by jb music therapy | Jan 12, 2010 | Blog
I first witnessed the power of music at the age of 14. My grandfather had recently had a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. He would reside in a long term care facility for the next eight years of life. Earlier in his life my grandfather...
by jb music therapy | Dec 10, 2009 | Blog, Palliative Care
Sixteen years ago, on Christmas Eve, the McDonald family lost their mother to cancer. I know this because the family invited me, as a music therapist, to spend the last few, difficult days with them. The following sequence of events are some I have never forgotten....
by jb music therapy | Nov 7, 2009 | Blog, Disabilities
Giving a person with special needs the chance to perform for their community has many positive benefits for performer and audience. For some, communication on the best of days can be a huge obstacle. For the community layman who does not understand neurological or...
by jb music therapy | Oct 15, 2009 | Blog, Disabilities, Mental Health
Early one Thursday morning I was referred to a patient on the Mental Health Inpatient Unit at a local hospital. As one would expect I went to the unit anticipating to work with someone coping with depression or psychosis. What I didn’t expect was an 6 foot, 18 year...
by jb music therapy | Sep 27, 2009 | Autism, Blog, Children, Disabilities
Love and learning are two experiences a child shouldn’t have to earn. Sometimes life presents you with learning opportunities quite naturally, like when you touch something hot it hurts, or when you stay up late for too many nights your attention starts to blur....
