MEET DANA R., OUR MUSIC THERAPIST

Dana graduated from Molloy with a Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy. She is currently enrolled in the Graduate Music Therapy program at Molloy University. Through her clinical training, she has worked with individuals diagnosed with various mental illnesses and other brain based disorders. She completed her internship at Imagine Academy in Brooklyn, NY, a school for autistic individuals ages 3-21. During her internship she developed critical music and listening skills that allow her to deepen her work with autistic individuals. Her current approach in music therapy is humanistic and she considers herself a trauma-informed, gestalt therapist who focuses on the safety of clients in addition to viewing all individuals as their whole being, regardless of a diagnosis.

WHAT IS 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 (AMTA, 2005).

ABOUT MUSIC THERAPY AT MAF

Our Music Therapy program uses composed music, improvisational techniques, and other musical based and relationship based methods to address the individual needs (cognitive, emotional, and developmental) of each client in order to improve their quality of life.

ABOUT OUR FACILITY

Our facility located at 42 Nassau Blvd, Suite 200, is ADA compliant, and features large rooms which are ideal for both individual and client sessions. In addition to 9 rooms, we have a very spacious center area which can also be utilized for sessions and programs. We are centrally located in Garden City just a few minutes from Adelphi University.

ASSESSMENT • CLIENT GOAL PLANS • PROGRESS REPORTS

Clients begin with an Assessment which is done by the music therapist and lasts between 30 minutes and one hour. The Assessment is used to create an individualized goal plan focusing on the client’s specific needs, with an emphasis on their growth and well-being.

The therapist will then use the Assessment to create a Client Goal Plan. After the goal plan is completed, the therapist and client can work on a new goal plan or continue with the original plan if it is appropriate.

The therapist also provides parents with Weekly Progress Notes, which contain detailed information about each session and ensure that the child is meeting his or her goals. The progress reports also provide parents with valuable insight, and are part of our comprehensive program. All sessions are also videotaped, which not only provide peace of mind for parents, but aid in creating accurate progress notes.

WHO DOES MUSIC THERAPY BENEFIT?

Anyone can benefit from music therapy as it addresses a variety of emotional, physical, and cognitive needs. It is also used as an early intervention, and benefits children and adolescents with developmental and intellectual needs, including, ASD, ADD & ADHD, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injury, and more.