Music Therapy in Charlottesville, VA
Whatever the issue at hand you are dealing with, there is hope. It can be nerve-racking and scary to begin the journey of self-reflection, growth and development but John believes in the healing and restoration of individuals, couples, and families! His specialties are marriage therapy and individual therapy for anxiety, depression, and dealing with the pain of life. I practice in Virginia and Colorado.
Whatever the issue at hand you are dealing with, there is hope. It can be nerve-racking and scary to begin the journey of self-reflection, growth and development but John believes in the healing and restoration of individuals, couples, and families! His specialties are marriage therapy and individual therapy for anxiety, depression, and dealing with the pain of life. I practice in Virginia and Colorado.
Through specialized training in neurologic music therapy, I provide accessible, strengths-based services that are responsive to the unique needs of individuals with neurologic conditions.
I approach the therapeutic relationship with creativity and person-centered care, creating space for clients to express their true selves. My approach integrates evidence-based counseling practices with creative and expressive supports, including music-based interventions when appropriate. I work with children and adults experiencing challenges related to ADHD, Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, and Anxiety. My approach is strength-based, utilizing creative and expressive methods to improve their quality of life and overall functioning.
Through specialized training in neurologic music therapy, I provide accessible, strengths-based services that are responsive to the unique needs of individuals with neurologic conditions.
I approach the therapeutic relationship with creativity and person-centered care, creating space for clients to express their true selves. My approach integrates evidence-based counseling practices with creative and expressive supports, including music-based interventions when appropriate. I work with children and adults experiencing challenges related to ADHD, Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, and Anxiety. My approach is strength-based, utilizing creative and expressive methods to improve their quality of life and overall functioning.
Do you want to increase your happiness? My life’s work has been researching ways to overcome challenges and change and sharing those modalities with others. University of Pennsylvania traditionally trained. Trauma Specialization. 25 year Child Welfare Public Servant.
Do you want to increase your happiness? My life’s work has been researching ways to overcome challenges and change and sharing those modalities with others. University of Pennsylvania traditionally trained. Trauma Specialization. 25 year Child Welfare Public Servant.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults. While I use a variety of approaches (including AEDP, Existential Theory, Attachment Theory, EFT, and DBT), ultimately I like to let our work together inform which approach suits our time best. I am knowledgeable about trauma-informed practice and bring a lot of my own life experiences into the sessions, through my work as a teacher, professional firefighter, and professionaI musician.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults. While I use a variety of approaches (including AEDP, Existential Theory, Attachment Theory, EFT, and DBT), ultimately I like to let our work together inform which approach suits our time best. I am knowledgeable about trauma-informed practice and bring a lot of my own life experiences into the sessions, through my work as a teacher, professional firefighter, and professionaI musician.
At Rocker Health, we believe that mental wellness is a journey that deserves compassion, understanding, and personalized support. Our commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is at the forefront of everything we do. We understand that each individual's experience with mental health is unique, and we strive to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to share their stories. Our mission is to provide a rock-solid foundation for our clients, guiding them toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
At Rocker Health, we believe that mental wellness is a journey that deserves compassion, understanding, and personalized support. Our commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is at the forefront of everything we do. We understand that each individual's experience with mental health is unique, and we strive to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to share their stories. Our mission is to provide a rock-solid foundation for our clients, guiding them toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
I work with individuals navigating trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and major life transitions through a LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive lens. I am especially mindful of how trauma can impact safety, trust, and the nervous system, and I work at a pace that feels supportive and grounding, whether clients are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, uncertain, or processing trauma related to identity, relationships, or systemic stress.
With experience in queer and gender-affirming care, I take a creative, individualized approach to therapy that honors each client’s lived experience.
I work with individuals navigating trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and major life transitions through a LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive lens. I am especially mindful of how trauma can impact safety, trust, and the nervous system, and I work at a pace that feels supportive and grounding, whether clients are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, uncertain, or processing trauma related to identity, relationships, or systemic stress.
With experience in queer and gender-affirming care, I take a creative, individualized approach to therapy that honors each client’s lived experience.
ASK About our Partial Hospitalization Program! Brightside Counseling LLC is a community based therapeutic service dedicated to helping families, parents, couples, children, and adolescents suffering from behavioral health disabilities. Our services also include group therapy, parenting support, advocacy, home-based support, conflict management skills, stress management, divorce mediation, and intensive family therapy. Our Partial Hospitalization Program supports teens ages 12–16 who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, or school-related stress. We help teens stabilize, in a safe environment.
ASK About our Partial Hospitalization Program! Brightside Counseling LLC is a community based therapeutic service dedicated to helping families, parents, couples, children, and adolescents suffering from behavioral health disabilities. Our services also include group therapy, parenting support, advocacy, home-based support, conflict management skills, stress management, divorce mediation, and intensive family therapy. Our Partial Hospitalization Program supports teens ages 12–16 who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, or school-related stress. We help teens stabilize, in a safe environment.
As a music therapist, I find meaning in analyzing lyrics. One of my favorite artists, Mac Miller, wrote " We on the same trip, we just got different baggage." In the "trip" of life, we often strive for the same things: happiness, healthiness, success, and connection. However, the "baggage" we carry or the obstacles we face on that road are not always the same, whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal issues, and more. The road is never easy, so it's always helpful to have a someone in the passenger seat, aiding you in the journey to your destination.
As a music therapist, I find meaning in analyzing lyrics. One of my favorite artists, Mac Miller, wrote " We on the same trip, we just got different baggage." In the "trip" of life, we often strive for the same things: happiness, healthiness, success, and connection. However, the "baggage" we carry or the obstacles we face on that road are not always the same, whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal issues, and more. The road is never easy, so it's always helpful to have a someone in the passenger seat, aiding you in the journey to your destination.
More Therapists Nearby
With a board certified and licensed professional, research-based music therapy sessions are also offered, taking a creative perspective towards improving quality of life for individuals and families of all ages and abilities.
Maybe you have a child in need of an alternative therapeutic approach to target developmental goals. Maybe you are struggling with PTSD or a mood disorder. Maybe you have an elderly family member with memory loss or in hospice. Maybe you are questioning life choices and need guidance on next steps. Whatever you may be dealing with, be it physical, social/emotional, or a combination of setbacks, you do not have to deal with it alone.
With a board certified and licensed professional, research-based music therapy sessions are also offered, taking a creative perspective towards improving quality of life for individuals and families of all ages and abilities.
Maybe you have a child in need of an alternative therapeutic approach to target developmental goals. Maybe you are struggling with PTSD or a mood disorder. Maybe you have an elderly family member with memory loss or in hospice. Maybe you are questioning life choices and need guidance on next steps. Whatever you may be dealing with, be it physical, social/emotional, or a combination of setbacks, you do not have to deal with it alone.
Often, there’s a quiet weight being carried; stress, self-doubt, relationship strain, or emotions that feel difficult to manage. On the outside, life may look capable and steady; internally, self-criticism can be loud. Transitions, shifting family dynamics, or a sense of disconnection can add to that strain. There’s a desire for practical tools, but also space to pause and reflect. At the core is a hope to feel steadier, more confident, and more self-compassionate while building a life that feels intentional and aligned with personal values
Often, there’s a quiet weight being carried; stress, self-doubt, relationship strain, or emotions that feel difficult to manage. On the outside, life may look capable and steady; internally, self-criticism can be loud. Transitions, shifting family dynamics, or a sense of disconnection can add to that strain. There’s a desire for practical tools, but also space to pause and reflect. At the core is a hope to feel steadier, more confident, and more self-compassionate while building a life that feels intentional and aligned with personal values
Accepting new clients!
Sometimes life just feels like a lot. Maybe you or your child are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, easily frustrated, or unsure how to handle everything going on. School pressure, friendships, family stress, and big transitions can pile up quickly. You do not have to figure it out alone.
Accepting new clients!
Sometimes life just feels like a lot. Maybe you or your child are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, easily frustrated, or unsure how to handle everything going on. School pressure, friendships, family stress, and big transitions can pile up quickly. You do not have to figure it out alone.
Do you live a healthy life?
Answering this question accurately can lead to freedom from anxiety and fear and a return to peace.
By practicing awareness of 1) thoughts 2) feelings 3) behaviors, anyone may learn to make conscious choices in the present moment.
My therapeutic focus is helping clients understand and choose thoughts, feelings and actions during sessions. Homework is encouraged to practice new, developing behaviors.
Do you live a healthy life?
Answering this question accurately can lead to freedom from anxiety and fear and a return to peace.
By practicing awareness of 1) thoughts 2) feelings 3) behaviors, anyone may learn to make conscious choices in the present moment.
My therapeutic focus is helping clients understand and choose thoughts, feelings and actions during sessions. Homework is encouraged to practice new, developing behaviors.
Online Therapists
I am an LPC in the state of Virginia and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). I mindfully approach behavioral and mental health treatment with integrative consideration for clients as physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social beings, and empower them to pursue and achieve goals through evidence-based treatment modalities, problem-relevant resources and consistent therapeutic care. I have experience working with sex/pornography addiction, behavioral disorders, anxiety, and spiritual bypass/trauma.
I am an LPC in the state of Virginia and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). I mindfully approach behavioral and mental health treatment with integrative consideration for clients as physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social beings, and empower them to pursue and achieve goals through evidence-based treatment modalities, problem-relevant resources and consistent therapeutic care. I have experience working with sex/pornography addiction, behavioral disorders, anxiety, and spiritual bypass/trauma.
Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’ve been carrying the effects of trauma, anxiety, or painful life experiences on your own. My goal is to offer a space that feels safe and genuinely supportive—one where you don’t have to filter your story or “hold it together.” Healing begins when you no longer have to do it alone.
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults impacted by trauma, including relationship wounds, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Trauma can show up in many ways—you may feel constantly on edge, emotionally numb, or stuck in painful patterns.
Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’ve been carrying the effects of trauma, anxiety, or painful life experiences on your own. My goal is to offer a space that feels safe and genuinely supportive—one where you don’t have to filter your story or “hold it together.” Healing begins when you no longer have to do it alone.
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults impacted by trauma, including relationship wounds, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Trauma can show up in many ways—you may feel constantly on edge, emotionally numb, or stuck in painful patterns.
Do you prefer having therapeutic tools and techniques to take home with you at the end of each session? Are you looking for a therapist who recognizes your strengths and will take the time to listen to your concerns with empathy and attention? As a licensed music therapist and resident in counseling, I use a combination of verbal and music-based techniques in my practice. I provide clients with an open, non-judgmental space to process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Do you prefer having therapeutic tools and techniques to take home with you at the end of each session? Are you looking for a therapist who recognizes your strengths and will take the time to listen to your concerns with empathy and attention? As a licensed music therapist and resident in counseling, I use a combination of verbal and music-based techniques in my practice. I provide clients with an open, non-judgmental space to process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
My goals are to provide an empathetic, genuine, and constructive space for growth and healing. I strongly believe my clients are the experts in their own lives and can experience healing and personal growth through regaining self-efficacy in their own abilities. I have extensive experience and specialize in working with clients who struggle with eating disorders, depressive and anxiety disorders, chronic pain, grief, and dementia.
My goals are to provide an empathetic, genuine, and constructive space for growth and healing. I strongly believe my clients are the experts in their own lives and can experience healing and personal growth through regaining self-efficacy in their own abilities. I have extensive experience and specialize in working with clients who struggle with eating disorders, depressive and anxiety disorders, chronic pain, grief, and dementia.
I am a Resident in Counseling with 18 years of experience helping people strengthen their mental health in a wide range of settings. I am a compassionate, empathetic, and collaborative counselor who supports clients as they navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, career dissatisfaction, spiritual turbulence, and identity struggles. My goal is to create a warm, supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to grow.
I am a Resident in Counseling with 18 years of experience helping people strengthen their mental health in a wide range of settings. I am a compassionate, empathetic, and collaborative counselor who supports clients as they navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, career dissatisfaction, spiritual turbulence, and identity struggles. My goal is to create a warm, supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to grow.
At Rocker Health, we believe that mental wellness is a journey that deserves compassion, understanding, and personalized support. Our commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is at the forefront of everything we do. We understand that each individual's experience with mental health is unique, and we strive to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to share their stories. Our mission is to provide a rock-solid foundation for our clients, guiding them toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
At Rocker Health, we believe that mental wellness is a journey that deserves compassion, understanding, and personalized support. Our commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is at the forefront of everything we do. We understand that each individual's experience with mental health is unique, and we strive to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to share their stories. Our mission is to provide a rock-solid foundation for our clients, guiding them toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
I help bicultural Latina women turn cultural tension into authentic heritage-honoring healing and self-expression through music therapy.
Do you ever feel like you can’t fully be yourself? As a bicultural Latina, living between cultures can be confusing, exhausting, and isolating. You’re constantly navigating the pressure of family expectations while trying to define your own identity and it can feel like there’s never space to show up as your whole self. Your experience is complex and deeply personal and your therapy should honor that.
I help bicultural Latina women turn cultural tension into authentic heritage-honoring healing and self-expression through music therapy.
Do you ever feel like you can’t fully be yourself? As a bicultural Latina, living between cultures can be confusing, exhausting, and isolating. You’re constantly navigating the pressure of family expectations while trying to define your own identity and it can feel like there’s never space to show up as your whole self. Your experience is complex and deeply personal and your therapy should honor that.
If you’ve ever felt like you and your partner are having the same argument over and over—different words, same feelings—you’re not alone. Does one of you feel parented and the other feel like the parent? Many couples come to me with these challenges and what they’re struggling with is being understood beneath the surface.
I help couples move past content (the who, what, and why of the fight) and get to the context—the emotions, experiences, and unmet needs underneath. Together, we slow things down and create a space where both can feel safe enough to listen, and brave enough to speak.
If you’ve ever felt like you and your partner are having the same argument over and over—different words, same feelings—you’re not alone. Does one of you feel parented and the other feel like the parent? Many couples come to me with these challenges and what they’re struggling with is being understood beneath the surface.
I help couples move past content (the who, what, and why of the fight) and get to the context—the emotions, experiences, and unmet needs underneath. Together, we slow things down and create a space where both can feel safe enough to listen, and brave enough to speak.
See more therapy options for Charlottesville
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Music Therapy Therapists
How does music therapy work?
A music therapist will begin by assessing the client’s specific needs and getting a sense of their musical ability and interests. Musical training is not required, and clients of all ages can benefit from this type of therapy. The therapist will then make a plan for how to achieve the client’s therapeutic goal(s) using a range of receptive (e.g., listening to a song) and active (e.g., drumming in a group) music therapy techniques.
What are some common music therapy techniques?
Music therapy usually involves listening to music (either live or recorded). Music therapy clients may also make music on popular instruments, such as the piano, guitar, and hand drum, or sing. Sometimes music therapy can include guided imagery. A music therapist may ask clients to improvise on the spot or even compose their own songs. Dancing or moving to music can be an effective intervention to help clients feel more fully grounded in their bodies and remain in the present moment.
How does music therapy help with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
Music therapy can be a valuable creative outlet for clients with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who have trouble putting their painful feelings into words. Listening to music can be relaxing while making music as part of a group provides plenty of opportunities to connect with other people. In addition to its mood-boosting effects, music therapy can help clients build resilience and overcome PTSD symptoms that may interfere with their daily lives.
How long does music therapy take?
Music therapy sessions generally last between 30 and 50 minutes. They can be scheduled in advance (for example, once a week) or can be done on an as-needed basis. Some clients will only require a handful of music therapy sessions to achieve their goals, while others may need months or longer, depending on their specific concern.