Creative Vibes Music Therapy
Board-certified music therapists (MT-BCs) work in a variety of settings and with people of all ages, strengths, support needs, and life experiences. They use music intentionally to support individualized goals, considering each person’s strengths, interests, preferences, and context. No musical experience or performance aptitude is required to benefit from music therapy. A diagnosis may help inform services, but it does not define the participant or determine what music therapy should look like.
Hover over each category to explore common referral reasons, potential goals, and examples of music therapy in practice.
Development & Neurodiversity
Common Referral Reasons:
Autism, ADHD, or ID / DD
Learning disabilities
Communication or sensory processing differences
Physical disabilities or complex medical conditions
Behavioral, emotional, or regulation support needs
Example Goals:
Total communication (verbal & nonverbal)
Self-expression, agency, & self-advocacy
Attention, memory, & following directions
Emotional & sensory regulation
Choice-making & independence
Motor coordination & body awareness
Social connection & reciprocal interaction
Confidence & meaningful participation
Music Therapy Example:
An MT-BC invites a participant to choose between two instruments. The therapist and participant take turns creating a rhythm, alternating leader and follower.
The client's goal may be:
Self-advocacy, executive functioning, attention
Neurological Conditions & Rehabilitation
Common Referral Reasons:
Cerebral palsy
Stroke, traumatic brain injury,
& other acquired neurological conditions
Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis,
& other neurological disorders
Changes in communication, movement, memory, attention, or executive functioning
Example Goals:
Breath, speech, & vocal expression
Movement initiation, coordination, & motor skills
Gait & functional movement
Attention, sequencing, & executive functioning
Memory & present moment orientation
Rehabilitation participation
Emotional adjustment & quality of life
Music Therapy Example:
An MT-BC plays live music at an individual’s walking pace, gradually changing the tempo while the client uses the beat as a guide.
The client’s goals may include:
Gait consistency, coordination, endurance, motivation for treatment
Hospice &
Palliative Care
Common Referral Reasons:
Serious or life-limiting illness
Anticipatory grief
End-of-life transitions
Changes in comfort, energy, or communication
Emotional, relational, or spiritual support needs
A desire for life reflection or legacy building
Example Goals:
Comfort & relaxation
Emotional & spiritual expression
Connection with family, friends, & community
Reminiscence & life reflection
Legacy-building
Grief & bereavement support
Music Therapy Example:
An individual and their loved ones work with an MT-BC to create and record an original song that captures personal memories, relationships, and stories.
The client's goal may be:
Life reflection, emotional expression, family connection, legacy building
Families, Co-working, & Community Groups
Common Referral Reasons:
Meaningful ways to connect
Effective ways to manage stress & responsibility
Greater inclusion & participation
Increased trust, cohesion, & collaboration
Integrated communication & support strategies
Example Goals:
Communication & cooperation
Reflective listening & perspective-taking
Caregiver-client bonding
Interaction, belonging, & relationship building
Shared emotional expression
Group participation
Stress reduction
Music Therapy Example:
An MT-BC guides a drumming experience where each group member reflects an emotion state through sounds, movements, and instrument choices. The other members musically reflect and guess the emotion.
The client's goal may be:
Emotional expression, reflective listening, cooperation
Mental Health &
Emotional Wellbeing
Common Referral Reasons:
Anxiety, depression, or shifts in mood
Substance use or compulsivity
Trauma & post-traumatic stress
Psychosis-related experiences
Grief, loss, & major life transitions
Social isolation & identity support needs
Example Goals:
Personal insight
Emotional identification & expression
Grounding & regulation
Coping skills & stress management
Confidence, agency, & self-compassion
Connection & belonging
Motivation, hope, & quality of life
Music Therapy Example:
An individual selects a personally meaningful song and rewrites a portion of it to express emotions, reflect on experiences, or explore sources of strength. The MT-BC guides the songwriting process while supporting the individual’s creative choices and personal expression.
The client's goal may be:
Emotional expression, self-awareness, coping skills
Hospitals & Medical Care
Common Referral Reasons:
Illness or injury
Pain or physical symptoms
Medical procedures or hospitalization
Extended medical treatment
Physical rehabilitation
Changes in energy or physical functioning
Medical care-related stress or uncertainty
Example Goals:
Relaxation & stress reduction
Pain & symptom management
Coping with prognosis
Emotional expression
Motivation during rehabilitation
Breath support
Family connection
Normalization, agency & sense of control
Comfort & quality of life
Music Therapy Example:
Before a medical procedure, an MT-BC uses music, narration, and paced breathing to help an individual know what to expect and feel more prepared.
The client's goal may be:
Anxiety reduction, physiological relaxation, increased sense of control
Assisted Living &
Memory Care
Common Referral Reasons:
Alzheimer's & other forms of dementia
Parkinson's & other neurodegenerative conditions
Age-related health conditions
Changes in mobility, memory, & cognition
Transitions in living environment & care needs
Changes in social connection & support
Example Goals:
Alertness & engagement
Memory recall & reminiscence
Orientation & cognitive stimulation
Emotional expression
Social participation
Purposeful movement & injury prevention
Comfort & familiarity
Connection with others
Quality of Life
Music Therapy Example:
An MT-BC plays well-known songs from a shared era and invites participants to sing along. Following the experience, the MT-BC guides structured memory-sharing and discussion.
The client's goal may be:
Memory recall, participation, emotional expression, social connection
