Music Therapy for Kiddos | Music Therapy for Older Adults | Music Therapy for Teens | Support for Parents
How Music Affects Your Brain
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. The board-certified music therapist creates therapeutic music exercises to facilitate functional non-musical outcomes, training, and retraining abilities in cognition, speech and language, motor control, academic performance, emotional growth, and social skills.
There is strong scientific evidence that music is a powerful tool in therapy, engaging and changing the brain and promoting behavioral learning and change.
Motor
Music activates our motor system.
Music positively arouses and influences motor movement and control by priming the motor system prior to executing a movement.
Sensory
Music activates our sensory system (touch, sight, sound).
Music provides a multi-sensory experience, and rhythm alone organizes our sensory system.
Cognitive
Music activates our cognitive skills (decision-making, attention, memory).
Music accesses higher-order processing areas of the brain and creates a pathway for optimizing and enhancing cognitive skills.
Socio-Emotional/Behavioral
Music activates emotions and reward systems.
Music activates our emotional rewards system and is a powerful vehicle for developing and expressing emotions.
Speech/Language
Music activates our speech centers.
Music allows therapists to recruit the neural processes for music production to compensate for impaired spoken communication.
What Makes Awake In Wellness DIFFERENT…
Jessica is passionate about hearing her client’s stories in order to determine a plan where she gets to do what she loves – using music as a therapeutic avenue for wellness, rehabilitation, and developmental growth. Jessica’s desire with each client is to create positive results and lasting impact on the lives of those she serves.
Music Therapy for Kiddos
At our center, we believe in the transformative potential of music to enrich the lives of children, especially those with special needs such as autism and Down syndrome. Our music therapy services are designed to open a world of new possibilities for your kiddos, offering a creative and engaging way to support their development and well-being.
Who We Are
Our team is led by Board-Certified Music Therapists who have specialized training in using music to facilitate therapeutic change. With degrees in music therapy and extensive experience working with children of all abilities, our therapists are passionate about unlocking each child’s potential through the power of music.
Our Services
Music therapy at our center is more than just learning music—it’s about using music as a tool to achieve therapeutic goals. Our sessions are tailor-made to support your child in areas of:
- Emotional Expression and Regulation: We offer a creative platform for children to explore and express their feelings through music, fostering emotional growth and understanding.
- Enhanced Communication Skills: Through interactive music-making, children enhance their ability to communicate, improving both verbal and non-verbal skills.
- Cognitive Development: Our music therapy activities are designed to stimulate thinking, concentration, and creativity.
- Sensory Stimulation and Integration: Engaging in music provides a rich sensory experience, helping children with sensory processing challenges feel more grounded.
- Motor Skills Development: Through playing instruments and movement-to-music, we aid in the development of fine and gross motor skills.
- Socialization and Peer Interaction: In group settings, children learn to connect with others, build friendships, and develop social skills in a fun and supportive environment.
- Behavioral Management: We use music-based interventions to assist with self-regulation, reduce anxiety, and encourage positive behaviors.
- Self-Expression and Creativity: Our sessions encourage children to use their imagination, fostering a strong sense of self and confidence.
- Emotional Resilience and Coping Skills: Engaging in music therapy strengthens coping mechanisms, helping children face life’s challenges with greater ease.
- Fun and Enjoyment: Above all, our music therapy sessions are designed to be enjoyable, ensuring that children are engaged, relaxed, and happy.
Session Details
Each session varies from 30 to 50 minutes and is specifically structured to meet the unique needs of your child. No prior musical knowledge is required—our therapists skillfully guide each participant through a range of musical activities suited to their age, abilities, and interests.
Join Our Community
If you’re looking for a fun, innovative, and effective way to support your child’s development, music therapy might be the perfect fit. Contact us today to learn more about how we can tailor our music therapy services to meet the unique needs of your child. Elevate your child’s development with the magic of music therapy!
Music Therapy for Older Adults
Music connects us to our deepest selves, memories, and emotions, transcending age and time. It’s with this understanding that our music therapy service specializes in enriching the lives of older adults through therapeutic music experiences designed to nurture emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being.
We are here to serve the community by supporting older adults, including those residing in geriatric facilities, assisted living, and memory care centers, as well as children looking for supportive care options for their aging parents.
Who We Are
Jessica Ditty is a Board-Certified Music Therapists who has specialized training in using music to facilitate therapeutic change. With a Master’s degree in Music Therapy, Jessica has extensive experience working with individuals of all abilities and is passionate about unlocking each individual’s potential through the power of music.
Our Services:
Jessica is dedicated to creating a warm, respectful, and compassionate environment where older adults can thrive through the power of music. Here’s how our service stands to benefit our cherished older community:
- Cognitive Stimulation: Music is used to keep the mind active and engaged, helping to sustain and even enhance cognitive functions critical for daily living and mental health.
- Emotional Well-Being: Sessions are tailored to promote comfort, reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, and ignite joy through familiar tunes and comforting melodies.
- Social Engagement: Group sessions are encouraged to provide a sense of belonging, enabling participants to build new friendships and reconnect with others through shared musical journeys. Music can be a bridge for loved ones to engage with one another when physical and/or communication-based engagement has decreased.
- Physical Rehabilitation: Therapy sessions can include rhythmic activities designed to support physical health, from improving coordination and balance to supporting motor skills and reducing pain.
- Quality of Life: Music therapy offers fulfilling experiences that underscore each individual’s creativity, self-expression, and accomplishments, significantly enhancing their quality of life.
- Comprehensive Pain Management: Music therapy is a non-pharmacological approach to managing pain, utilizing music as a tool for relaxation and distraction from discomfort.
- Reminiscence and Life Review: Jessica can facilitate meaningful reflection, allowing older adults to reminisce and find comfort in their life stories through music.
- Stress Reduction: Through calming music and guided relaxation exercises, this service aims to reduce stress and promote a state of peace and well-being.
- Speech and Language Enhancement: For those facing speech and language difficulties, music therapy techniques support and improve communication skills.
- Spiritual and Transcendent Experiences: The opportunity for older adults to explore music’s spiritual dimensions and fostering connections that transcend the everyday, are also an option for service.
Our Program Details
Session Structure: Each session, lasting between 30-50 minutes, is crafted to meet the unique needs and preferences of the individual or group, facilitated by our Board-Certified Music Therapists.
Music Types and Activities: Our service encompasses a wide range of musical genres and activities, including singing, listening, instrumental play, and rhythmic movement. We select music that resonates on a personal level with our clients, ensuring each session is as engaging as it is therapeutic.
Accessibility: No prior musical experience is required. Our focus is on participation and engagement at any stage and ability. In-home sessions are an option!
Music therapy is more than just an activity; it’s a lifeline to what make us feel truly alive. If you’re looking for a service that offers comprehensive benefits to the older adults in your life, fostering not just their physical health but their emotional and social well-being, our music therapy program is here to serve. To learn more about how we can tailor our therapy sessions to meet your needs, reach out to us today. Together, we can create a symphony of wellness and joy for the golden years.
Music Therapy for Teens
Welcome to Awake In Wellness Music Therapy, where we understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by teens in today’s world. Our music therapy service is designed to foster emotional, social, and cognitive development through the power of music. Led by a board-certified music therapist, our sessions create a supportive, engaging environment where teens can thrive.
Benefits of Music Therapy for Teens
Our program offers a wide array of benefits, tailored to support teens as they navigate the complexities of adolescence:
- Creative Emotional Outlet: Discover new ways to process and express emotions.
- Enhanced Self-Expression and Acceptance: Explore identity and personal experiences through music.
- Stress Reduction: Find relaxation and calm in guided musical activities.
- Social Skills and Relationship Building: Collaborate and connect with peers in a supportive setting.
- Resilience and Coping Strategies: Learn to tackle challenges with confidence.
- Stimulated Creativity and Problem-Solving: Unlock imaginative thinking and expression.
- Communication Skills: Improve both verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Mood Improvement: Experience the joy and motivation that music can bring.
- Boosted Academic Performance: Enhance focus, memory, and learning through music.
- Healthy Emotional Development: Cultivate a strong sense of self-esteem and emotional intelligence.
Program Details
Session Structure: Our sessions range from 50-90 minutes and are available both individually and in groups, mirroring the dynamic of a Glee Club.
Music Therapy Activities: Participants engage in a variety of musical interactions including rap, songwriting, playing instruments, performing cover songs, and more, all tailored to promote self-reflection, emotional regulation, and personal growth.
Goals: Each session is aimed at supporting teens in their pursuits of personal development, self-expression, and emotional well-being.
No Musical Background Needed: Our program is accessible to all teens, regardless of their prior musical knowledge or experience.
Teen Individual Session Structure
This is truly geared toward the individual. An assessment will take place that simply takes inventory of where the teen is at and what goals are appropriate to set for their life and growth.
Teen Group Structure
Our innovative teen group is inspired by the essence of a Glee Club, encouraging a combination of teamwork and individual effort. Teens will partake in therapeutic assignments that not only challenge but also provide a platform for self-expression and interpersonal growth. This format ensures a dynamic and impactful experience, fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and exploration.
Latest Announcement
Teen Groups are in the works! Stay tuned for an opportunity to join our vibrant community. Awake In Wellness Music Therapy is excited to offer a space where teens can explore their identity, overcome obstacles, and discover the profound impact music can have on their lives.
For more information, or to secure your spot in our upcoming teen music therapy groups, please reach out to us directly. Join us at Awake In Wellness Music Therapy, and unlock the incredible benefits of music therapy.
Support for Parents
Empowering Your Journey as a Parent of a Child with Special Needs
Welcome to a dedicated space created for parents like you—those who are navigating the rewarding yet challenging path of raising a child with special needs. Led by Jessica Ditty, a Board-Certified Music Therapist, our monthly support group offers a unique blend of emotional support, community connection, and educational opportunities designed to empower, educate, and uplift each member of our community.
Why Join This Support Group?
Raising a child with special needs comes with its own set of unique challenges and joys. Our support group is designed to be a safe haven where you can share your experiences, find validation, learn coping strategies, and connect with a community that understands your day-to-day life.
Benefits include:
- Understand and Share: Form deep connections with a network of parents who truly understand the intricacies of special needs caregiving.
- Learn and Grow: Gain access to valuable resources, practical advice, and educational segments tailored to enhancing your knowledge and skills.
- Thrive Together: Discover new strategies for self-care, stress management, and effective advocacy for your child’s best interest.
- Experience Empathy and Solidarity: Feel seen, heard, and supported in a group that values your mental and emotional well-being.
What to Expect
These virtual meetings are held monthly and are structured to address various topics relevant to families in Colorado, from navigating local resources to discussing self-care strategies that cater specifically to parents of children with special needs.
- Interactive Sessions: Each 60-minute session includes discussions on predetermined topics, a question-and-answer segment, and a time for sharing gratitude and success stories about your children or yourself.
- Expert-Led Guidance: Jessica Ditty, with her experience working with families in Colorado for the past decade, brings a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and insight, fostering a supportive and educational environment.
- Affordable Access: For just $15 per meeting, you can gain invaluable resources, support, and community connection to help you and your family thrive.
Service Details
- Cost: $15 per meeting
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Frequency: Monthly
- Format: Virtual meetings
- Facilitator: Jessica Ditty, Board-Certified Music Therapist
Our Mission
To serve children by empowering parents!
Ready to Join Us?
Register today and take the first step towards a more supported, informed, and connected parenting experience. For more information and to sign up for our next session, please reach out directly.
Your family’s journey is unique, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Join this therapist-led parent support group and find your community today.
For more details or assistance, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you into our community.