Music Therapy & Holistic Healing
What is Music Therapy?
Music as a clinical tool to create positive change.
According to the Certification Board for Music Therapists: “Music therapy is the specialized use of music by a credentialed professional who develops individualized treatment and supportive interventions for people of all ages and ability levels to address their emotional, cognitive, physiological, physical, social and sensory needs."
Music therapy is an established health care intervention that is recognized as a valuable treatment option by many, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence.
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Music therapy is a powerful, non-invasive, and non-pharmacological medium capable of unique outcomes. A continued stream of clinically based research significantly backs its efficacy.
Music therapy is categorized under the larger field of "Creative/ Expressive Arts Therapies," which also includes Art & Dance Therapy. Common populations music therapists work with are: Neonatal, Pediatrics, Psychiatrics, Adult Medical, Veterans, Geriatrics, Rehabilitation, Palliative Care, and Hospice.
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Music therapy is accessible to all and can be used individually and with groups. Clients benefit by active engagement in the therapeutic process which may include creating, learning, listening to, or performing music. The music therapist designs and implements a customized treatment plan to best meet each client's needs after taking an initial assessment of the client's conditions and goals. The effectiveness of treatment is determined through continued assessment and evaluation of the client’s progress towards their therapy goals.
For more information about music therapy, visit the American Music Therapy Association.

Benefits of Music Therapy
Increase in Relaxation
All ages
Decrease in Heart Rate
All ages
Increase in Oxygen Saturation
All ages
Pain Management
All ages
Decrease in Depression & Anxiety
All ages
Decrease in PTSD
All ages
Strengthening of Neuroconnections
All ages
Increase in Developmental Skills
All ages
Increase in Positive Stimulation
All ages
Increase in Fine & Gross Motor Skills
All ages
Increase in Self - Expression
All ages
Increase in Self-Soothing & Self-Regulation
Infants - all ages
Increase in Visual Tracking
Infants - all ages
Increase in Infant Vocalizations
Infants
Increase in Tolerance to Neurodevelopmental Stimulation
Infant - Toddlers
Increase in Breastfeeding
Infants
Increase in Infant-Caregiver Bonding
Infants
Increase in Positive Memory - Making
All ages
Resources
"Listening to the Heart"
Music Therapy’s Role in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Written by Butterfly Beats' founder, Brie Mattioli, MT-BC. Published by The National Association of Perinatal Social Work 2019.
The Power of Music Therapy
Olivia's Journey
Story of Butterfly Beats' founder Brie Mattioli's, MT-BC, NICU patient, "Olivia," and her music therapy journey. Featured on The Children's Hospital of Orange County's blog.
The Power of Music Therapy
CHOC Children's Blog: Darlyn's Story
Story of Butterfly Beats' founder Brie Mattioli's, MT-BC, NICU patient, "Darlyn," and her music therapy journey. Featured on The Children's Hospital of Orange County's blog.