5 Myths about Music Therapy for New Parents with a Special Needs Child
Providing a Helping Hand for Special Needs Children and Families.
Are you a new parent of a special needs child interested in music therapy and can’t distinguish the myths from the facts? We explain five of the most common myths about this therapy to put your mind at ease.
MYTH: Music therapy doesn’t work for children.
Music Therapy has many benefits for your child. Such as,
- Promote wellness
- Alleviate pain
- Enhance memory
- Manage stress
- Express feelings
- Promote physical rehabilitation
- Improve communication
- Motor/sensory skills
- Musical skills
MYTH: Music therapy is only for children in hospitals.
Music therapy is offered in hospitals but the therapists can also do therapy at homes, clinics, and schools. Tender Care PPEC has Soundwave Music Therapy come to their facility in St. Augustine to perform music therapy for the kids.
Soundwave Music Therapy is owned and operated by Karen Howell, a Board Certified Neurologic Music Therapist. She has extensive experience working with developmental, psychiatric, and neurological disorders. Karen offers a psychoanalytic and person-centered approach within each session, promoting self-expression within the therapeutic process. She does group and individual sessions and accepts insurance. Music Therapy individual sessions are at NO COST to Sunshine/CMS patients and they will provide services on-site and/or in the home if needed. Her services are for all ages located in Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida.
MYTH: Music therapy only uses one genre of music.
All styles of music are useful in effecting change in a patient’s life. The music therapist determines the genre of music that will help their patient the most.
MYTH: Anyone can be a music therapist.
You must be board certified to become a music therapist. Therefore, you have to go to a college that has a music therapy program and gain experience.
MYTH: Music therapy only involves listening to music.
Music therapy uses the act of listening to music as a tool to help patients but it is not the only tool used. It also includes playing instruments, singing, and dancing to help the patient cope with their medical conditions.
Why should my child go to Tender Care PPEC?
Tender Care PPEC provides care for medically complex and fragile children from birth to 21 years of age in a daycare-like environment staffed with nurses, CNAs, and therapists. We are the first independently owned PPEC in the State of Florida with our initial center opening in 1988. This means we have an abundance of experience and knowledge in providing loving care to this special pediatric population. We have 6 Tender Care PPEC centers throughout Florida, with our newest facility located in Lake Park.
Our goal is to enhance the development of each child through collaborative relationships between families, physicians, nurses, and therapists. This holistic approach to care is carried out in an environment that allows the child to engage in social interactions with their peers. This results in thriving children, well-positioned to achieve their greatest potential. We also offer transportation at no cost and provide nutritious meals throughout the day.
What sets us apart is that we care for and treat every child like family. We have passion in our hearts for our children and a desire to see them succeed.
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*This is not medical advice, always consult with your child’s doctor before making any changes to their lifestyle.