Northwest. Group sessions range from 45-60 minutes long while individual sessions can be scheduled for either 25 or 50 minutes, depending on client’s age, abilities, and attention span.
Who We Are
Patti Catalano is a Board-certified Music Therapist and a Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow. She is a graduate of the University of Dayton a and has her Master's in Music with a specialty in Neurologic Music Therapy from Colorado State University. Her experience includes music therapy with children and adults with physical and intellectual/developmental disabilities, children with autism, early intervention, older adults and gerontology, adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and children with orthopedic and health impairments.
Kirsten Hutchison is a Board-certified Music Therapist and a Certified Neurologic Music Therapist. She graduated in music therapy from Utah State University. Kirsten brings with her experience working in gerontology, children with multiple disabilities including autism, inmates in minimum security correctional facility, and children with mental and behavioral disorders. Her work at Music Works Northwest includes individual and groups, with children, teens and social groups.
Barbara Jurgensmeier completed her music therapy internship at Music Works Northwest and is a Board-certified Music Therapist. She has a Bachelor of Music Education degree and received her Master of Music Education degree with a major in Music Therapy from the University of Kansas. She has worked with clients of all ages and abilities and recently started a youth and teen choir for individuals with special needs at Music Works Northwest.
Meg Bristow is a Board-certified Music Therapist. She graduated in music therapy from Utah State University. Meg brings with her the experience of working with children with special needs, early childhood music, adolescents and older adults. Her work at Music Works Northwest includes individual and group work with children, adults with disabilities, and early childhood music.