Music Therapy - Creative Art Therapies

What Do Our Music Therapists Do?

Our therapists offer evidence based clinical use of musical interventions to improve clients’ quality of life. At Gilchrist Hospice Care, a board certified music therapist (MT-BC) will listen, perform, write and record music.  These services are an effort to meet the social, emotional, physical, spiritual and cognitive needs of the individual and family.  Evidence suggests that music therapy is beneficial for all individuals, both physically and mentally.  It has shown to improve heart rate, reduce anxiety, stimulate the brain, and improve learning.

Below are some interventions our therapists may include:

• Song writing,
• Improvisation,
• Imagery and music
• Lyric analysis,
• Singing,
• Instrument playing, and
• Relaxation techniques.

How Music Makes a Difference

For some of our patients, music is able to reach them in a way unlike others.  If you have ever had a tune play in your head, remind you a memory or evoke emotion, you have experienced the power of music.  An example is a patient with late-stage dementia singing the entirety of “You Are My Sunshine”.  Another example we have seen is an otherwise unresponsive patient tapping their feet along with the rhythm of a song.  Our Gilchrist music therapists are there, singing and playing, bringing joy and comfort, demonstrating our care for patients and families.

Our music therapists and program is funded entirely by donations from generous donors. If you are interested in supporting this program, please make a gift to our music therapy program.

Hear Jillian’s Why

Learn more about our other additional hospice services.