Frequently Asked Questions

Music therapy is the specialized use of music by a credentialed professional who develops individualized treatment and supportive interventions with people of all ages and ability levels to address their social, communication, emotional, physical, cognitive, behavioral, sensory and/or spiritual needs. 

Only a board certified music therapist (MT-BC) is qualified to facilitate music therapy sessions. 

• Music therapists must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in music therapy from one of America’s 72 approved colleges and universities, including 1200 hours of clinical training.
• Music therapists must hold the MT-BC credential, issued through the Certification Board for Music Therapists, which protects the public by ensuring competent practice and requiring continuing education. 
• Music Therapy is an evidence-based health profession with a strong research foundation.

There are many similarities between music therapy and psychotherapy including but not limited to:

• Both evaluate the needs of the client using appropriate assessment tools.
• Both develop goals and responsive treatment plans.
• Both utilize research-based interventions, techniques and modalities.
• Both progress monitor client growth towards goals.
• Both are individualized and client-centered.
• Both prioritize the healing relationship between client and therapist.
• Both can treat and support healing in a variety of areas.
• Both are performed by highly trained professionals who demonstrate competencies within their profession.

While there are many similarities between music therapy and psychotherapy, several differences are noteworthy. First, psychotherapists can diagnose mental health issues while this is not allowable under a music therapists scope of practice. Additionally, psychotherapists generally utilize “talk-therapy” to promote healing while a music therapist utilizes therapeutic music experiences (TMEs) such a song-writing, lyric analysis, instrument improvisation, music listening, or other expressive/receptive exercises involving music as a primary means to address an individual’s needs. 

During a music therapy session, skills and processing can be addressed directly within the TME whereby requiring little to no verbal processing at all. On the other hand, following a TME verbal processing may occur according to client preferences, level of client engagement and ability, and therapists determination of need and appropriateness.

At Better Together Therapies, I hold both a music therapy (MT-BC) and professional counseling (LPCC) credential, so I am able to provide both music therapy and clinical counseling depending on your preference.