FAQ

What is Music Therapy?

 Music therapy is an approach to psychotherapy that helps patients draw on some of the unique powers of music as a part of their therapeutic process. Whether they’re aware of it or not, everyone has a deeply personal connection to music, and music therapists are trained to help you make use of that connection in an intentional way. That may mean using music to explore and understand feelings, express yourself, or communicate in a new way. Music is an inherently creative act, and finding that creativity in music can often be the bridge to approaching our lives in a more creative way as well. By engaging in music with a therapist, we can step out of our comfort zones, allowing for the opportunity to do things differently.

But I don't play an instrument! What if I’m not good at music?

 Doesn’t matter! The music therapist will work with you to find the ways of using music that are best for you. This may include listening or playing, writing songs or improvising, drawing to music, sharing favorite songs, or something totally different. There will also be plenty of time when music isn’t what’s needed in that moment, and that’s fine, too.

What sort of training does a music therapist have?

 Music therapy is licensed by New York State and nationally certified. Music therapists hold Master’s degrees with training in psychology and music, and complete supervised internships, just like social workers, psychologists, and other creative arts therapists. Licensure is dependent on passing an examination and engaging in continuing education.

What kind of clients do you work with?

 I see adults, teens, and children who experience depression, difficulty forming or maintaining healthy relationships, or have a history of trauma, and who want to develop the strength and confidence to break out of unhealthy patterns and begin living a more fulfilled, empowered life. For more information, read about the services I offer.

I don’t live in New York State, can I still work with you?

Since the pandemic, international regulations are just starting to catch up with the reality that people move around a lot more than they used to, and where you’re currently located in the world might not say everything about who you are, or what you’re looking for in a therapist. If you’re interested in working with me, reach out, and we’ll determine if the laws where you live allow us to do that. If not, I’ll do my best to help connect you with someone who can.

How does this work with insurance?

 I am happy to announce that as of February 2023, I am able to accept clients who have insurance through Cigna, and are residents of New York State!

For those with other types of insurance, if you have out-of-network benefits through your plan, I can help walk you through the process of submitting for reimbursement. You pay me in full for each session, and then at the end of every month I will provide you with a statement that contains all the information you’ll need to provide to your insurance company.

 Still confused about how this all works? First step is to contact your insurance company and find out if your plan includes out of-network-benefits for mental health, and what those benefits entail. More questions? Reach out at any time and I’ll be happy to talk you through it.

How do I get started?

We’ll start with a short phone call, where you can share a little bit about what you’re looking for, and I can answer any other questions you have. If it feels like the right fit, we’ll schedule your first session right away. Send me a message to schedule your consult call today.