Documentation – On A Good Note

GOALS & OBJECTIVES! Those are two key words in the realm of music therapy! GOALS is even an essential word in the AMTA definition of music therapy: “Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.” After an assessment, music therapists create individualized goals for each client. One of the biggest misconceptions I deal with is the thinking that these goals are music oriented, like learning to play an instrument, when in fact nearly all of the goals are non-musical. Major goal areas include, but are not limited to, the following: emotional well-being physical health social functioning communication abilities cognitive skills motor skills These goals can then be addressed through music-based interventions such as: music improvisation instrument playing receptive music listening song writing lyric discussion music and imagery music performance learning through music MTs continually re-evaluate their clients’ needs, assess their progress, and modify goals as needed. MT interventions and interactions are all directly based on the Read More

As a part of the therapy process, music therapists (MTs) create a treatment plan with goals and objectives for each client. To track progress, MTs document their sessions and keep specific data on each client. This is an easy way for MTs to see the efficacy of their treatment as well as review and revise goals as needed. Specific music therapy techniques and interventions have also been tested, documented, and journaled about, providing standards and guidelines for MTs to follow. MTs also keep up to date on data surrounding the specific populations they work with and often share their findings with other MTs. We go where the data leads! Key Changes Music Therapy describes their process for documentation HERE! Read More