Music Therapy in St. Louis
Music therapy is a profession that assists individuals of all ages and stages of life to overcome physical, emotional, and cognitive obstacles through music. Accredited by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), music therapists often collaborate with interdisciplinary treatment teams to address mental disorders, substance abuse issues, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, developmental and physical disabilities as well as other conditions.
Carrie Lemen, a board-certified music therapist and certified rehabilitation counselor specializing in pediatric and adult care at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, utilizes music as an avenue to help her patients meet other milestones. When Tyler Hughes, 11 was receiving heart transplant treatment at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, Carrie helped him record a song with his heartbeat as the soundtrack, adding new verses as they made progress.
Carrie often used music to help patients cope with painful procedures that many might find challenging. For instance, when one patient needed staples removed from their abdomen, Carrie suggested they listen to their favorite songs and sing along. Doing this allowed them to distract themselves from the discomfort, focus on what was happening in the moment, and feel less overwhelmed.
Andrew Dwiggins, a graduate of Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, has been employed at the pediatric cancer center for the past ten years. Here he offers music therapy to patients with cancer and assists Crystal Weaver – a certified rehabilitation counselor and music therapist – with research studies.
She is a faculty member at Maryville and adjunct instructor in the music therapy department. For 10 years she was employed as a staff music therapist at Midwest Music Therapy Services, providing services to children in early childhood and special education settings.
Her music therapy practice specializes in working with children and adolescents who are dealing with mental health, physical disability and cancer-related issues. She is a proud member of both the American Music Therapy Association and Missouri Association of Music Therapists.
For further details about music therapy, visit AMTA.
AMTA is the world’s largest music therapy organization, providing educational resources for professionals. It strives to raise public and professional awareness of the advantages of music therapy while increasing access to quality services.
The 2017 AMTA Conference provides an unparalleled chance to connect with colleagues and friends, exchange ideas, and stay abreast of music therapy progress. With an expansive schedule of sessions including numerous continuing education courses and trainings, this conference promises a memorable experience for attendees.
This year’s conference features a range of topics such as mindfulness, ASD, dementia, new technology and more. All these sessions aim to empower you and your clients with more creativity, resilience and well-being.
The AMTA Conference offers professional development opportunities to music therapists from across America. This year’s program will emphasize mindfulness, yoga and meditation techniques that can enhance your practice of music therapy.
