William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital

Music Therapy

6201 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, Texas 75390 (Directions)
214-633-4700

Appointment New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300

Appointment New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300

Music has the power to heal, soothe, and connect. At William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, our board-certified music therapists use music as a tool to help patients and families.

Through evidence-based techniques, music therapy can help you and your family members cope with a diagnosis or treatment and encourage overall mental and physical wellness. 

The goals of music therapy include:

  • Improving quality of life and relaxation 
  • Decreasing feelings of isolation
  • Encouraging emotional expression
  • Supporting you and your family spiritually 
  • Promoting positive communication and memory sharing with caregivers and family
  • Building community as a family or with other patients and staff

In addition, music therapy can help with physical symptoms, such as:

  • Reducing pain and nausea, muscle tension, and anxiety 
  • Helping regulate blood pressure and breathing rate
  • Supporting you during painful or anxiety-provoking procedures

What Should Patients Expect During Music Therapy?

A music therapist will assess your social, emotional, and/or physical needs and well-being.

We’ll also discuss your musical background and music preferences. That information will be used as a reference by the music therapist to design goals and interventions to meet your immediate or future needs.

While sessions are centered around experiencing music within the therapeutic relationship, you do not need to be a musician or have a musical background to benefit from music therapy services.

Music therapy sessions can include:

  • Singing familiar, comforting songs for reminiscence and emotional support
  • Guided meditation accompanied by soothing music to encourage relaxation
  • Writing original music or lyrics that shares your story
  • Talking about messages found in lyrics and what we can learn from them
  • Playing drums or other percussion instruments to release tension and stress
  • Co-treatment with other professionals, including speech, occupational and physical therapists and wound care specialists, to reduce discomfort and increase motivation

To learn more about music therapy, please contact your physician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can receive music therapy services?

Music therapy services are available in three locations across campus:

Music therapy inpatient bedside services are offered on certain units. Any staff member can refer a patient for music therapy. Talk to your doctor or a nurse to find out if music therapy is available on your unit.

Is there a cost for music therapy services?

You will not be charged for music therapy services.

For more information about music therapy, visit the American Music Therapy Association website at musictherapy.org.