Even the typically developing teens with whom I have worked demonstrated they’re very best through music-making play. Their up and down turbulence took a detour but stayed on a path with direction. These teens did so freely and together. When the boys were done, they felt confident and were able to recognize their own accomplishments… Read more »

This video is about an 8-year-old client with ASD. We describe how working within a Developmental, Relational model of Music Therapy, this child was able to self regulate and self-initiate using the toilet for bowel movements. BMMT emphasizes that this was not a goal for BMMT, but rather a result of working in this manner…. Read more »

 Resistance, Growth, Persistence, Persist Towards Growth We know that resistance can look like negative behavior sometimes if we don’t look deep enough at the why. We also know that repetitive behavior is remaining stuck. So how do we respect this, yet persist towards growth? We have already spoken about building trust and what that may… Read more »

Nothing can be as effective as in-person Music Therapy Services. However, COVID is Hanging on and people are needing relief and services now, more than ever. Back Mountain Music Therapy did not jump into telehealth easily or quickly. We are seeing the need for some adaptions. Back Mountain Music Therapy has taken this time to… Read more »

Experience and Respect Resistance, But Persist Towards Growth This is the focus today, Experiencing and Respecting Resistance, yet Persisting towards Growth. Before working with resistance, trust needs to be firmly established(see prior blog post: https://backmountainmusictherapy.com/2020/07/trust-respect-resistance-but-persist-towards-growth-part-ii/ . Back Mountain Music Therapy invests time and effort into establishing trust, the foundation of the relationship. A display of… Read more »

 FOCUSING ON TRUST Trust requires predictability and familiarity, things we know we can count on. First focus on Trust. In order for any therapy to be effective, there must be a high level of trust established. We need to listen to our clients. Listen with our ears and our eyes and exclude judgement and comparison.How… Read more »

Jessica Dunleavy has subcontracted in the Lackawanna County Schools for Back Mountain Music Therapy for several years. Jessica received her Music Therapy degree from Marywood University and has always demonstrated her natural ability with children. Ultimately, Jessica’s return to the area to work was a wonderful gift to Back Mountain Music Therapy and the Lackawanna… Read more »

Essential considerations in good therapy, establishing trust first, respect the resistance yet continue to proceed towards growth. “Change is inevitable, Growth is optional.” A quote relevent for todays’ life altering enviornment. If we choose, change can be a wonderful, unknown possibility. This quote has remained forever with me,stated by a principal in a school I… Read more »