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When Did You Last Play?
Do you remember the movie Big? From Josh on the giant piano to Mr. Banks flying a kite, the stories we love keep reminding us that grown-ups forget how to play. Here’s why play matters for adults and parents, and how music and art therapy can help you find your way back to it.
Is My Child Shy or Anxious? How to Tell the Difference.
Wondering whether your quiet child is shy or struggling with anxiety? Here's how to tell the difference, what signs to look for, and how art therapy and counseling can help.
Signs Your Child Struggles With Peer Relationships
Struggling to name what's going on with your child's friendships? Here's what peer relationship struggles can look like, and why they're a skill you can help build.
How Music Therapy Groups Build Social Skills (And What That Actually Looks Like)
Curious what a music therapy social skills group actually looks like? Here's how peer communication, leadership, and listening get practiced in real time.
Signs Your Child Is Struggling With Summer’s Lack of Routine
Summer break can unsettle kids more than parents expect. Here's what's really going on when routine disappears — and what actually helps them find their footing.
Repertoire for Music Therapists Working in Memory Care Facilities
Choosing the right music for memory care clients is one of the most meaningful parts of music therapy practice. Here's a repertoire list from our intern's experience working with older adults this year — and the story behind it.
What is the difference between Creative Arts Enrichment and Creative Arts Therapy?
Music therapy and music enrichment might look similar from the outside — but they serve very different purposes. Here's how to tell them apart.
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 First Stage of Therapy: Getting to Know Your Therapist
Music and art aren't just creative skills — they're vehicles for emotional awareness, self-discovery, and wellbeing. Here are some simple ways to bring creative expression into your everyday life.
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.