Music + Therapy.
Sounds Good.
Dan Wenger - MT-BC | Facilitating music therapy and wellness sessions in Midcoast Maine.
What I’m aiming for
Psychotherapeutic Music Experiences
I facilitate person-centered and music-centered therapy experiences that address psychological and emotional concerns. Together, we’ll seek insight and music experience related to significant feelings and relational patterns through music. Music therapy may modulate between receptive (e.g. listening based), re-creational (e.g. recreating pre-existing music), improvisational (e.g. spontaneous musical play or embodiment), or compositional (e.g. planning music) methods.
Multi-Modal Work
The multi-faceted and evocative nature of music invites a range of resources (e.g. instruments, recordings) and therapeutic techniques (e.g. play, embodiment, imaging, listening). This tends to make the therapy process more engaging and dynamic. Clients may find that integrating different methods or a preferred technique keeps sessions interesting and relevant, which can enhance motivation and commitment to the therapeutic process.
Integrative Treatment
Music therapy is individualized to fit the unique needs and preferences of each client. I tend to facilitate open-ended, long-term relational processes in a one-to-one setting. I work with individuals of all ages and abilities. I primarily draw on psychodynamic (see Shedler, 2010) and humanistic (see Pickard, 2018) principles through a music-centered approach (see Aigen, 2015).
Safe and Trusting Relationship
Music reveals what one is holding onto but not yet aware of — like when we speeds up with uncontrolled excitement, or turn to silence and confusion. Like any therapy process, the music we hold in sessions can evoke strong feelings and memories. As an MT-BC — and a training Analytical Music Therapist — I am uniquely equipped to hold such a space. I aim to hold a firm commitment to authenticity, a nonjudgmental attitude, and mutual understanding.
What is PBMT?
PBMT is founded and operated by Dan Wenger MT-BC LCAT and Analytical Music Therapist-in-training. PBMT's fiscal sponsor and home is Midcoast Music Academy (MCMA), a community music school in Rockport Maine. PBMT offers music therapy and wellness sessions for people of all ages and abilities. Sessions require no pre-knowledge of music.
Meet Dan
"As an integrative music therapist, I focus on emotional or psychological concerns. My integrative approach is informed primarily by psychodynamic and humanistic principles. I often turn to improvisational music therapy with my clients, as well as instrumental composition, songwriting or production, song discussion or lyric analysis, and song recreation.
Making space for musicking invites connection with the self and others. I’m often humbled by the unpredictable processes that unfold when exploring what music means to people, particularly those suffering confusion, chronic pain, existential concerns, or crises of vitality."
Accessibility
Cost can be a prohibitive factor for clients wishing to pursue music therapy. To assist with making our services more accessible, I provide a sliding scale available upon request.
Video filmed and produced by Stunt Dog Productions, Inc
Let’s hear you.
I’m here to offer a creative, thoughtful approach to psychological and emotional wellbeing to individuals regardless of age or ability. In our sessions, you’ll be supported in a caring and friendly environment as you connect with yourself, the music, and me, your therapist. Each session is guided by established mental health principles, individualized assessment, and a treatment plan that focuses on helping you reach your personal goals.
My concerns are: What is the problem? Why/how is that challenge (occurring) now? What’s preventing you from coping well enough independently? And how can music support your long-term mental health?
