Music Therapy

The music therapy program, offered since 2004 through St. Mary's Hospice and Palliative Care, offers the chance for individual care with music by a credentialed music therapist.

At St. Mary's, music therapy is an established health care profession that can aid hospice patients and their families with life reviews and life stories, family togetherness, expressing emotions and relaxation.

In a typical session, the music therapist works with the patient to assess their needs and abilities, then creates goals that are described in the patient’s care plan. The therapist works with live music, such as piano, guitar, and voice, in different styles, from religious and ethnic to country, jazz and folk. They can also help the patient write songs expressing values like appreciation, love, forgiveness, and wisdom. Sometimes even the words to existing songs can serve as a springboard for conversations about topics important to patients.

Internship program
Interns in the music therapy program sometimes work in other departments, such as pediatrics and oncology. Referral into the music therapy program is usually done through the hospice program, but if you would like more information, please contact Jody Montgomery at 218-786-1838.