The Sound of Music Therapy A new program brings new possibilities

While the sound of music is beautiful, music therapy is, in fact, a goal-focused approach to a patient’s recovery. This program helps support a patient’s pain management, speech goals, and movement. Brianna Kilmartin (Brie), Program Manager of Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI) Brain Injury Recovery Center, explains, “Music is stored in a different part of the brain than language. Patients who have trouble talking can be assisted to communicate through song/music to have their basic needs met.” Songwriting is a cognitive experience, allowing individuals to creatively express themselves and their emotions. Thanks to recent grants from the Emily and Coleman Hunter Trust and the Walter W. and Maria

Teresa Regirer Foundation, SAI began a music therapy program for patients who have experienced brain injury, stroke and other injuries/illnesses.

Audrey Weatherstone, a Board-Certified Music Therapist, is passionate about her work for Sheltering Arms Institute where she provides music therapy two days per week. “Everything we do is grounded in research. This is an evidence based clinical practice, not just entertainment.” Audrey plays the cello and guitar; her favorite genres to play include folk music and classic rock. In the therapy experience, she particularly enjoys playing guitar and singing. “I like doing songwriting with patients. People express themselves so beautifully and authentically.”

In both group and individual sessions, Audrey tailors the sound experience based specifically on a patient’s goals. These sessions align with the larger framework of an individual’s recovery. Audrey explains that she always asks specific questions about how someone is feeling, then carefully dives deeper into their emotions. Sometimes she will use a printed lyric sheet to help patients think of a color or a specific memory for their lyrics. This collaborative process yields results.

Audrey successfully worked with Viktorr at SAI who co-wrote lyrics about his physical rehabilitation experience. She says, “I always gear my sessions towards what a patient is working on. I let the patient direct where the song goes.”

Viktorr’s sister, Tammy Thornton, was thrilled with his rewarding experience. “It was amazing to see how well he’s progressed, and to even write a song and put together the words!! For the family, we are very grateful to have him back and to see him in the video!”

According to the American Music Therapy

Song, “Brand New”

Association (AMTA), music therapy with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) has been demonstrated to help negative moods, overall quality of life, cognitive recovery, physical performance including walking and talking as well as communication outcomes. Audrey adds, “I would like to see the SAI program grow, so patients can have greater access to music therapy. The opportunity to have multiple sessions per week could provide more long-lasting results.”

This new program has already produced outstanding outcomes. Brie explains, “Music gives patients time to bond in a safe space. In a group, everyone is doing it together in a lighthearted way. It allows patients to participate in something that is familiar and fun. It’s important for patients to be able to do something with family and friends after an illness or injury. Music provides this opportunity. People can participate in musicbased activities together, even when they have cognitive or physical limitations.”

To learn more about supporting SAI music therapy or other programs, please contact Tricia Ambler, 804-342-4321 or tambler@shelteringarms.com. learn

Music therapy interventions help with a

variety of healthcare goals:

• Improve communication

• Promote physical rehabilitation

• Express feelings

• Alleviate pain

• Enhance memory