Simply put, music helps people heal. 

That’s the mission of Healing Rhythms Music Therapy, a business based in Rochester since 2013.

Music therapy is the clinical use of music interventions by a board-certified music therapists to support cognitive, emotional, physical and psychosocial needs, according to The American Music Therapy Association. Through this type of treatment, patients can find ways to enhance coping and support quality of life through group and individual sessions. Although it works primarily in caring for individuals with disabilities, music therapy has the ability to reach people of all ages and improve their quality of life. 

Since 2017, the Rochester business has been a clinic that services patients from all over the region and has over 30 community partners ranging from assisted living centers, hospitals, hospices, schools and more. 

“We take care of patients from birth, to really, end of life,” said Christina Wood, founder and director of Healing Rhythms. “Music therapists use music as a tool to help people regardless of age or ability.”

Hosting a variety of different types of sessions, such as adaptive music classes and drum circles, patients of all ages can experience the healing effects of the therapy that’s given. 

The clinic has also spread its roots into Austin, having partnered with Mayo Clinic Hospice and Heartland Hospice. Wood said that licensed music therapists would head out to Austin a few days a week to work with patients in assisted living centers, hospitals and even in the patients’ homes. The accessibility remained one of the most important aspects of the clinic. 

During those vulnerable moments, Wood said that their clients receive the best care possible by being able to help them cope with pain, and sometimes their loved ones also heal through the music therapy session as well. 

“Our music therapists are entrusted to be witness and hold sacred space through music,” she said. “They do this for our patients who are going through some of life’s most fragile moments.”