Co-therapy

Co-treating is bliss, given the right people. I had the very great blessing and fortune in my last private practice to work side-by-side with wonderful OTs, PTs and SLPs. WONDERFUL. What made it that way? Well, they were very open to the concept of music therapy (gift #1). They understood the relationship between music and sensory integration, especially my beloved OT colleagues, and the relationship between music and language (gift #2). Our personalities and treatment philosophies matched beautifully (gift #3). As a result of all those elements, what resulted in treatment was incredible. An expert, extra pair of eyes and ears will notice things that one therapist might miss. In the busy-ness of working with severely impaired children; an extra pair of hands will be able to position or otherwise work with a child and free the music therapist up to concentrate even more on the musical aspect of the therapy. As you get used to each other's work style, the therapy melds together. Sometimes you can communicate with a nod, a look, or a single subdued word. As a result, the child is immersed in a therapeutic bath, if you will. Long-lasting carryover is possible, and I've seen it happen over and over. Perfect? No. Nothing is. An asset to a child's special education program? Without a doubt.

So, therapists...if you have the chance, co-treat! Don't miss it.


Stay tuned...