Elisabeth Tinnes, MT-BC

Music Therapist - Board Certified
108 WestMain Street, Suite A
Washington, Iowa 52353

From the rhythmic beat of our hearts to the stories
and life of our heritage, music is a part of all of us.

What is music therapy?
Music therapy is the clinical use of music by a trained professional to meet cognitive, physical, social, emotional, behavioral, spiritual and communication needs of people of all ages and abilities. As a recognized healthcare profession, music therapy is currently improving the quality of life of thousands of people in the United States and across the world.
Who is amusic therapist?
A music therapist is an individual who has a minimum of a bachelor degree in music therapy from an accredited college, completed 1200 hours of clinical training in an approved internship site, and satisfied the board-certification exam allowing the use of the credentials MT-BC (music therapist - board certified).
Music therapists are skilled in guitar, piano and voice and are experienced in clinical and therapeutic areas qualifying them to work in a wide variety of locations.
Who canbenefit from music therapy?
Music therapy can benefit individuals of all ages and abilities. Because music stimulates both sides of the brain it can reach people in ways that other traditional therapies cannot. Some populations that can benefit from music therapy include:

Labor and delivery
Premature infants
Early childhood education
MR/DD
Mental illness/behavioral health
At-risk youth
Hospitalized children and adults
Hospice/palliative care

Geriatrics
Alzheimer's Disease
Stroke victims
Parkinson's Disease
Autism
Brain injury
Rehabilitation
Enrichment - All ages

Whymusic?
In music therapy, individualized interventions are created by the therapist based on the client's needs and abilities. Whether active or passive, live client-preferred music is utilized along with flexibility and creativity to achieve success.
Music has unique qualities that can produce positive results in people when used therapeutically. Music is motivating, interactive and versatile. It is a part of every culture in every nation of the world. Music is used in celebration and sorrow; to help us learn and recall memories from times gone by.