Music Therapy

CFCArts is proud to offer a Community Music Therapy Program led by Board-Certified Music Therapists.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is a Board-Certified health profession that uses evidence-based research to design music interventions for people of all ages and abilities to meet goals in a therapeutic setting. Goal areas include: Cognition, Communication, Physical/Motor Skills, Emotion, Socialization, Sensory Processing, and Musical.

What does a Music Therapy session look like?

Each session is designed and tailored to the individual needs and preferences of the client or group. Sessions will look different from person to person depending on their specific needs and goals. What sessions do have in common are the inclusion of music and goals determined by the music therapist and client.

Beginning a Session

To begin, your music therapist may open a session in one of the following ways:

  • Singing an age appropriate "hello song" for group or client
  • Verbal/musical group/client check-in
  • Review of what happened in the last session

During a Session

During music therapy you and your therapist may do one or more of the following:

  • Create music - You might compose music, write lyrics, or create new music together; you can even record a song you write
  • Sing music - Use your voice to share a piece of music
  • Listen to music - Enjoy your favorite music or discover new music
  • Move to music - As simple as tapping your toes together or as complicated as a coordinated dance
  • Discuss lyrics - Read or listen to the lyrics of a song and talk about their meaning
  • Play an instrument - Use an instrument like a piano, guitar, drums, shakers etc. to make music together
  • Play Music Games - Play games that include your favorite music, singing songs and playing instruments”

Ending a Session

To end a session and help the client transition out of the music therapy space and into the outside world, your music therapist may include:

  • Singing an age appropriate "good-bye song" to group or client
  • A closing verbal/music transition out of session
  • A summary or recap of what happened

Free 30-min Consultation

If you are curious about how music therapy can serve your needs or the needs of your loved one, we offer a free 30-min consultation via email, phone, or video chat. For facilities interested in providing music therapy services to clients, we can provide either a free virtual or in-person consultation to discuss how music therapy can serve your facility.

About The Music Therapy Team

Kristin Thomas, MT-BC

Kristin Thomas, MT-BC

Community Music Therapy Contractor

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Kristin, who grew up in Orlando, Florida, has been deeply immersed in music and arts from a young age. Her passion for these disciplines led her to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Florida State University. Currently, she is advancing her expertise by working towards a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Florida.

Kristin’s professional journey began with her internship at Easterseals Midwest in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where she provided Music Therapy services to children and adults with Autism. This experience laid a strong foundation for her career, leading her to work extensively with children and adolescents in various settings, including schools, group sessions, and individual therapy. In addition to her practical experience, Kristin furthered her qualifications by earning her Neurologic Music Therapy certification and a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy certificate.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Kristin enjoys engaging in activities such as reading, crocheting, and spending time with her dog, Wesley. Kristin is eager to continue to serve the Central Florida community which has been a significant source of inspiration and support throughout her life.

Briahna Sherrod, MM, MT-BC

Briahna Sherrod, MM, MT-BC

Community Music Therapy Contractor

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Briahna Sherrod is a Board Certified Music Therapist. She attended and graduated from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida to obtain her Bachelor’s in Music with a Secondary Degree in Education in 2013. She attended and graduated from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida with her Master’s in Music Therapy where she also achieved a NICU-Music Therapy Certification in 2016. Prior to Central Florida Community Arts, she gained experience working as a music therapy contractor with private practices in Orlando, Florida, and Medicaid waiver providers in Merrillville, Indiana serving children and young adults with disabilities through school programs and older adults in skilled nursing facilities, adult day training programs and at a transitional living facility for adults with brain and spinal cord injury. She has continued to provide services in Orlando, Florida with organizations such as TDR Learning Academy and all-inclusive senior care centers such as InnovAge PACE Orlando through her private practice. As part of her work with Central Florida Community Arts, Briahna currently provides individual music therapy services and community based services to organizations such as the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida, University Carillon and the AdventHealth Hope and Healing Center. Throughout her experience Briahna has enjoyed connecting with clients and their families utilizing her cognitive behavioral training and musical gifts.
She looks forward to meeting all of our Central Florida Community Arts community to share that lifelong love of music with you.

Services

In-Clinic
Individual Music Therapy Sessions

Individual music therapy sessions include an initial assessment, documentation for progress, session planning, treatment planning, and ongoing evaluations in addition to actual face-to-face sessions. Our music therapists consider your specific needs, musical preferences, and cultural identity, and offer flexibility as your needs may change over time.

NOTE: CFCArts Music Therapy only accepts Sunshine Health Medicaid insurance for music therapy services at this time. If you have Sunshine Health, you can receive these services at no cost to you!

Zoom/Telehealth Music Therapy
Zoom/Telehealth sessions offer many of the same benefits as in-person sessions and are a great option for clients who are unable to receive in-person services. During your free consultation, we can discuss the option of telehealth and provide instructions about setting up virtual services.
Community Based
Group Music Therapy Sessions
Group sessions consist of a music therapy group assessment to determine group goals that target specific needs, musical preferences, and cultural identities of the established population and setting. We partner with several non-profit partner organizations as well as in-house CFCArts performance groups to expand our community offerings.
Zoom/Telehealth Music Therapy
Zoom/Telehealth sessions offer many of the same benefits as in-person sessions and are a great option for clients who are unable to receive in-person services. During your free consultation, we can discuss the option of telehealth and provide instructions about setting up virtual services.
Educational Services
About
The CFCArts Music Therapy Team has provided workshops and training to over 500 teachers, parents, students, and community members! Utilizing evidence-based research and professional experience in public school systems, early childhood learning, hospitals, behavioral health, and private practice, we customize presentations to educate and advocate for music therapy used in a wide variety of settings and populations. Special topics include employee wellness, burnout, self-care, coping skills, and resilience.

Populations Served

CFCArts Music Therapy is s proud to be able to offer music therapy services to a diverse set of populations. From an older adult recovering from a stroke, to an adolescent unable to communicate with sensory processing needs, to a child in need of emotional regulation and positive socialization skills, we are able to serve these clients and more. Please read on to learn about how we can make music your medicine.

You may see a music therapist working with clients who have the the following:

Developmental Delays & Sensory Needs

  • Disabilities and Sensory Disorders
  • Hearing loss
  • Vision loss
  • Developmental Delays
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Physical/Motor Disabilities
  • Intellectual Disabilities

Neurological Disorders

  • Neurologic Disorders
  • Stroke
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Parkinson's
  • Dementia
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Mental Health

  • Mental Health
  • Emotional-Behavioral Disorders
  • PTSD
  • Trauma
  • Substance Misuse
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Credentials

Our staff includes Master’s Level Board-Certified Music Therapists who are certified specialists in Neurologic Music Therapy, NICU Music Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Music Therapy. See American Music Therapy Association for more information!

Pay for Individual Sessions

For individual music therapy clients, click here to pay for a session.

$60 Per Session

Notice of Privacy Practice Policies

In compliance with HIPAA regulations and the Department of Health and Human Services

View Policies

Insurance and Scholarship Support

Music therapy is officially reimbursable in the state of Florida through Medicaid through MTM, Inc.; Sunshine Health insurance holders qualify for insured music therapy sessions.

For more information email: musictherapy@cfcarts.com

Questions?

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