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Music Therapy

Music Therapy is the clinical use of music by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore, mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. Music has nonverbal, creative, structural and emotional qualities. These are used in the therapeutic relationship to facilitate contact, interaction, self-awareness, learning, self-expression, communication, and personal development.
Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT) 1994

Location

Music Therapy is located on Level One in Rehabilitation Services.
It is conveniently located just inside the Ambulatory Care entrance to the hospital, close to parking and Transhelp drop-off.

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday from 8:30 – 4:30 (part-time hours vary during these times)

Services

At the Credit Valley Hospital, Music therapists work in the following areas and depending on your situation, a music therapist may provide the following services.

Palliative Care Unit

  • To decrease pain through distraction, relaxation, and breathing techniques using both live and recorded music
  • To decrease anxiety and/or agitation through live and recorded music which facilitates deep breathing and provides comfort
  • To regulate breathing and heart rate through live and recorded music with a steady and slow beat
  • To promote relaxation and sleep through quiet and comforting live and recorded music
  • To provide a creative and non-verbal means to express emotions through singing familiar songs, playing instruments, movement and songwriting
  • To provide a creative and non-verbal way for families to connect, communicate, reminisce, and provide comfort for each other through music making and songwriting

FAQ

Q: How can I make a referral for Music Therapy?
A: Patients in the palliative care program can be referred for music therapy by any member of the multidisciplinary team. All other patients and members of the public can request music therapy services through the Music Therapy Association for Ontario’s free Telephone Referral Service at 905-828-0553.

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