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 music 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 move between receptive (e.g. listening based), re-creational (e.g. recreating pre-existing music), improvisational (e.g. making music up spontaneously), or compositional (e.g. planning music) methods.
Multi-Modal Work
The multi-faceted nature of music invites a range of resources (e.g. instruments, recordings, music as metaphor) and therapeutic techniques. 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
I individualize music therapy sessions to fit the unique needs and preferences of each individual. This flexibility allows therapists to address a wider range of issues and adapt their approach as therapy progresses. We are happy to accommodate all ages and abilities. We 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 a conversation unexpectedly speeds up with uncontrolled excitement, or turns 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 use improvised music techniques with my clients, as well as composition, songwriting or production, song discussion or lyric analysis, and song recreation.
In my sessions, music offers an opportunity to connect deeply with the self and others."
My Philosophy
Music is a constant factor in human growth & development. The primary obstacles to musicking — active engagement with music — are emotional. At any point, we may perceive music or begin musicking. The heart makes beats and each breath holds melody.
Music, in the earliest stages in our lives, plays a vital role in shaping our experiences and emotions. It’s not just an art form or a form of entertainment; it’s a fundamental part of our development and self-expression.
As infants, our interactions with music — whether through lullabies, rhythmic sounds, or the musical qualities of speech (also called prosody) — help form our early understanding of communication and emotional expression. This innate connection with music evolves as we grow, and it continues to influence our sense of self and our relationships with the world around us.
As we grow older, our music continues to teach us about ourselves and help us navigate the world around us. It serves us in countless ways, depending on how we’ve learned to use it. For unique reasons, we may even avoid musicking altogether and become unable to hear what we need to hear to move forward.
I’m here to ask the questions:
What is the problem?
Why is that coming up for you now?
What’s preventing you from coping well enough independently?
And how can music support your long-term mental health?
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 music therapy or wellness sessions 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 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.
Come resonate with me and experience what a music-centered therapeutic relationship can do for you.
