social distancing | Upstate Music Therapy Center LLC

Paying it Forward: Free Online Music for Preschoolers

by Amy Thomas | Apr 10, 2020

Over the last few weeks parents and guardians have been exploring their “new normal” in the light of sudden school closures due to the coronavirus. While doing their very best to set up spaces in their home where their school age children can continue learning, many parents are also balancing the needs of their preschool age children. This is just one of the challenges that families are dealing with since the middle of March. With the mandated #stayhomestaysafe order in most states and the loss of jobs for many families we began to consider the part we can play in response to these unexpected circumstances. Offering our talents, knowledge and resources to those in need when the unimaginable arises is the American way. We are inspired by the many encouraging stories of masks being sewn, hand sanitizer being produced, and people reaching out through teleconferencing platforms or phone calls to friends and family who are finding themselves isolated and lonely.

The question before us is how can we help? What role can we play in the coming days to support others and yet do so in a safe way? We believe the answer is to find creative ways to use our skill set to meet needs that come to our attention. We all can lend a hand and lift a spirit, it’s just in this case we need to consider how that can be accomplished while still practicing social distancing.

We have identified our part in paying it forward. Upstate Music Therapy Center is getting ready to launch a Free Online Music Opportunity for Preschoolers in April and May using Facebook Live. Each week we will create a fun and engaging session for the children and their parents to watch, comment and participate as we sing, move and play instruments. The children and their parents will be invited to send chat messages to our Music Therapist to express their enjoyment or respond to a question. This will create a fun new community for the parents and children.

There’s no better feeling than to Pay if Forward. We are doing our part in hopes that it will encourage many families over the coming months. If you know a family with young children, we invite you to share this new opportunity with them and mention to follow us on Facebook to receive updates on our launch date, fun resource suggestions, and music that they can watch later if they miss the Facebook Live event. We hope to see you there!

Creating a New Way

by Amy Thomas | Apr 3, 2020

What if I told you that Counseling could be so much more than how you might currently define it? The biggest reason that most people do not pursue counseling is because of the stigma. 1. I sit on a couch and they sit in a chair and ask me how I am feeling. 2. Something must be wrong with me if I need to see a counselor. 3. Going to see a counselor will not fix anything. These are the most common misconceptions I hear on a regular basis. Fortunately, there are many people who strongly disagree because they have experienced the positive outcome from the valuable time spent in counseling sessions.

Our counseling services at Upstate Music Therapy Center offer a supportive creative setting to share your most pressing challenges. We (counselor and participant) create a new way to process relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, addictive tendencies, and other symptoms that are keeping you from living a full and healthy life. Through music, art, movement, writing, and talking with a Licensed Creative Art Therapist you will be pleased at the insight gained on issues you’ve been struggling with for years. There is no better time than now to open the door to creating a new way.

We find ourselves in one of the most shocking and unexpected situations in my lifetime and I anticipate in yours as well. COVID-19 has forced our lives to take a dramatic change. Isolation from others, perhaps losing a job, fear related to your current financial situation, being forced to remain in a location that may be stressful, and worried about the health of people we love. One of things that we find ourselves having more of is time. Time in our homes, time to think, and time to try something new. We are offering FREE Discovery Calls for you to speak with Amy. The call will simply be time to talk about how this unexpected virus has impacted you and your family. You will be provided with examples of how our counseling is done over video conferencing and the unique way it is different than other counseling you might have tried in the past. We are only a click away if you need to speak with someone.

For more information about Amy Thomas, LCAT, MT-BC click here

To schedule a Discovery Call with Amy click here

Remote Live Music for Older Adults Now Available

by Amy Thomas | Apr 1, 2020

In light of current events surrounding COVID-19, Upstate Music Therapy Center has expanded our services to include a selection of online opportunities. Through online music enrichment and music teletherapy we aim to maintain and increase accessibility to music during this time.

Social distancing can be a lonely experience for many. We have been empathizing with older adults and imagining what they are going through knowing they are the at-risk population. Many older individuals may be living in a senior home, and while they once had many visitors, now the doors are closed to loved ones. This is a difficult time for families of the elderly as they cannot experience the companionship and comfort they are used to.

Thankfully, many nursing homes are equipped with technology. Through teleconferencing via the home, we can provide music enrichment to a large portion of residents. Additionally, many individuals have access to their own technology. Whether it be through a smart phone or computer, we find that communication with loved ones is still possible. With the assistance of staff and caregivers, it is our hope that we can help older adults utilize this technology and foster a therapeutic experience.

Upstate Music Therapy Center currently offers a selection of online music opportunities.

Individual Online Music Enrichment or Teletherapy with one of our Board-Certified Music Therapists

Engage through a video conferencing platform such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Skype
Music activities and interventions will be catered to the participant’s preferences, preferred music, and interests
Choose the duration and focus of the session when registering

We are eager to start exploring these opportunities for older adults. It is our hope that we can find a silver lining in this experience, like technology, to bring comfort and connection to those we love.

If you are reading this and have a loved one who you imagine would benefit from a therapeutic music experience or you know of a nursing home where tele conferencing may be available, please do not hesitate to contact us through email at amy@upstatemtc.com or phone (585) 377-1000.

This blog was submitted by: Katie Hall

Bringing Music into Homes ♪ A Collaboration

by Amy Thomas | Mar 28, 2020

In response to school closings and cancellations, Upstate Music Therapy Center has been modifying and adapting our services to meet our community’s needs. First and foremost, we are expanding our services to increase access to online musical experiences and therapy.

UMTC is excited to work with other agencies in the Rochester community to continue providing quality music therapy services. In the past year, we were grateful to establish a relationship with Autism Up, a local non profit agency. Since 2004, Autism Up has been working towards their mission to “support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and their families, by expanding and enhancing opportunities to improve quality of life.”

The members of Autism Up believe that “Every climb begins with a step.” As a therapeutic community, we are all taking these first virtual steps together.

Upstate Music Therapy Center is looking forward to our first collaboration event in response to COVID-19. On Monday March 30^that 1:00pm, we will be hosting a free Facebook Live event through Autism Up. Our very own Victoria Moore, MT-BC will be leading the musical experience. The focus of this Live group is to provide support for families at home as they navigate the uncharted waters of homeschooling. Victoria’s musical interaction with the Autism Up community will be designed to meet a range of ages and abilities, with a focus on music and movement.

Facebook Live is a unique platform. Unlike many live events, participants are able to send messages to the speaker to address in real-time. It is our hope that through this collaboration we can expand our ability to provide new and accessible music experiences for individuals to access from home. We encourage you to check out the Autism Up Facebook and gather your kids to watch the live event this coming Monday.

If you are interested in pursuing additional online musical opportunities with Upstate Music Therapy Center, please check out our updated services and resources.

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