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.

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

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.

SSP Trained and Certified

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.

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.

At the core of my methodology lies Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), a transformative approach that explores the depths of one's psyche. Music in this context serves as a catalyst for concrete and abstract imagery, kinesthetic responses, an array of colors, and more – with no predefined 'right' or 'wrong' experiences. This exploration allows you to draw connections between your musical journey and the insights you share at the outset of the session, unveiling both familiar and novel patterns.

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.

I began my career as a music therapist and currently specialize in therapeutic songwriting and facilitated drum circles. In individual therapy, I use music therapy for grounding, mindfulness, and as a support for building rapport and healing attachment injuries.

Certified in music therapy since 1987 and practicing meditation/chanting as well as studying yogic philosophy since 1993, I have combined the elements of these healing practices to form a unique method of therapy: Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy. I specialize in the use of music, sound, silence, and energy-work to produce an experience of pure awareness that results in the absence of thoughts and a spiritual sense of oneness that is essential to healing.

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.

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.

I am a Board Certified Music Therapist, as music therapy is my primary certification.

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.

At Real Psychiatric Services, music therapy is an integral component of the comprehensive treatment approach. This therapy is used in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities to promote emotional health, help patients express feelings, and enhance their overall well-being.

I am a Board Certified Music Therapist and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist. I consider our relationship with music and how it connects us to our cultural selves, how it shows up in the rhythms of our days, and how the non-verbal and creative aspect of it can connect us to our subconscious and things we don't have words for.