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What Is a Music Therapy Evaluation and Why Does It Matter?
Wondering what happens before music therapy begins? Intern Aly Lines walks through what a music therapy evaluation is, what domains are assessed, and why it matters for your child's treatment.
The Importance of Self-Care…
Self-care practices are not one-size fits all — and that's exactly the point. Discover why finding your own rituals matters, and how small habits can make a big difference in your overall wellbeing.
Singable Books for Kids
Singable books are one of our favorite tools at The Sonatina Center. Here's a long list of our favorites — perfect for music therapy sessions, enrichment classes, and home.
What is Creative Arts Therapy?
Creative arts therapy is more than fun and games — it's a research-backed approach to supporting emotional, physical, cognitive, and social development through music, art, and movement.
Why is Spinning Good for Kids?
Why do music therapists spin kids in a gathering drum? The answer is vestibular sensory stimulation — and the benefits go far beyond just having fun.
What is Music Enrichment?
What makes music enrichment at The Sonatina Center different from a regular music class? It starts with intentional planning — and a music therapist's brain behind every session.
Making Progress
What actually happens when a music therapist writes a progress note? Marissa walks you through the four-step process she uses every quarter to track client growth and update treatment plans.
Music Making for Non-Musicians
You don't have to be a musician to make music. Intern Vanessa Hale offers three meaningful music experiences to help you tap into your own creativity and personal expression.
A Music-Based Guided Meditation for Anxiety
When anxiety rises, we can always come back to ourselves. This music-based guided meditation from our team walks you through a grounding body practice to help you find stillness.
Is My Therapist Antiracist?
Finding a therapist is about more than availability. Here's how to ask the questions that matter — and find someone who truly sees you.
What Therapist is a Good Fit for Me?
Finding the right therapist is about more than credentials. Learn what to look for in a therapeutic relationship — and where to start your search.
How Do I Know What Kind of Therapy To Try?
Feeling overwhelmed by all the therapy options out there? This plain-language guide breaks down the most common types of therapy and approaches to help you find the right fit.
Creative Arts Therapy for Adults
Creative arts therapy isn't just for kids. Learn how music therapy and art therapy support adults navigating mental health, recovery, neurologic conditions, pregnancy, and more.
Music for Big Emotions: Emotion Playlists
Music can help you move through big emotions — not just distract from them. Learn how to build a mood regulation playlist and why it works.
Music Therapy Mythbusting
Think recorded music doesn't count as music therapy? That performing means you're not doing therapy? Intern Vanessa Hale busts three common myths about what music therapy is — and isn't.
Breathing for Mindfulness
Feeling overwhelmed by the pace of life? Intern Vanessa Hale walks you through three simple breathing practices to help you pause, reset, and return to the present moment.
A Therapeutic Space
A therapeutic space is more than four walls and instruments. It's built on shared values, intentional design, and the belief that there's no wrong way to participate.
Mental Health Counseling or Creative Arts Therapy–Which One Is Right For Me?
Not sure whether mental health counseling or creative arts therapy is right for you? Here's a plain-language breakdown of the differences — and why either one might be a great fit.
Managing Big Feelings at Home
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or managing your own mental health, there are practical tools to help process emotions at home — for every age and ability.
Mindfulness for Stress Reduction, Burnout Prevention, and Resiliency
Stress and burnout don't wait for a therapy appointment. Here are three accessible mindfulness techniques — whole-body relaxation, 5-4-3-2-1, and breathing exercises — to help you check in with yourself and release tension wherever you are.