DISABILITY SUPPORT
IN DOVER, NH
This isn’t your traditional therapy session.
Music therapy, art therapy and counseling for kids, teens and adults with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities, built around each person’s strengths and interests to support communication, connection and independence. Offered in Dover, NH, throughout the Seacoast, and in the home when appropriate.
Growing at Your Own Pace
Communicate in the ways that work for you
Build confidence and everyday independence
Explore strengths through music and art
When You’re Looking for Support That Fits
Are you looking for a place where your child is met with patience instead of pressure, and where their interests are seen as a way in rather than a distraction? Maybe you’re the parent or caregiver of a teen or adult who has aged out of school-based services, or you’re hoping to find something that builds communication, connection and confidence in a way that feels joyful instead of like more work.
You’re not alone, and wanting more for your child or loved one doesn’t mean anything about them needs fixing. Many families come to us after years of appointments that focused on what was missing, and they’re looking for a team that starts with who the person already is.
At The Sonatina Center, our therapists use music, art and counseling to support communication, movement, emotional expression and social connection, following each person’s interests and pace. Sessions take place at our Dover office or in the home, and families are part of the process every step of the way.
If you’re wondering whether music therapy, art therapy or counseling is the right fit, we’re happy to talk it through during your free call.
Does This
Sound Familiar?
Every person is different, but these are some of the things families tell us about most often:
Finding ways to communicate, with or without words
Building motor skills through movement, music and play
Feeling more comfortable in groups and with new people
Handling transitions, waiting and changes in routine
Expressing feelings and making choices
Building independence in everyday routines
Finding support that continues past school age
A love of music, art or rhythm that lights them up
How We Help
MUSIC THERAPY
Music gives kids, teens and adults with disabilities a way to communicate, move and connect that doesn’t depend on words, building skills through songs and instruments they enjoy.
SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS
Small groups where kids and teens practice connecting with peers through music and art, in a relaxed space where everyone’s differences are understood, respected and welcome.
COUNSELING
Our counselors help clients understand their emotions, build coping skills and advocate for what they need, in sessions that adapt to how each person communicates and learns.
FAMILY SUPPORT
We share goals with you, include you in sessions when it helps, and give you practical strategies to support communication and independence at home and in the community.
Disability Support Can Help With…
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Support can help when it’s hard to share needs, feelings or ideas, or to understand what others are saying, whether someone speaks, signs, uses a device or communicates in other ways.
Our therapists use singing, rhythm and visual supports to build both expressive and receptive communication in whatever form works best for each person.
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Support can help when feelings build up quickly, or when frustration comes out as meltdowns because the words aren’t there yet.
Our therapists use music, movement and art to help clients notice what they’re feeling and find calming tools that work for their body.
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Support can help when sounds, textures, lights or movement feel like too much, or when someone seeks out more input to feel settled.
Our therapists use instruments, art materials and movement to explore sensory needs safely and build routines that help the body feel regulated.
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Support can help when someone wants to connect with others but isn’t sure how to join in, take turns or keep an interaction going.
Our therapists use shared music-making and art projects to practice connecting in ways that feel natural and fun, one-on-one or in groups.
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Support can help when small movements like grasping, pinching, holding a crayon or using both hands together take extra effort.
Our therapists use instruments, mallets and art materials to build hand strength and coordination in a way that feels like play.
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Support can help when bigger movements like walking, balancing, reaching or moving to a beat take extra effort.
Our therapists use rhythm, movement songs and dance to build strength, balance and coordination, with the music helping set the pace.
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Support can help when paying attention, remembering steps, following directions or solving problems feels hard.
Our therapists use songs, patterns and sequencing activities to build attention, memory and thinking skills, since music makes information easier to hold onto.
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Support can help when someone lights up around music or art and wants to grow those interests into skills.
Our therapists build on that love, from keeping a beat and playing instruments to songwriting and making art, so creativity becomes a source of confidence and joy.
Meet Our Disability Support Team
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![Elisha Rivera, MT-BC]()
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![Marissa Scott - Music Therapist]()
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![Cacia King Herlihy - Music Therapist]()
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![Maddie Christenson - Music Therapist]()
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![Jessica Kaptcianos - Music Therapist]()
Jessica Kaptcianos, MA, MT-BC
(She/Her)
Music Therapist
New Hampshire -
![Shannon Lyons, music therapist working with children, teens and adults at The Sonatina Center]()
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![Kat Sturdevant - Art Therapist]()
Kat Sturdevant, CMHC, ATR
(She/Her)
Candidate for Mental Health Counseling License
Art Therapist
New Hampshire
Getting Started is Free
Every new client starts with a free 20-minute phone call. Our Intake Coordinator will walk you through our process and policies and learn a little about your child or loved one, so together you can decide whether music therapy, art therapy, or counseling is the best fit. It’s also a chance to ask any questions you have before getting started.
WHERE: Sessions take place at The Sonatina Center in Dover, NH, in the home, or at school when appropriate, with music therapy, art therapy and counseling for kids, teens and adults with disabilities.
YOUR FIRST VISIT: A 60-minute intake session where your therapist gets to know you or your loved one, including their interests, strengths and how they communicate, completes an initial assessment, and sets goals together. For younger children, this may be split into an in-person session and a 30-minute phone call with you.
CHECKING IN: We review progress and goals with you every 90 days, or sooner if needed.
INVESTMENT: Rates vary by service and are reviewed each year, and you’ll always hear about any changes ahead of time. View our current service rates here.
What To Expect
Scholarships & Accessibility
Free Sessions for BIPOC Clients
The Sonatina Center is committed to bridging the gap of accessibility for the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color community. We offer free individual music therapy, art therapy, and counseling sessions to BIPOC clients. We have 6 scholarship spots available at a time, and we keep a waiting list when they’re full. Please contact us for more information.
Using Your Insurance Benefits
Depending on your plan, you may be able to get part of the cost of sessions reimbursed through your out-of-network benefits. We provide a monthly superbill with the CPT codes and provider information your insurance company needs, so you can submit it directly. As a private-pay practice, we’re happy to walk you through how this works during your free call.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. We work with kids, teens and adults with all kinds of developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities, with or without a formal diagnosis. Sessions are built around each person’s strengths and needs.
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That’s okay. Music and art don’t depend on words, and our therapists follow each person’s way of communicating, whether that’s sounds, gestures, signs, a device or movement.
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Yes. Many people we work with also see speech, occupational or physical therapists, or have school or adult day programs. With your permission, we’re happy to coordinate so everyone is working toward the same goals.
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Yes. We see clients of all ages, including teens and adults who have aged out of school-based services.
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At our Dover office, in the home, or at school when appropriate.
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Yes. We set goals with you from the first visit, check in on progress every 90 days, and share strategies you can use at home.
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We’re a private-pay practice, and we provide a monthly superbill you can submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Ready To Take The First Step?
Your free 20-minute call is a chance to share what’s going on and ask any questions, with no pressure to commit.
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