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Outpatient Music Therapy Program

Melissa Violette playing guitare

Achieving Therapeutic Outcomes through Music.

Music Therapy is an established health service that uses music therapeutically to address physical, psychological, cognitive and/or social functioning for people of all ages. It is practiced by a credentialed professional that uses clinical and evidence-based music interventions to help set and achieve individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. Because Music Therapy is a powerful and non-invasive medium, unique outcomes are possible. Music Therapy is used successfully in a variety of healthcare and educational settings.

Mount Desert Island Hospital’s Medical Education Program welcomes Music Therapy Interns to the Kogod Center for Medical Education each year and supports a successful program at Birch Bay Retirement Village.

  • Promote Wellness
  • Manage Stress
  • Alleviate Pain
  • Express Feelings
  • Enhance Memory & Improve Attention
  • Improve Communication
  • Promote Physical Rehabilitation
  • Processing grief and loss
  • Learning to cope with anger
  • Improving stress management and/or relaxation skills
  • Learning to identify and express emotions
  • Exploring therapeutic issues such as self-esteem or gaining personal insight
  • Making positive cognitive changes in mood and/or emotional state

What do Music Therapists do?

Music Therapists use music, both instrumental and vocal, to facilitate changes that are non-musical in nature. Music selections and certain active music making activities are designed for each client based on their preferences and individual needs. Each therapeutic program is based on assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing program evaluation. Music Therapists frequently work as part of an interdisciplinary care team to address a broad continuum of needs, from anxiety reduction to deeper self-understanding.

 

Do I have to be musical?

You do not need to be musical to take part in Music Therapy, but you do need to enjoy music. Music therapy sessions include the use of active music making, music listening, and discussion. If you are musical, then you will likely find Music Therapy a beneficial therapeutic experience.

“Music can heal the wounds which medicine cannot touch.”

Debasish Mridha

Island Health Podcast

MDI Hospital’s Music Therapy Program was recently featured in our new podcast series, visit our Island Health Podcast page to tune in!

MDI Hospital

MDI Hospital
10 Wayman Lane
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
207 288-5081

At Mount Desert Island Hospital, we provide comprehensive care for you and your family through our hospital in Bar Harbor and a network of health centers across Mount Desert Island.

Our Providers

Melissa Violette MT-BC, NMT

Melissa Violette MT-BC, NMT

Music Therapist