FAQ's
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." - American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
That means, music therapy is practiced by trained and credentialed professionals who are experts in their craft. Music therapy uses music to achieve non-musical goals and are tailored to the specific needs of each individual client. This might look like singing, songwriting, playing instruments, and generally experiencing ourselves through music.
Do I have to be "musical" or "talented" to participate in music therapy?
No! Music therapy is for people of all ability levels and backgrounds. No musical expertise or experience is required.
Are you a music therapist?
Yes! I am a board certified music therapist (MT-BC), hold a designation in Neurologic Music Therapy, and am a Certified Trauma Professional
A board certified music therapist is a clinician who:
has a minimum of a Bachelor‘s degree or its equivalent in music therapy
and a current, professional credential (MT-BC)
Music therapists receive over 1200 hours in clinical training including four clinical placements and a six month long internship to meet requirements set forth by the American Music Therapy Association. Board certification exams are facilitated by the Certification Board for Music Therapists.
What is your educational background?
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Music Industry Management) from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2008 and a Masters of Music Therapy from Loyola University New Orleans in 2023.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes, several! I am classically trained (formally educated both in classrooms and privately lessons) and self taught (learned on my own in addition to informal lessons) in several instruments. I am classically trained on Bassoon and in voice. I have trained under world-class musicians and performed professionally locally, nationally and internationally. I am also highly skilled in acoustic guitar and piano. In addition to voice, these are the primary instruments that I use during the therapeutic process. I also play the Ukulele, Djembe (a type of drum), and Soprano Recorder.
How did MTiC come about?
Music has always been my passion, but I wasn't exactly sure how that would translate into a career. After spending a short time working in the music industry, I began a career in education. Although teaching was not my initial dream, I quickly fell in love with working with children to reach their highest potential. I spent 13 years working with all ages of learners in the field of education as a classroom teacher, music specialist, trainer and administrator. It was during my time in education that I learned about music therapy and was enlightened about new ways to use the skills and abilities I possess. In 2020, during the heart of the pandemic, I began as a master's equivalency student for music therapy while working full time as a classroom teacher. Although it was a very big leap to begin a brand new career path, with the support of my loving husband and family, I dove in to a field that would become my life's blood. In 2021, I resigned from my career as an educator and committed to the full time study of music therapy. During this time, I served as a volunteer for two music therapy student organizations, presented locally, regionally, and nationally as a conference speaker, and built a valuable network of peers and professionals in the music therapy community.
Why is a culture centered approach to music therapy important?
Above all, I believe that culture is at the heart of who each of us is as a person. You cannot begin to address the wellness needs of a person until their culture, lived experience and personal perspective is centered in their care. Research has throughly documented that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color often experience markedly different experiences of, access to and continuity of care for mental health and wellness and call for greater care to be taken to remedy this disparity (read more here) . Current music therapy research also suggests that in order to provide the most comprehensive and highest quality of care, music therapists should focus on centering the culture of the client within the therapeutic relationship (read more here). For all these reasons, MTiC focuses on centering culture at the forefront of the therapeutic relationship and commits to relying on an approach of cultural humility and anti-oppressive practices (learn more here).
What's next?
I am working to build clientle in my private practice and am excited to be a change-maker in the Houston area therapeutic landscape. I am passionate about creating space for diversity and inclusion in the world of music therapy and psychotherapy in general.
Do you teach lessons?
Yes! Click here to learn more about consultations, booking opportunities and to reach out with comments or questions.
How can I contact you?
Click here to learn more about consultations, booking opportunities and to reach out with comments or questions.