Through private and group music therapy sessions, Creative Wellness Therapies helps clients (ages 4+) with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve the following non-musical goals and more:
Motor Skills
Music therapy can provide motivation for clients to develop gross and/or fine motor skills. For instance, drumming develops range of motion and playing the piano encourages fine motor movement.
Social Skills
Making music increases engagement, encourages appropriate turn-taking and helps prepare clients for situations outside of the therapy session.
Communication
Music therapy provides many opportunities for clients to follow one-step directions—promoting their receptive communication. Similarly, the impulse to finish the melody or lyrics of a musical line promotes their expressive communication.
Cognitive Skills
Rhythmic and melodic imitation helps clients develop impulse control, attention, following directions and more.
Sensory and Self Regulation
Through the use of sensory based instruments, clients are provided sensory input that provides regulation. Music can also be used to identify healthy coping skills.
Emotional Intelligence
Music expresses a multitude of feelings and can be a useful tool for developing emotional intelligence. Music therapy helps clients identify the feeling communicated through a song and express their own feelings through musical improvisation.