Music Therapy

In music therapy, music is used as a tool and in relationship with a therapist to help with self expression where words fail.

Creative practices can often be a safer and more direct way of expressing, experiencing and understanding the most challenging emotions. I integrate my experience as a performer in Jazz, improvised and World music as well twenty years of zen practice into a unique and effective approach to therapy. Using both verbal psychotherapy and creative art mediums in a safe and supportive environment I work to guide the therapeutic process towards achieving a client's unique goals.

I studied and practiced music therapy in graduate school and believe in offering a creative approach to therapy. Often times, accessing creativity can provide a wonderful and necessary healing and emotional outlet. I have been a musician for as long as I can remember, and specialize in connecting clinical needs to music.

Tara is trained and certified in Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP). As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to re-tune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience. The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider, in-person or remotely. The SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory differences and more.

I have 7 years experience as a music therapist in the New York area. I am licensed and board certified.

As a lyricist, I have utilized my skills and experiences to help others address life's challenges through songwriting in therapy. Mental health sessions are an ideal venue to be vulnerable through music creation and allow you to discuss problems in a fun, engaging, and artistic way. Personally, music helped me find my way again following the death of my 16-year-old son in 2021. I was honored to write several songs about him and perform them online and across the US, dignifying his memory.

As a Board-Certified Music Therapist, I integrate the power of words and music to help you heal and unlock your potential. Music is an ancient form of medicine that is now being recognized by the Western scientific communities as potent and effective. Music can be used as a springboard for discussion or a participatory experience for coping and self-expression through song, sound, and movement. No experience creating or playing music is necessary.

I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2013 with my bachelor of music in music therapy. One month later, I received the credentials music therapist-board certified (MT-BC). I graduated in 2017 from Appalachian with an MA in counseling and an MMT in music therapy. I have been practicing music therapy since 2014, and I focus on the intersection of the mind and the body. I am also an advanced trainee in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music.

Music Therapy is the evidence-based use of music and musical experiences to enhance quality of life. I have been a board certified Music Therapist for over 15 years, and have adapted appropriate techniques for use online. Not all of my sessions are Music Therapy centered, but this is a powerful intervention for those who might be interested in this specialty.

I have been a music therapist for over 5 years and have worked with a large diversity of clients in that time. I have done advanced training in neurological music therapy. I find techniques in music therapy especially helpful in breaking into difficult material and providing clients with a different means of communication and expression.

I received my graduate degree from NYU in Music Therapy, specializing in the psychology of the voice. Music taps us into our emotions and memories, which can be a helpful addition to talk therapy. Singing stimulates the vagus nerve, which helps us to relax. Sessions optionally include breath work, singing, toning, sound making, songwriting, music listening, lyric discussion and verbal psychotherapy. I also help professional singers heal trauma impacting their voice and self-expression.

I'm able to utilize music therapy as a clinical and evidence-based tool to help accomplish different therapeutic goals. Music therapy benefits clients through utilization of various forms of musical expressions/collaborations to serve as an effective outlet, increasing positive emotions and strengthening social connections to others.

Have you ever found that a song speaks to a personal experience or emotion more fully than words alone? You don’t have to be a musician to benefit from the healing qualities of music. As a board certified music therapist, I extend the invitation to engage with music – whether that’s listening, vocalizing or feeling a rhythm in your body – to help move you closer to your goals.

Music therapy is the strategic use of music toward a non-musical goal. I have been an board-certified music therapist for over 10 years. I specialize in using music for anxiety management and self expression. I am particularly interested in working with musician’s mental health. Inviting client’s musical lives into the therapy can be rich and powerful way to address their goals. Whatever your relationship to music, I believe you will find music therapy a fun and effective way to work.