Back Mountain Music Therapy, in its DIR (Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship) believes highly, in the fact that although we are the therapists, the most influential people in our client’s lives, are the parents or the primary caretakers in our clients lives. Therefore, as we get to know both the client and the guardian that we work with. We coach, inform, and support our guardians as much as the client. We see the client’s growth is highly dependent on their primary relationships. Our staff realizes that being a “caretaker” is no easy task. We know that caretakers often feel isolated from others and even isolated from all the special therapies their loved ones participate in. We frequently hear from guardians, how usually they hear all the things their child or loved one “can’t do” at other appointments. We know how much greater the impact of the work we do is when caretakers and families under stress are not only empowered, supported, and informed. However, caretakers can continue our work, by simply interacting with their child in a playful, developmentally supportive manner that shares the joy of and autonomy gained, in basic relating. We also realize that when guardians understand what and why we are doing what we are doing with their child, spouse, or relative, and can ask us questions about that work, the client not only gets the therapy we provide, but families can practice, support or encourage the work we are doing directly with the client. This gives the work we do, daily practice with the most influential relationships in their lives. Nothing is more powerful in our client’s lives than their closest relationships.
At Back Mountain Music Therapy, Caregivers have a choice :
1)to be coached in therapy with their loved one or to
2) be informed as they watch (or not) the session with their child.
And 3)sometimes, as our therapists work with the child, our owner will work with the caretaker, in the waiting room, in a supportive role.
No matter what, Caretakers are always left informed, by the therapist, at each session, what we are doing why, we are doing it, and why it is important in the client’s development. Our Developmental DIR-informed manner of working in the music can be carried on outside with or without the music in everyday interactions.
“Most parents are happier, more productive, less stressed, and more apt to view themselves as competent, resourceful parents, able to meet their child’s needs when they can join their child in rich interactions supported by Floortime.“
Dr. Greenspan
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